"Working with families isn’t about fixing individuals; it’s about finding the rhythm where everyone can grow together." – Dr. Stacy Jagger

In this episode, Lisa welcomes back the inspiring Dr. Stacy Jagger, affectionately known as “Dr. Sassy,” to dive into a topic that has shockingly never been fully explored in the series: working with the entire family system in play therapy. With her groundbreaking Mountain Method and a reputation for blending bold truth-telling with heartfelt humor, Dr. Stacy shares her unique approach to supporting families as a unit, rather than focusing solely on the child as the client.

Together, Lisa and Dr. Stacy discuss:

• Reframing the family as the client: Why working with the entire system transforms outcomes.
• A step-by-step roadmap: The Mountain Method’s stages and how to engage every family member in the healing journey.
• The role of creativity and intuition: How therapists can embrace their inner artist to navigate family dynamics.
• Addressing resistance: Strategies for working with families who are hesitant to engage in the process.
• Healing through play: The profound impact of helping parents reconnect with their own inner child to better connect with their children.

With her refreshing honesty and deep compassion, Dr. Stacy inspires therapists to think beyond traditional methods and reimagine what’s possible when the whole family becomes part of the healing process.

Join Lisa and Dr. Stacy for a conversation that’s as insightful as it is empowering, and discover practical tools and encouragement to bring more creativity, authenticity, and connection to your work with families.

Tune in to uncover how you, too, can support families in climbing their own mountains of transformation. 🌟

Podcast Resources:

• Dr. Stacy Jagger’s work: www.drsassy.com
• The Mountain Method: www.themountainmethod.com
• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/
• Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/
• FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/
• Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/

* 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.

Original air date: September 27, 2022

Do you know what bibliotherapy is or how to incorporate it into your client sessions? We're resharing this episode in which Lisa Dion is joined by Althea T. Simpson, the founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions and Unicorn Life Training. Althea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator, and host of the podcast Chronicles of a Play Therapist. Her innovative approaches have been a tremendous inspiration in the play therapy field.

Discover the therapeutic potential of books and learn creative ways to use bibliotherapy with your clients, including:

• How bibliotherapy helps children navigate psychological, emotional, and social challenges.
• Choosing books relevant to a client's personal situation and developmental needs.
• Utilizing bibliotherapy in Teletherapy sessions.
• Engaging children in reflective activities such as art-based expressions, LEGO, sand tray, journal writing, and group discussions.

Althea also shares some of her favorite books for the playroom, including her top must-have book, and introduces her recently published book, "Hurt to Healing: Child Witnesses of Domestic Violence and Their Invisible Injuries," which intertwines her professional and personal experiences.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the creative and healing power of bibliotherapy in play therapy sessions.

Podcast Resources:

• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/
• Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website: https://learn.synergeticplaytherapy.com/
• FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/free-resources/
• Aggression in Play Therapy: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com/books/

* 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.

We’re diving into another special Q&A episode of Lessons from the Playroom! Lisa is answering three thought-provoking questions from our listeners, offering insights into some of the tricky moments that arise in the playroom.

Tune in as Lisa explores messes, transitions, and those unexpected trips to the bathroom, unpacking what they might signify for the therapeutic process and how to respond with intention.

This week’s questions include:

Jasmine asks: "What do you do when a child makes huge messes [in the playroom]?"

Lisa explores the art of setting boundaries while respecting the therapeutic needs behind the mess.

Amy asks: "How do you help a child transition when they don’t want to leave the session?"

Lisa shares insights into the emotional significance of endings and how to make transitions smoother and more meaningful.

Heather asks: "What do I do when a child keeps leaving the session to go to the bathroom?"

You're invited to get curious about what is happening beneath the surface and what this behavior might reveal about the child’s inner process.

This episode is packed with rich insights and practical takeaways to help you navigate some of the trickiest moments in therapy.

We love hearing from you! Have a question or scenario you’d like Lisa to discuss? Send your questions to info@synergeticplaytherapy.com or submit an audio clip. Your stories inspire meaningful growth and learning for all of us.

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.