Original Air Date: May 10, 2022

In this episode, Lisa welcomes a guest who holds a special place in her heart and professional journey—Felicia Carrol, a leading expert in Gestalt Play Therapy. As a Certified Gestalt Therapist, Lisa draws on one of the foundational theories of Synergetic Play Therapy, making this conversation particularly meaningful.

Felicia Carrol, LMFT, RPT-S, is the founder and director of the West Coast Institute for Gestalt Therapy with Children and Adolescents. An international educator, Felicia has conducted training across numerous countries and has contributed extensively to the play therapy field through her publications. As a direct student and close friend of the late Violet Oaklander, Felicia brings a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes.

Join Lisa and Felicia in a grounding and heartfelt discussion where you will:

• Discover the history and development of Gestalt Play Therapy, highlighting Violet Oaklander's significant contributions.
• Gain insight into the principles of Gestalt Play Therapy, including its paradigm and the 4 Pillars established by Violet Oaklander.
• Explore often overlooked yet powerful concepts such as "being for" your client, the "self-nurturing" technique, and the importance of a dialogic relationship.
• Learn about common misconceptions in Gestalt Play Therapy and the broader play therapy field, particularly regarding directive versus non-directive modalities.
• Hear personal and professional stories about Violet Oaklander, celebrating her legacy and the profound impact she had on play therapy.

This episode is dedicated to Violet Oaklander, who passed away on September 21, 2021, at the age of 94. A pioneering child and adolescent therapist, Violet is renowned for integrating Gestalt Therapy with play therapy, and her groundbreaking book, "Windows to Our Children," revolutionized the field.

Tune in to reconnect with the roots of play therapy and honor the legacy of Violet Oaklander. Thank you, Felicia, for sharing your wisdom and experiences.

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.

In this special episode, Lisa is joined by two extraordinary guests, Isabella Cassina and Claudio Mochi, pioneers using play therapy in international crisis intervention. As co-founders of the INA International Academy for Play Therapy Studies and Psychosocial Projects in Switzerland, Isabella and Claudio have dedicated their careers to supporting children and families in some of the most challenging environments around the world.

Isabella, Director of Project Management, and Claudio, Director of the Academy, bring decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the table. They have worked in over 30 cities across 15 countries, addressing the needs of those affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and high-risk situations. Together, they developed the "Coping with the Present while Building for the Future" (CPBF) model, which they have shared globally.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Isabella and Claudio began their journey in crisis and humanitarian work.
• The unique challenges and rewards of using play therapy to support children and their families affected by international crises.
• The philosophy behind "Recovering the Lost Play Time"—a program designed to restore play opportunities for children during migration and other crises.
• Insights into their model, CPBF, and its impact on mental health professionals worldwide.
• How to create play sanctuaries and foster a culture of play in international crisis contexts.
• The MAP (My Awareness Process) as a guiding reference point, emphasizing a comprehensive awareness process rather than just therapeutic techniques.
• The importance of co-constructing with populations in crisis to ensure program sustainability after providers leave, highlighting the need for community collaboration and cultural sensitivity regarding language, customs, and traditions.

Claudio and Isabella also share personal stories from the field, highlighting the emotional impact of their work and the resilience of the children and communities they serve. Learn about their strategies for self-care and the significance of creating safe play environments amidst chaos.

This is an inspiring conversation filled with practical insights and heartfelt stories, showcasing the transformative power of play therapy in crisis situations. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from two of the leading experts in the field.

For more information about their work and the International Academy of Play Therapy, visit Crisis Play Therapy.

Tune in to explore how play therapy can be a beacon of hope in the darkest times and how you can be a part of this vital work.

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.

Original Air Date: December 20, 2022

Prepare for an enlightening conversation as Lisa Dion welcomes a distinguished guest, Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, Founder & Director of the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. Dr. Malchiodi is a renowned figure in the field of Expressive Arts Therapy, with a wealth of experience and expertise garnered from her extensive presentations and acclaimed books, including the timeless favorite "Understanding Children’s Drawings."

In this episode, delve into the transformative realm of Expressive Arts Therapy and discover the significance of "rhythmic synchronization" and "action-oriented" interventions in supporting clients on their journey of sensory integration and trauma healing. Dr. Malchiodi introduces a groundbreaking approach to conceptualizing the client's "Window of Tolerance," emphasizing the expansion of their capacity for trauma integration and playfulness.

Join us for a grounding conversation that transcends specific techniques, as we explore ways to empower clients in reclaiming and expanding their capacity for authentic self-expression. Dr. Malchiodi eloquently articulates the transformative potential of Expressive Arts Therapy, stating, "Trauma reduces our capacity for expression through movement, sound, enactment, image making, and play. Our job is to help people reclaim that capacity—to manifest a full range of restorative expression and reparative playfulness."

Discover the profound impact of Expressive Arts Therapy in fostering healing and restoring vitality. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from Dr. Cathy Malchiodi's vast knowledge and experience in trauma-informed practices and expressive arts therapy.

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.