When the Aggressor is You: Therapist Activation in the Playroom with Mili Shoemaker (Best of)

What happens when therapists bring their own attachment histories into the playroom—consciously or not? In this deeply validating and insightful conversation, Lisa welcomes back Dr. Clair Mellenthin—renowned play therapist, author, and professor—to unpack her groundbreaking dissertation research and explore how a therapist's personal story shapes their clinical work, especially within family-based play therapy. Together, they explore: Why many play therapists are drawn to the work as "wounded healers" Research that debunks the myth of needing to be fully healed to help others How personal attachment wounds show up in the playroom—and why doing our own work matters The power of mentorship and community in creating earned security and ongoing healing How support systems help therapists feel seen, grounded, and more confident with families Common struggles therapists face when working with parents, especially with limited training Practical steps for building confidence through integration, connection, and focused learning Moving stories that show the healing ripple from therapist to family Whether you're a student, seasoned therapist, or supervisor, this episode offers normalization, challenge, and inspiration—helping you reflect on your therapeutic presence, embrace your vulnerabilities, and cultivate authentic connection in the healing space.

Originally aired July 29, 2025 In this powerful follow-up episode, Lisa reunites with psychologist, author, and digital play therapy pioneer Dr. Jessica Stone to explore the ever-evolving intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and mental health. Together, they dive into why the playroom must evolve—offering a grounded, nonjudgmental look at how digital tools and AI are showing up in children's lives and what that means for us as therapists. Together they explore: Is digital play therapy the same as virtual play therapy? How do you ethically use tools like ChatGPT, story generators, or VR in the therapeutic process? And what deeper needs might children be trying to meet when they turn to technology? From theoretical foundations to real-life examples and practical strategies, Lisa and Dr. Stone address common clinician concerns—like fear of the unknown, resistance to change, or overwhelm—and reframe digital tools not as replacements for traditional play, but as powerful entry points for connection, healing, and expression. You'll hear honest reflections, tips for engaging tech-wary caregivers, and new ways to bring congruence and confidence to your practice—whether you're curious, cautious, or actively integrating technology into your sessions. 🎧 Bonus: This is Part 2 of Lisa and Dr. Stone's conversation! Be sure to check out their earlier episode 84: Wrapping Our Minds Around Digital Play Therapy.

Originally aired July 15, 2025 In this powerful and deeply human episode, Lisa is joined by two internationally recognized leaders in the field of complex trauma and dissociation—Ana Gómez and Jill Hosey—for a heartfelt conversation about their monumental new release: The Handbook of Complex Trauma and Dissociation in Children. More than just a book discussion, this episode offers a reverence-based reframe of dissociation—not as pathology, but as a brilliant, adaptive survival strategy used by children navigating overwhelming experiences. Ana and Jill share their personal insights from editing this groundbreaking 900+ page volume, which weaves together theory, research, clinical case work, and embodied practices from over 60 contributors. Together, they explore the profound responsibility therapists carry—not only to understand dissociation in their clients but to honor how it arises in their own inner worlds. You'll hear candid reflections on what it means to be a regulated presence in the therapy room, how fear of dissociation may show up in clinicians, and how co-regulation becomes the foundation for relational healing. Whether you're just beginning to explore the topic of dissociation or are a seasoned trauma therapist, this episode invites you to shift from fear to curiosity—from fragmentation to integration. 💡 Key Topics Include: Why The Handbook is the first of its kind in the field Dissociation as a creative, protective superpower Therapist nervous system responses and the importance of co-regulation Misdiagnosis, marginalization, and what happens when dissociation is misunderstood The emotional labor of this work—for both therapist and client A call to action for deeper training, relational attunement, and self-reflection 📘 The Handbook of Complex Trauma and Dissociation in Children is available through Routledge, Amazon, Caversham Booksellers (Canada), and other major online retailers.

Originally aired June 1, 2025 She's back—and the energy in the room just elevated. In one of the most moving and illuminating episodes to date, Lisa Dion reunites with internationally renowned occupational therapist, author, and teacher Kim Barthel—one of the most beloved guests in the podcast's history. Together, they take us deep into the world of psycho-sensory interventions, a term Kim coined decades ago during a pivotal moment that forever changed her clinical approach. Through a powerful real-life case study, this conversation explores how the body holds the story of trauma, how sensation can unlock memory, and why true healing happens when we integrate the mind, body, and play. Through their dual lenses—Lisa's Synergetic Play Therapy perspective and Kim's expertise in sensory integration, posture, and neurobiology—they reflect on working together with a young client whose developmental trauma was revealed not only through his play, but through his body, his relationships, and the clinician's own internal experience. You'll also hear about Kim's early work with children on the streets of Winnipeg, the origin of psycho-sensory work, and how her interdisciplinary lens continues to evolve after 40+ years of practice. This episode will invite you to: Track what the body is telling you through posture, breath, and muscle tone See play as only one part of the unfolding story—because the story lives in the body Tune into the relational field and your own body as a source of insight Slow down and meet your clients where they are developmentally and neurologically Embrace an embodied approach to healing that honors both the child's and the therapist's nervous systems ✨ Whether you're a seasoned play therapist, an OT, or simply curious about trauma-informed care, this conversation will expand your lens, deepen your embodiment, and remind you that healing isn't something we do to a child—it's something that unfolds when we trust the wisdom of the body. Take a breath, drop into your own body, and press play. You won't want to miss this one.

Originally aired June 17, 2025 🎙️ She's back! In her fourth appearance, Lisa welcomes the deeply loved and returning guest Mili Sarmiento Shoemaker—bilingual therapist, teacher, and Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor and Trainer—to introduce a brand-new topic to the podcast: Family Constellation Work. Rooted in systemic and ancestral wisdom, this conversation explores how children's symptoms often reflect unresolved family dynamics, not just their own inner world. Together, Mili and Lisa unpack key principles from Family Constellation theory—including the Orders of Love—and how therapists can begin using a systemic lens in the playroom, even without formal training. In this expansive and soulful episode, you'll discover: What Family Constellation Work is and why it matters in therapy How children may carry or express unresolved intergenerational trauma The three core Orders of Love (Belonging, Hierarchy, and Balance of Giving & Taking) How imbalance in these orders can result in symptoms like resentment, overwhelm, or soul entanglements The difference between taking and receiving—and why this matters in the therapy room How to begin integrating a systemic lens into your practice, even without formal training ✨ Whether you're new to this work or looking to deepen your lens, this episode is filled with insight, heart, and transformative "aha" moments. 🎧 Also check out Mili's past episodes: When the Aggressor is You: Therapist Activation in the Playroom Attachment to Self: The Cornerstone of Healing Why Therapists Attract the Clients That They Do A beautiful and eye-opening conversation you won't want to miss 💖