178. Reconnecting to Our True Nature: A Transformative Conversation with Marie José Dhaese

Lessons from the Playroom

Lisa welcomes back the remarkable Marie José Dhaese, a trailblazer in the field of play therapy and the original creator of expressive play therapies. Building on their previous conversation about Holistic Expressive Play Therapy, Lisa and Marie José dive even deeper into the profound journey of healing, attachment, and reconnecting to one's true nature. With over 50 years of experience as a registered clinical counselor, art therapist, and play therapy supervisor, Marie José shares her deep wisdom and heartfelt reflections on what it takes to create a therapeutic environment where children can reconnect to themselves and thrive.

In this episode, you will explore:

• The metaphor of the "white dot": Discover how this symbol represents our core essence or true nature, and why nurturing this inner light is central to healing.
• Attachment and true nature: Understand how early attachment experiences shape a child’s development, and how caregivers and therapists can reflect the child’s true self back to them.
• The role of trauma in disconnection: Learn how attachment disruptions and trauma sever a child’s connection to their true self, and how therapy can help repair these ruptures.
• The therapist’s own journey: Hear how Marie José emphasizes the importance of therapists being on an ongoing journey of self-discovery and healing, and how this inner work allows them to hold space for others.
• Creating an environment for transformation: Explore the significance of designing therapeutic spaces that invite safety, creativity, and how nature and expressive therapies play a vital role in transformation.
• The importance of closure in therapy: Discover why creating a clear beginning, middle, and end in therapy sessions is essential for healing, and how a lack of closure can impact therapeutic outcomes.
• Navigating the complexities of healing: Gain insight into the delicate balance therapists must maintain between structure and spontaneity, allowing children to explore, express, and reconnect with their true selves at their own pace.
• Tending to your own "dot": Lisa and Marie José discuss the ethical imperative for therapists to engage in self-care, self-reflection, and self-compassion to remain present and attuned to their clients’ needs.

Join Lisa and Marie José for a thought-provoking and heartfelt conversation that will inspire therapists to reflect on their own journey, deepen their connection to their clients, and create spaces where true healing can unfold. This episode is filled with wisdom for those seeking to support children on their path to self-discovery and resilience.

As mentioned in the podcast, explore Marie José’s play sanctuary for children here: 💛 https://youtu.be/Lb20F3jF2nA?si=HSKWeTLQcrwlDtQn

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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