179. Little Lessons Series: Authenticity in the Playroom – Q&A with Lisa

Lessons from the Playroom

Lisa is back with another episode of the Little Lessons Series, where she answers your insightful questions about the complexities of working in the playroom. In this episode, Lisa dives deep into the theme of authenticity and how it plays a critical role in the therapist-client dynamic.

Tune in as Lisa responds to 3 thought-provoking listener questions, exploring how to stay genuine and present when navigating imaginative play, emotional congruence, and handling personal questions from clients.

In this episode, you'll hear:

Carolyn’s question: “When doing imagination play and a client assigns you a role, how do you play that role? I'm often asked to be a child and the client is the adult. I find I respond as the "child" in ways that either surprise my client or I'm given the exact lines and actions to portray. My version of the authentic child when I'm improvising without lines isn't always what the client expects, nor is it always the ideal example because I usually play what I would have felt/said/done as a child and wait for guidance from my client. Hmmm?”

Lisa breaks down how to stay in the moment and respond from a place of genuineness and presence while allowing the child to lead.

An anonymous listener asks: Please elaborate on the statement you (Lisa) made: "I have never seen a child damaged because the therapist was real. However, I have seen children who never deeply connected to their therapist and didn't go as deep as they could have gone because their therapist was too scared to share and express their authentic experience congruently."

Lisa discusses how emotional congruence builds trust and safety, and why being authentic helps children connect more deeply in therapy.

Patricia’s question: “How do you handle personal questions from a child in session?”

Lisa explains how to navigate personal inquiries while staying attuned to the therapeutic goals and the child’s unique needs.

Join Lisa for a rich, reflective conversation that offers practical insights for therapists looking to deepen their authenticity and connection in the playroom.

*We love hearing from you! Have a question or scenario for Lisa to discuss? Send your questions to [e-mail] or submit an audio clip. Your questions 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

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