"The more we try to avoid conflict, the more it shows up in our life." – Lisa Dion

Why does conflict feel so uncomfortable—and why do we work so hard to avoid it?

In this episode of Lessons from the Playroom, Lisa Dion explores why conflict is not a sign that something has gone wrong, but a necessary part of growth and relational depth. Through a nervous-system-informed lens, she unpacks what happens internally when conflict arises and how our responses are shaped by regulation, protection, and connection.

This conversation invites therapists to develop a different relationship with conflict—one that begins within ourselves and extends into our work with clients, families, and colleagues, both in and out of the playroom.

Original Air Date: September 7, 2020

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.

Re-airing in honor of the International Week of Play Therapy.

In this special episode Lisa is joined by Amit Chintan Ramlall and his father, Dr. Kumar Ramlall, for a powerful conversation about autism, identity, and the transformative impact of assuming competence.

Amit shares his lived experience of navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder and how embracing his strengths—rather than being defined by limitations—opened pathways to purpose, contribution, and connection. Together, they explore common misconceptions about autism, the importance of meeting clients where they are, and how curiosity and humility create space for genuine therapeutic relationship.

This episode invites therapists to reconsider assumptions about neuroplasticity, sensory experiences, and communication, while offering a profound reminder of the untapped potential that exists within every individual.

Assume competence—there's always more to uncover.

Language note: While many Autistic individuals prefer identity-first language, Amit prefers person-first language, which is honored throughout this conversation.

***For a transcript of this episode, please visit our website at synergeticplaytherapy.com.

Original Air Date: April 2, 2024

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.

PANS and PANDAS are among the most misunderstood—and frequently requested—topics in the therapy world. In this episode, Lisa is joined by Dr. Montserrat Casado for a thoughtful, compassionate conversation on how these conditions impact children, families, and the therapeutic process.

Together, they explore what PANS/PANDAS are, how immune responses and brain inflammation affect behavior and nervous system regulation, and why symptoms such as OCD, rage, regression, and restrictive eating require a broader, integrative lens. Dr. Casado also shares her personal journey and decade-long commitment to educating clinicians on how to support children and caregivers navigating these complex challenges.

This episode offers clarity, context, and hope—inviting therapists to deepen their understanding, support attachment and regulation, and bring a more informed, systemic approach to their work with children affected by PANS/PANDAS.

Original Air Date: March 19, 2024

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.