Emotional Flooding: When the Therapist Is Outside the Window of Tolerance (Best Of)

Emotional flooding is inevitable; it's part of relationship. It's not about shame, but connection—providing a platform upon which real repair can flourish. – Lisa Dion

In this episode, Lisa explores emotional flooding from the therapist's perspective and why finding ourselves outside our window of tolerance is not a failure—but a natural part of relational work.

Through a nervous-system-informed lens, Lisa reframes emotional flooding as meaningful information rather than something to avoid or fix. When approached with curiosity, attunement, and repair, these moments of rawness can deepen authenticity, strengthen the therapeutic relationship, and create powerful opportunities for healing.

This conversation invites therapists to release shame, embrace humanity, and see emotional flooding as an ally in the work—both in the playroom and within themselves.

Original Air Date: March 6, 2019

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

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