What makes play therapy supervision truly effective? In this first-ever Lessons from the Playroom episode on supervision, Lisa Dion is joined by Polly Douglass, Kim Buller, and Khris Rolfe—three extraordinary play therapists and top supervisors at the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute. Together, they explore the power of reflective and relational supervision and how it transforms both supervisees and their clients.

Whether you're currently in supervision or serving as a supervisor, this episode will offer invaluable insights into:

🔹 What it means to be reflective and relational in supervision
🔹 How to build a supervisor-supervisee relationship that fosters growth and trust
🔹 The role of the supervisor as an external regulator for the supervisee
🔹 How to help supervisees become more embodied in their work as play therapists
🔹 Ways to offer supervision that empowers therapists to trust themselves

This conversation weaves together a beautiful tapestry of reflection, relationship, and emotional attunement—helping play therapists feel their clients’ experiences rather than just think about them.

🌟 Tune in and discover how to create a deeply supportive and transformational supervision experience!

Original Air Date: April 25, 2023

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💜 Learn More About Synergetic Play Therapy:

👉 Visit our website for courses, resources, and certification opportunities – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com

📚 Explore Our Books: Aggression in Play Therapy – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com/books

🎧 Listen to Our Podcast: Lessons from the Playroom – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com/lessons-from-the-playroom/

✨ SPT Foundation: Learn more about it's mission, team and initiatives:

👉 https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/spt-foundation/

🔗 Connect with Us on Social Media:

• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synergeticplaytherapy/
• Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SynergeticPlayTherapyInstitute

In this heartfelt and most inspiring episode, Lisa sits down with Catherine and Alicia Denham—the visionary clinical duo behind Mama Owls Minis, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisors with over 40 years of combined experience. Together, they explore the messy, meaningful, and magical journey of creativity in play therapy, inviting listeners to reconnect with their inner artist and trust their instincts.

This episode dives deep into how therapists can embrace creativity—not as a quest to be “good at art,” but as a powerful process of authentic expression, moment-to-moment attunement, and healing. From hand-sculpted sand tray minis to a teenage client’s request for a tornado miniature, the conversation is packed with stories, reflections, and practical wisdom that illuminate how creativity invites us to break free from rigid protocols and create what truly fits what the child needs.

You’ll hear:

• How Alicia transformed from doodling to crafting stunning therapeutic figures
• Why Catherine treasures her first “wonky” sculpture as a symbol of imperfection embraced
• The creative origins of Synergetic Play Therapy and the tension between formal training and intuitive innovation
• Insights on parenting as a creative act—like turning a living room into a sensory playground
• How neurodivergent experiences shaped their unique approach to therapy and creativity
• Powerful stories of trust, flexibility, and letting go of control in therapy sessions and life
• An invitation to therapists to give themselves permission to explore and create what is needed despite self-doubt or fear of rejection

Whether you’re dreaming of crafting something new for your clients or simply seeking encouragement to trust your own creative voice, this episode offers inspiration and gentle permission to embrace the imperfect, beautiful process of authentic play and healing.

🎧 Tune in and reconnect with your creative self—your clients and children will thank you.

How does ableism show up in the playroom, and what can we do to create a more inclusive therapeutic space? In this powerful episode, Marshall Lyles (LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDRIA Approved Consultant) joins Lisa Dion to explore the often unspoken realities of ableism and disablism in play therapy.

Marshall, a leading voice in attachment trauma and sandtray therapy, brings invaluable insights into how therapists can become more aware of the biases and systemic structures that impact neurodivergent and disabled clients.

🔹 Uncover how ableism—both personal and institutional—has shaped the field of play therapy
🔹 Learn how to critically assess your playroom and therapeutic practices to ensure inclusivity
🔹 Explore ways to repair ruptures when unintentional harm occurs
🔹 Discover how to fully celebrate and honor the uniqueness of every client
🔹 Gain tools to reflect on your own biases and create a more welcoming therapeutic space

This is an invitation to deepen your awareness, challenge assumptions, and cultivate a play therapy practice that truly embraces all minds and bodies.

🌟 Tune in to transform your approach and foster a more inclusive, empowering space for your clients!

Original Air Date: July 18, 2023

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💜 Learn More About Synergetic Play Therapy:

👉 Visit our website for courses, resources, and certification opportunities – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com

📚 Explore Our Books: Aggression in Play Therapy – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com/books

🎧 Listen to Our Podcast: Lessons from the Playroom – www.synergeticplaytherapy.com/lessons-from-the-playroom/

✨ SPT Foundation: Learn more about it's mission, team and initiatives:

👉 https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/spt-foundation/

🔗 Connect with Us on Social Media:

• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synergeticplaytherapy/
• Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SynergeticPlayTherapyInstitute