Original Air Date: October 10, 2023

In this powerful episode, Lisa Dion is joined by the incredible Heather Fairlee Denbrough—Certified Synergetic Play Therapist/Supervisor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor—to tackle one of the most challenging and important topics in child therapy: supporting children experiencing suicidal ideation or attempts.

This conversation is an essential resource for caregivers and professionals alike. Lisa and Heather offer practical guidance, hope, and strategies to help children navigate these overwhelming experiences safely and compassionately.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to recognize subtle signs of suicidal thoughts in children

• Creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for children to share their feelings

• Using play as a tool for children to explore and shift their stories

• Developing safety plans with children and caregivers, identifying triggers and red flags

• Facilitating open conversations about suicidal ideation with children and families

• Prioritizing therapist self-care and maintaining emotional safety in difficult sessions

• Accessing support networks and resources for challenging situations

Join Lisa and Heather for this crucial conversation that emphasizes empathy, connection, and compassion when supporting children through some of life’s most difficult moments. ❤️

Note: This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice.

Additional Resources:

💜 Learn more about Synergetic Play Therapy: Visit our website for courses, resources, and certification opportunities

📚 Explore Our Books and Read Aggression in Play Therapy

✨ SPT Foundation: Learn more about its mission, team, and initiatives

🔗 Follow us on Instagram

🔗 Find us on Facebook

Original Air Date: September 19, 2019

"Broken toys may be a metaphor for how children see themselves." – Lisa Dion

In this episode, Lisa tackles the "little" questions that often carry big meaning in the playroom. What do you do with broken toys? How should you handle food, lying, or a child wanting to take a toy home? Each situation offers insight into a child's inner world and an opportunity for connection, growth, and understanding.

Tune in as Lisa shares practical strategies and thoughtful reflections to turn everyday playroom moments into meaningful learning experiences.

Additional Resources:

💜 Learn more about Synergetic Play Therapy: Visit our website for courses, resources, and certification opportunities

📚 Explore Our Books and Read Aggression in Play Therapy

✨ SPT Foundation: Learn more about its mission, team, and initiatives

🔗 Follow us on Instagram

🔗 Find us on Facebook

Often, when we think about boundaries, we imagine a list of rules and restrictions like: you can’t do this, you can do this, and if you don’t do this, this is going to happen. But this isn’t actually the essence of a boundary and it’s not what the boundary is designed for.

Setting boundaries is actually a courageous act that requires self-awareness and self-love. It's about prioritizing your own well-being and honoring your own needs. And by understanding the importance of boundaries, we can navigate relationships and maintain our connection to ourselves.

Join Lisa in this episode where you’re invited to embrace a more flexible approach to boundaries … but we get it - even the words "flexible" and "boundary" may seem contradictory to you right now.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why boundaries are flexible and can change from moment to moment;
• How setting boundaries is about taking responsibility for ourselves, not controlling others;
• How to recognize the clues (in our bodies) that tell us when it’s time to set a boundary;
• Why nervous system work is essential for boundary work;
• Different ways to set boundaries, such as redirecting, being honest, or removing oneself from the situation;
• Why rejection often makes setting boundaries challenging (... and when we don’t set a boundary, how it’s a form of self-rejection);
• Why sometimes perceived deal breakers aren’t actually deal breakers; and
• How to translate this more relational-boundary setting into our work as clinicians.

Tune in to this episode and discover how honoring your boundaries not only allows for connection and maintains relationships, but is a deep act of self-love and acknowledgement of your own worthiness. ✨

Additional Resources:

💜 Learn more about Synergetic Play Therapy: Visit our website for courses, resources, and certification opportunities

📚 Explore Our Books and Read Aggression in Play Therapy

✨ SPT Foundation: Learn more about its mission, team, and initiatives

🔗 Follow us on Instagram

🔗 Find us on Facebook