Have you explored the power of mandalas in play therapy? In this episode, Lisa Dion sits down with Tracy Turner-Bumberry (LPC, RPT-S™) to uncover the transformative magic of mandalas—an incredible yet often unexplored tool in clinical practice.

Tracy, a Certified AutPlay Trainer, Animal-Assisted Play Therapist, and DBT Therapist, shares how mandalas can create a safe, expressive, and healing space for children and families.

🔹 Discover what mandalas are and their deep multicultural roots
🔹 Learn how "circle art" and "circle play" can demystify mandalas for therapy
🔹 Explore practical applications, from templates to Tracy’s Wellness Mandala practice
🔹 Find out how to adapt mandalas for neurodivergent clients and create a safe space
🔹 Understand the dos and don’ts of using mandalas in therapy—why a child-led, non-interpretative approach matters
🔹 Learn direct and non-directive ways to integrate mandalas into therapy with individuals and families
🔹 Discover how music, color, and the idea of impermanence enrich the mandala experience

Tracy also dives into the "safe circle", a concept that helps children feel seen, heard, and emotionally supported.

🌟 Tune in to learn how mandalas can bring introspection, self-regulation, and healing into your play therapy sessions!

Original Air Date: December 19, 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

Lisa is back with another episode of the Little Lessons Series, answering your insightful questions about navigating the complexities of the playroom. Today’s episode focuses on how to handle those challenging moments in therapy where uncertainty, emotional flooding, and parents’ concerns come into play.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Chrissy’s question: “What do you do when a child can’t decide on what to play with or doesn’t even play after coming for weeks?”
Lisa breaks down how to navigate moments of hesitation, offering insights on how to remain present and supportive without rushing to fix the situation. She also discusses how emotional age and developmental stage impact engagement in play.

Sally’s question: “What do you do when the parent tells you they don’t want their child to play with aggressive toys or engage in aggressive play, like war play?”
Lisa explores the importance of understanding the parent’s concerns and how to guide the conversation to help them see how aggressive play can be therapeutic and necessary for the child’s emotional expression and processing.

Carolyn’s question: “How do you respond when a child says ‘I love you’ or asks if you’ll move in with them or be their mother?”
Lisa offers valuable advice on how to respond authentically to these deeply emotional moments, explaining how to navigate the child’s need for connection while maintaining professional boundaries and emotional safety.

Join Lisa for a candid and thought-provoking conversation, as she offers practical strategies to help you stay grounded and authentic when facing common and challenging scenarios in the playroom.

🎧 Have a question you'd like Lisa to explore in an upcoming episode? Email your question to info@synergeticplaytherapy.com or send in an audio clip. Your curiosity fuels this podcast—and the entire play therapy community grows because of it.

How do our perspectives shape who we are and how we connect with others—both in the playroom and in life? In this thought-provoking episode, Lisa Dion sits down with Dr. Rachel Altvater (Psy.D., RPT-S™), an award-winning leader in play therapy, to explore the profound impact of perspective on our personal and professional lives.

🔹 Discover the inspiration behind Rachel’s new book, Perspective: Contemplating the Complexities of Our Realities
🔹 Unpack how we form perspectives about ourselves, others, and the world around us
🔹 Learn why perspective awareness is crucial for therapists and caregivers
🔹 Explore powerful self-reflection questions to expand your understanding of your own perspectives
🔹 Gain insights into how your perspectives may be shaping your interactions with clients

Rachel also shares a heartfelt message on the ripple effects of healing and connection, reminding us that the more aligned we are with ourselves, the greater impact we have on the world.

🌟 Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will shift the way you see yourself, your clients, and the world around you!

Original Air Date: May 9, 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