Lessons from the Playroom

In this insightful episode, Lisa Dion is joined by the incredible Robyn Gobbel, MSW, to talk about a topic that has never been covered before on this podcast but is crucial for clinicians working with kids: teaching children about the brain.

Robyn, a true brain enthusiast, has a new book out titled Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work! This powerful resource blends relational neur...

"Every part of us, even the ones we've been taught to reject, holds the potential for growth and healing." – Mili Shoemaker

Aggression in the playroom is a familiar topic—but what happens when it’s not coming from the child, but from within us as therapists? This is a conversation we rarely hear in the play therapy world, yet it’s a reality many therapists silently grapple with. In this eye-opening episo...

Original Air Date: July 4, 2023

In this groundbreaking episode, Lisa is joined by the brilliant Annie Monaco to tackle a topic that’s rarely discussed but essential to our work as play therapists: dissociation. With her extensive experience in EMDR Therapy, attachment, and dissociation in children, Annie brings invaluable insights to help therapists deepen their understanding of this complex phenomenon.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

“Every child has the capacity to heal and grow, but it starts with meeting them where they are—with respect, curiosity, and an understanding of their unique needs.” – Lisa Dion

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Tony Vallance from the Building Better Brains Clinic for a conversation about supporting children with ADHD through play therapy. ADHD is often misunderstood, but with the right tools and underst...

Original Air Date: July 19, 2022

In this playful and insightful episode, Lisa is joined by Certified Synergetic Play Therapists Andrea Davidson, Johanna Simmons, and Rachel Freeburg for a lively discussion on the beauty and power of messes in the playroom. From spilled paint to sensory chaos, they dive into the therapeutic opportunities that arise when we embrace the mess.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• How to explain and normal...

"Every child has the capacity to heal and grow, but it starts with meeting them where they are—with respect, curiosity, and an understanding of their unique needs." – Hannah Young

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Hannah Young, an accredited play therapist, clinical supervisor, and child-parent relationship practitioner, for a deeply moving conversation about the role of poetry in play therapy. Hannah s...

Original Air Date: April 18, 2023

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa welcomes Ann Beckley-Forest for a deep dive into working with children and families navigating adoption, foster care, or placement experiences. With her extensive expertise in EMDR Therapy and play therapy, Ann shares insights that will expand your understanding of attachment trauma and offer practical approaches to support this unique population.

Here’s what you’ll ...

"We all walk around in our little cultural bubble, and sometimes, without realizing it, that bubble shapes how we show up in the playroom." – Dr. Carmen Cubillo

In this thought-provoking episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Carmen Cubillo, a clinical psychologist, Registered Play Therapist, and cultural advocate based in Australia, for an essential conversation about culture—our own, our clients’, and how both...

Original Air Date: October 11, 2022

In this exciting episode, Lisa is joined by the extraordinary Terry Kottman, founder of Adlerian Play Therapy, to explore the heart and soul of this impactful therapeutic approach. Known for her fun, engaging style and groundbreaking contributions to play therapy, Terry shares her wisdom, humor, and deep insights into how therapists can elevate their practice.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How t...

“So much of our healing lies in our ability to come home to ourselves.” – Lisa Dion

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Mili Shoemaker, a Synergetic Play Therapy supervisor trainer, long-time consultant, and dear friend. Together, they dive into one of the most foundational concepts in Synergetic Play Therapy: attachment to self.

Join Lisa and Mili as they explore:

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