Lessons from the Playroom

Original air date: Jan 28, 2025
In this episode, Lisa reconnects with Natascha Lawrence, a Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor, EMDR Practitioner, and founder of the FASD Institute, for an essential conversation about supporting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) through play therapy. This is Part 2 of their dialogue, revisiting a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves in the field of play therapy.
Together, Lisa and Natascha dive into:
What play therapists need to know about FASD: A holistic understanding of FASD as a whole-body diagnosis and its implications for therapeutic practice.
Creating neurodivergent-friendly play spaces: Practical steps to make playrooms sensory-safe and accessible for children with FASD and other neurodiverse conditions.
The FASD iceberg analogy: Understanding the layers beneath the surface and how they influence behavior, communication, and regulation.
Challenging the stigma: Reframing the narrative for children with FASD and their families, starting with compassion and respect.
Supporting caregivers: Why empowering parents and destigmatizing FASD is vital for meaningful therapeutic outcomes.
With Natascha's blend of professional expertise and personal insights as a parent of a child with FASD, this conversation provides invaluable tools and perspectives for therapists and caregivers alike.
Join Lisa and Natascha for this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, and discover how to make your play therapy practice more inclusive, effective, and empowering for children with FASD. 🌟
Podcast Resources: 
Learn more about Natascha's work and the FASD Institute: www.fasdinstitute.com
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website
FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey 
Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity
* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.

Original air date: Dec 31, 2024
In this episode, Lisa is joined by Georgie Wissen Vincent.  She is a play therapist, co-founder of the Play Strong Institute, and co-author of The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, renowned psychotherapist, speaker, and author specializing in parenting and child development (...you likely know her from her co-parenting books with Dr. Dan Siegel). Together, they dive into the magic of play—not only as a therapeutic tool but as a way to strengthen relationships and foster meaningful connections.
Together, Lisa and Georgie explore:
Why play is more than just an activity—it's a language.
The importance of involving parents in the therapeutic process and how to make it meaningful.
A sneak peek into The Way of Play's "Play Strong Strategies" that blend neuroscience with practical tools for connection.
How this book fills a gap in resources for parents and therapists alike, offering an approachable way to communicate the magic of play.
Georgie's reflections on customizing play therapy to meet the unique needs of every child and family.
Tips for therapists to reconnect with their own playfulness.
Grab a notebook, and tune in for a conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to bring new energy into your play therapy practice!
Podcast Resources: 
The Way of Play Book: www.playstronginstitute.com
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/
Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/
FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/ 
Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/

Original air date: Dec 03, 2024
We're diving into another special Q&A episode of Lessons from the Playroom! Lisa is answering three thought-provoking questions from our listeners, offering insights into some of the tricky moments that arise in the playroom.
Tune in as Lisa explores messes, transitions, and those unexpected trips to the bathroom, unpacking what they might signify for the therapeutic process and how to respond with intention.
This week's questions include:
Jasmine asks: "What do you do when a child makes huge messes [in the playroom]?"
Lisa explores the art of setting boundaries while respecting the therapeutic needs behind the mess.
Amy asks: "How do you help a child transition when they don't want to leave the session?"
Lisa shares insights into the emotional significance of endings and how to make transitions smoother and more meaningful.
Heather asks: "What do I do when a child keeps leaving the session to go to the bathroom?"
You're invited to get curious about what is happening beneath the surface and what this behavior might reveal about the child's inner process.
This episode is packed with rich insights and practical takeaways to help you navigate some of the trickiest moments in therapy.
We love hearing from you! Have a question or scenario you'd like Lisa to discuss? Send your questions to info@synergeticplaytherapy.com or submit an audio clip. Your stories inspire meaningful growth and learning for all of us.
Podcast Resources: 
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website
FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey 
Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity
* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.

Original air date: Dec 17, 2024
In this episode, Lisa welcomes back the inspiring Dr. Stacy Jagger, affectionately known as "Dr. Sassy," to dive into a topic that has shockingly never been fully explored in the series: working with the entire family system in play therapy. With her groundbreaking Mountain Method and a reputation for blending bold truth-telling with heartfelt humor, Dr. Stacy shares her unique approach to supporting families as a unit, rather than focusing solely on the child as the client.
Together, Lisa and Dr. Stacy discuss:
Reframing the family as the client: Why working with the entire system transforms outcomes.
A step-by-step roadmap: The Mountain Method's stages and how to engage every family member in the healing journey.
The role of creativity and intuition: How therapists can embrace their inner artist to navigate family dynamics.
Addressing resistance: Strategies for working with families who are hesitant to engage in the process.
Healing through play: The profound impact of helping parents reconnect with their own inner child to better connect with their children.
With her refreshing honesty and deep compassion, Dr. Stacy inspires therapists to think beyond traditional methods and reimagine what's possible when the whole family becomes part of the healing process.
Join Lisa and Dr. Stacy for a conversation that's as insightful as it is empowering, and discover practical tools and encouragement to bring more creativity, authenticity, and connection to your work with families.
Tune in to uncover how you, too, can support families in climbing their own mountains of transformation. 🌟
Podcast Resources: 
Dr. Stacy Jagger's work: www.drsassy.com
The Mountain Method: www.themountainmethod.com
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/
Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/
FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/ 
Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/
* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.

Original air date: Nov 11, 2024
In this heartfelt episode, Lisa steps into the spotlight as she's interviewed by long-time colleague and Certified SPT Supervisor, Polly Douglass. Together, they explore Lisa's deeply personal experience of transitioning into the "empty nester" phase of life when her daughter left for college. 
This episode isn't just for parents—whether you're facing a significant life change, are a therapist supporting others through transitions, or are simply curious about navigating life's changes, this conversation offers deep insights on how to move through them with intention and grace.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How the principles of Synergetic Play Therapy support navigating major life transitions
Lisa's personal reflections on the "empty nester" experience and conscious endings
Navigating parallel processes during life transitions with others
The importance of finding new routines during times of change
The emotional waves that come with transitions and how to stay connected to yourself
Join Lisa and Polly for an intimate, thoughtful conversation that will resonate with anyone moving through the unknowns of change—whether you're an empty nester or simply navigating life's evolving journey.
Podcast Resources: 
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website
FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey 
Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity
* If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcast, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and invite your friends/fellow colleagues to join us.