In the world of mental health, change is often met with resistance. Lisa joins Liliana Baylon, LMFT-S, RPT-S and Maria Laquerre-Diego, LMFT-S, RPT-S for an episode of A Hero’s Welcome podcast to share her journey of introducing Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) to the play therapy community, as well as the complexities of pioneering new ideas, but also the rewards and insights that come from facing resistance head-on. Thanks Liliana and Maria for having Lisa! You can listen to the full episode here and please enjoy this overview of what Lisa shared.
Challenging the Status Quo: Lisa’s Journey with Synergetic Play Therapy
Lisa introduced Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) in 2008, a model built on the nervous system’s role in regulation and the power of the “use of self” in the therapeutic relationship. At the time, concepts like regulation not necessarily equating to “calm,” or the idea of coexisting emotional states, were novel in play therapy. The challenge was multifaceted: not only were these ideas new, but they also called into question established practices in the field. Lisa observed that the play therapy community often looked for tried-and-true methods, and introducing new concepts challenged the comfort zone of many practitioners.
Reflecting on this journey, Lisa described her experience as one that began with “rose-colored glasses.” She was inspired to share these ideas and unaware of the extent of resistance she would face. Over time, however, she learned that resistance is a natural part of pioneering new approaches. “When we bring new ideas into established systems, it’s common to encounter fear and skepticism,” Lisa noted. But rather than discouraging her, this resistance only reaffirmed the importance of her work.
Lisa’s advice to other clinicians trying to bring fresh ideas into their practices? “Stay connected to your ‘why.’ When you understand why you’re deeply inspired about something, it becomes easier to hold steady, even in the face of criticism.”
The Role of Resistance: Criticism, Opposition, and Acceptance
In this episode, Lisa discussed a three-stage process that often accompanies change, particularly paradigm shifts: first, the idea is criticized, then it’s opposed (sometimes vehemently), and finally, it becomes accepted as self-evident. In Lisa’s experience, SPT faced all these stages, particularly the opposition phase, as it introduced new perspectives on well-established approaches.
She shared that her most significant growth as a therapist and educator came when she reframed criticism as valuable feedback rather than personal rejection. By treating criticism as an opportunity to refine and strengthen her ideas, she was able to stabilize SPT, ensuring that the model was not only innovative but also solid and practical.
For those of us in helping professions, Lisa’s advice is invaluable: She encourages us to view criticism as an opportunity to refine our work. “When someone questions or challenges your ideas, they’re helping you identify areas that may need a bit more thought,” she explained. “Use that feedback to make your ideas stronger. Don’t take it personally; it’s just part of the process.”
“Use of Self”: The Heart of Synergetic Play Therapy
Perhaps the most challenging and revolutionary aspect of SPT is its focus on the therapist’s “use of self.” In SPT, therapists are encouraged to bring their full selves into the playroom. Unlike traditional approaches that encourage therapists to keep a professional distance, SPT invites therapists to be authentic, attuned, and present with clients. It’s not about abandoning boundaries but honoring the client’s experience and the therapist’s own human presence. This was an approach that many found difficult, as it required therapists to be vulnerable and to lean into their own discomfort, challenging the field’s longstanding ideas about the role of the therapist.
For Lisa, the “use of self” is not just a technique but an ethical commitment to authenticity and congruence. She explained, “We help clients the most when we show up as our whole selves—nuanced, attuned, and human.” And while this approach was initially met with skepticism, it has since been embraced by therapists seeking a deeper, more transformative way to connect with clients.
Navigating New Ideas in Mental Health: A Call for Openness and Flexibility
Lisa’s journey with SPT underscores a truth we often resist in mental health: growth requires openness to change, and that change is often uncomfortable. Through her journey, she has inspired countless therapists to consider new ways of being with their clients, pushing them to go beyond rigid techniques and protocols to embrace flexibility and innovation. Lisa’s story serves as a powerful reminder that we, as clinicians, must be willing to question old systems, create new ones, and be resilient in the face of the resistance that may come with that.
Lisa invites us to examine our own practices and consider where we may be holding on too tightly to established methods or resisting new approaches. As she says, “Every evolution in our field requires us to let go of something to make space for growth. The cost of not bringing new ideas into our work is often greater than the discomfort we feel when we’re met with opposition.” By engaging in a process of continual learning and self-reflection, we ensure that our therapeutic approaches evolve to meet the needs of our clients.
“Of course, we want to make sure our approaches are safe and effective, but that doesn’t mean we can’t push the boundaries a bit. Innovation comes from questioning what’s already there and daring to think differently.”
Takeaways: Embracing Evolution and Trusting the Process
In this episode, Lisa leaves us with powerful reflections on the value of authenticity and courage in our work. She believes that every new idea is an opportunity to build on what’s already there, to adapt, and to expand. “Evolution requires newness,” she said. “Authenticity requires newness. We can’t be authentic if we’re not bringing something fresh and creative to the table.”
Lisa’s advice to therapists trying something new? Expect some pushback—and maybe even a bit of criticism. But don’t let that discourage you. Instead, use it as a tool to strengthen your ideas and refine your practice. “Remember, any discomfort you feel when putting something new out there is nothing compared to the discomfort of never putting it out at all. Rejection from others can sting, but rejecting your own ideas hurts more.”
Lisa’s journey with SPT is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to your vision. So, if you’re a clinician with an innovative approach or an idea that challenges the status quo, take Lisa’s advice: hold onto your dream, embrace the process, and trust that growth—both personal and professional—is on the other side.
As clinicians, the greatest gift we can give our clients is our willingness to evolve, to bring our whole selves to the playroom, and to support them with methods that honor their complexity and individuality.
Much love on the journey 💜
