In this heartfelt and most inspiring episode, Lisa sits down with Catherine and Alicia Denham—the visionary clinical duo behind Mama Owls Minis, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisors with over 40 years of combined experience. Together, they explore the messy, meaningful, and magical journey of creativity in play therapy, inviting listeners to reconnect with their inner artist and trust their instincts.

This episode dives deep into how therapists can embrace creativity—not as a quest to be “good at art,” but as a powerful process of authentic expression, moment-to-moment attunement, and healing. From hand-sculpted sand tray minis to a teenage client’s request for a tornado miniature, the conversation is packed with stories, reflections, and practical wisdom that illuminate how creativity invites us to break free from rigid protocols and create what truly fits what the child needs.

You’ll hear:

• How Alicia transformed from doodling to crafting stunning therapeutic figures
• Why Catherine treasures her first “wonky” sculpture as a symbol of imperfection embraced
• The creative origins of Synergetic Play Therapy and the tension between formal training and intuitive innovation
• Insights on parenting as a creative act—like turning a living room into a sensory playground
• How neurodivergent experiences shaped their unique approach to therapy and creativity
• Powerful stories of trust, flexibility, and letting go of control in therapy sessions and life
• An invitation to therapists to give themselves permission to explore and create what is needed despite self-doubt or fear of rejection

Whether you’re dreaming of crafting something new for your clients or simply seeking encouragement to trust your own creative voice, this episode offers inspiration and gentle permission to embrace the imperfect, beautiful process of authentic play and healing.

🎧 Tune in and reconnect with your creative self—your clients and children will thank you.

How does ableism show up in the playroom, and what can we do to create a more inclusive therapeutic space? In this powerful episode, Marshall Lyles (LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDRIA Approved Consultant) joins Lisa Dion to explore the often unspoken realities of ableism and disablism in play therapy.

Marshall, a leading voice in attachment trauma and sandtray therapy, brings invaluable insights into how therapists can become more aware of the biases and systemic structures that impact neurodivergent and disabled clients.

🔹 Uncover how ableism—both personal and institutional—has shaped the field of play therapy
🔹 Learn how to critically assess your playroom and therapeutic practices to ensure inclusivity
🔹 Explore ways to repair ruptures when unintentional harm occurs
🔹 Discover how to fully celebrate and honor the uniqueness of every client
🔹 Gain tools to reflect on your own biases and create a more welcoming therapeutic space

This is an invitation to deepen your awareness, challenge assumptions, and cultivate a play therapy practice that truly embraces all minds and bodies.

🌟 Tune in to transform your approach and foster a more inclusive, empowering space for your clients!

Original Air Date: July 18, 2023

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💜 Learn More About Synergetic Play Therapy:

👉 Visit our website for courses, resources, and certification opportunities – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com

📚 Explore Our Books: Aggression in Play Therapy – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com/books

🎧 Listen to Our Podcast: Lessons from the Playroom – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com/lessons-from-the-playroom/

✨ SPT Foundation: Learn more about it's mission, team and initiatives:

👉 https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/spt-foundation/

🔗 Connect with Us on Social Media:

• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synergeticplaytherapy/
• Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SynergeticPlayTherapyInstitute

Lisa is back with the final episode of the Little Lessons Series, wrapping up this heartfelt Q&A journey by answering your powerful questions including how to navigate moments when connection feels disrupted—whether by a child’s shutdown, caregiver dynamics, or those uncomfortable "I don't know what to do" feelings that arise in the therapy process.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Tracy’s question: “What do you do when a child goes into shutdown mode?”
Lisa explains how to recognize the signs of a shutdown, why it happens from a nervous system perspective, and how to stay attuned while supporting a child’s regulation and reconnection—without pushing or forcing engagement.

Megan’s question: “How do you handle it when a caregiver says their child is manipulative or controlling?”
Lisa dives into the layers behind these labels, offering a reframe that helps caregivers understand what’s actually happening beneath the behavior. She shares strategies to shift the conversation from blame to curiosity and co-regulation.

Tammy’s question: “What do you do when you feel stuck and like you're not doing enough to help the child?”
Lisa gets real about therapist self-doubt, exploring how these moments are often mirrors of the therapeutic process itself. She offers guidance on how to stay regulated, connected, and grounded in presence—even when the answers aren’t immediately clear.

Join Lisa for a heartfelt and informative conversation filled with neuroscience, compassion, and real-world wisdom to help you stay present in the messy and beautiful moments of play therapy.