In this especially important episode, we shine a spotlight on the harrowing issue of child sex trafficking and explore how we can support the young survivors of this modern-day slave trade. Join Lisa for a deeply insightful conversation with Alejandro (Alex) Castro Croy, a bilingual, bicultural Trauma and Addiction Counselor, and the owner/Lead Clinician of Transcending Consulting Group in Denver, Colorado.

Alex brings his extensive experience from training law enforcement professionals and collaborating with the FBI on Crimes Against Children to the discussion. Together, they delve into the complexities of working with children who have endured compounded trauma and exploitation. Alex shares his journey into this challenging field and sheds light on the often-overlooked facets of child sex trafficking, including the surprising demographics it affects and the role of social media.

Together they discuss the indicators of sex trafficking and key red flags to watch for. Alex also provides invaluable insights into the physical and behavioral signs that therapists should be aware of to help identify survivors. Learn why some clients might go AWOL or refuse treatment and how clinicians can approach these situations with sensitivity and care.

Self-care for therapists is paramount, and Alex emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, debriefing, and the PERMS model—Physical, Emotional, Relational, Mental, and Spiritual domains of self-care—while sharing various intervention techniques and stressing the importance of honoring the human side of both therapist and client.

This episode is a must-listen for therapists and anyone in the human services field. We encourage you to breathe and regulate as you listen to this important conversation, and as we navigate the challenging but essential work of supporting child survivors of sex trafficking.

Talking Points:

• Understanding the true scope and demographics of child sex trafficking.
• The impact of social media and the daytime occurrences of trafficking.
• Recognizing indicators and key red flags.
• Identifying physical and behavioral signs of child sex trafficking survivors.
• The importance of self-care for clinicians and the PERMS model.
• Various therapeutic interventions: music, play, art, somatic, and narrative therapies.
• The importance of working with the client’s protective strategies.
• Developing awareness of our own reactions as therapists to clients' trauma stories.

Join us for this so-very important conversation to better understand and support the healing journey of child sex trafficking survivors.

Additional Resources:

• For more information about Online training for introduction to Sex Trafficking: https://connect.missingkids.org/learn/learning-plans/4/introduction-to-child-sex-trafficking
• Physical and Behavioral Indicators: https://www.missingkids.org/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/CST-Identification-Resource.pdf
• Reporting Sex trafficking:
• Local Social services and Police department
  • Call 1-800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678)
  • www.Cybertipline.org

Original Air Date: March 29, 2022

Join Lisa Dion for a poignant and timely conversation with Liliana Baylon, a bilingual and bicultural therapist and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist/Supervisor. In this episode, Liliana shares her profound insights into the experiences and challenges faced by immigrant and refugee families, offering invaluable perspectives that will broaden your cultural awareness and enhance your therapeutic work with clients.

Delve into a conversation where you'll learn:

• The unique experiences and hurdles encountered by immigrants and refugees.
• Strategies for supporting clients through the grieving process, acknowledging their journey, challenges, and emotional needs.
• Understanding the nervous system experiences of immigrants and refugees and its impact on their sense of identity and safety.
• Insights into the perceptions of immigrants and refugees through the lens of the 4 threats to the brain.
• Techniques for holding space for families dealing with intergenerational disruptions and facilitating repair and reconciliation.
• The existential crisis faced by immigrants and refugees regarding their global perspective and sense of self.
• Approaches for helping clients explore their identity, values, and cultural integration.

As you listen, embrace moments of reflection and notice any tendencies to advocate, fix, or rescue. Consider how these actions may impact the empowerment journey of your clients, as Liliana emphasizes the importance of holding space with intention and sensitivity.

Expand your cultural lens and deepen your connection with immigrant and refugee clients/families by incorporating Liliana's invaluable insights into your practice. This episode invites you to approach your work with curiosity, awareness, and empathy, fostering a more inclusive and supportive therapeutic environment for all.

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/colleagues to join us.

Original Air Date: October 26, 2021

In this episode, Lisa Dion is joined by three important people in her life - Certified Synergetic Play Therapists/Providers Andrea Davidson (Colorado), Johanna Simmons (Vancouver, British Columbia), and Rachel Freeburg (Oregon). Together, they engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the various challenges that play therapists encounter in their practice.

Pause and reflect as they explore strategies for addressing common scenarios such as:

• Children attempting to care for the therapist.
• Challenges related to teletherapy sessions, including situations where clients do not turn on their screens.
• Difficulties with transitions, such as reluctance to leave a parent's side or the playroom at the end of a session.

Discover surprising insights and practical solutions as these experienced therapists share their wisdom and expertise. Join us for a candid conversation that sheds light on navigating the complexities of play therapy with connection to self and others.

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/colleagues to join us.