I’m so excited to welcome you to the Advanced Synergetic Play Therapy Training Program on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia! Thank you for making the incredible decision to join us for this special experience – I couldn’t be more delighted to have you on this journey with me.

Over four immersive days—April 10-13, 2026—we’ll dive deeper than ever into Synergetic Play Therapy, expanding your skills and understanding across different client groups and developmental stages. This advanced training is designed to help you push the boundaries of your SPT practice, explore new techniques, and step confidently into more complex therapeutic scenarios.

Together, we’ll learn through direct experience—whether it’s witnessing live demonstrations, engaging in role-play, or exploring the nuances of the SPT model in real-time. You’ll see me, right there in the middle of the room, playing out scenarios, pausing, answering questions, and adjusting in the moment based on your insights. This dynamic environment allows us all to grow together, fostering both community and deeper learning.

I hope you’re feeling as excited as I am about the richness and depth we’re going to explore together. You’re not only stepping into an advanced level of SPT but also into a beautiful community of fellow practitioners who are ready to learn, share, and grow alongside you.

This experience will be unforgettable, full of connection, play, and profound learning moments. Remember to bring your curiosity, openness, and willingness to explore new dimensions of yourself as a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist/Provider.

Thank you for choosing to continue this journey. I can’t wait to see you there and to take this next step together in advancing your Synergetic Play Therapy skills!

With so much love and excitement,

Lisa

This four day, in-person program includes an immersive and experiential learning experience with Lisa Dion with a focus on deepening your understanding on how to work with children, caregivers, groups and families, and adults. (A total of 24 hours of hands-on learning!)

Each day, you will begin by reviewing what you learned during the Level 2 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program. We will then work through advanced complexities by role playing specific scenarios and application. You will have the opportunity to work with other Certified SPTers to practice and deepen your understanding of these advanced Synergetic Play Therapy skills and connect with each other along the way.  These four days are also focused on supporting you in discovering your edges, your growth, and ultimately helping you attach more deeply to yourself.

Get ready to explore:

Children

  • Deepen your understanding of working with children in Synergetic Play Therapy.
  • Engage in role play scenarios to handle complex child behaviors and emotions.
  • Learn to deepen the therapeutic relationship and foster greater attachment to self and healing for your young clients.

Parents/Caregivers

  • Learn more ways to support and engage parents and caregivers.
  • Gain a greater understanding of how to become the caregiver’s external regulator and involve them in their child’s healing process.

Groups/Families

  • Go deeper applying your Synergetic Play Therapy skills with groups and families.
  • Watch Lisa facilitate complex family and group dynamic scenarios.
  • Learn to navigate and resolve challenges within group and family therapy settings.

Teens/Adults

  • Deepen your understanding of Synergetic Psychotherapy™ for teen and adult clients.
  • Apply your Synergetic Play Therapy skills (authenticity, mindfulness, emotional congruence, reflective dialogue, regulation, etc.) and tailor them to your teen and adult clients.
  • Explore how to “SPT” your sessions with teens and adult clients, supporting them in moving from deflective awareness to reflective awareness.

Program Schedule:

When: April 10-13, 2026, 8:30am – 3:30pm Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST)

Program Schedule: All times below are listed in Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST)

  • Day 1: April 10, 2026
    • 8:30am – 12:30pm Teaching
    • 12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch provided
    • 1:30pm – 3:30pm Teaching
  • Day 2: April 11, 2026
    • 8:30am – 12:30pm Teaching
    • 12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch provided
    • 1:30pm – 3:30pm Teaching
  • Day 3: April 12, 2026
    • 8:30am – 12:30pm Teaching
    • 12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch provided
    • 1:30pm – 3:30pm Teaching
  • Day 4: April 13, 2026
    • 8:30am – 12:30pm Teaching
    • 12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch provided
    • 1:30pm – 3:30pm Teaching

*There will also be coffee/tea upon arrival and a break in the morning for tea service each day.

Dietary Requirements:

We will be providing snacks and lunch each day with menus that will fit a variety of dietary needs! To ensure that allergy and dietary requirements are considered, please complete the Dietary Requirements Questionnaire below by no later than February 13, 2026:

Dietary Requirements Questionnaire

What To Bring With You:

  • Your Program Handouts
  • Miniatures for experientials
  • A journal
  • A small candle

Booking Your Room:

All bookings will occur directly through Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort. (We encourage you to book your room for this event ASAP as this event will occur during a peak season!)

*The Synergetic Play Therapy Institute has a promo code for 15% off your booking! Use promo code “CONF15” when booking to redeem this discount!*

PRO BOOKING TIP: Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort has recently renovated their Executive Rooms! We highly encourage you to book an Executive Room for this stay for an extra level of comfort. There are a limited number of Executive Rooms available so act fast! 

All Executive Rooms feature abundant light and space, a bright and coastal feeling with clean lines and contemporary décor, and offer more space to really relax and reset!

Accessibility: A limited number of Special Access Rooms are available upon request, subject to availability. For questions, please contact H1644@accor.com

*If you are looking for a roommate for this event, please check out the WhatsApp Group, below!

Know Before You Go:

Novotel Sunshine Coast is a 4 star beachfront resort nestled between ocean and river and is the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure! The perfect place to reset, connect back to yourself, and enjoy time with fellow Certified SPTers. And, if you are planning to bring your family along, the resort has endless on-site activities for all ages!

Feeling Adventurous? Enjoy on-site activities like:

  • Walking trails
  • Catamaran sailing and kayaking on a private lagoon
  • Watersports and paddle boarding
  • Minigolf
  • Outdoor fitness centers and gym
  • and more!

Need Some R&R? 

  • Soak up some sun at the luxury pool
  • Relax at the outdoor spa
  • Enjoy dining at Sola restaurant and bar (with an alfresco deck!)
  • Grab a barista-crafted coffee at the Deli Market and Cafe!

*PLUS, an abundance of unique, nearby attractions such as Australia Zoo, Eumundi Markets, Aussie World, Sea Life and lush hinterland areas rich in arts, crafts and local culture!*

WhatsApp Group (Optional):

If you would like to begin to connect with your fellow Certified SPTers ahead of our time together in April, we have created an optional WhatsApp group for you! 

Join the 2026 Advanced SPT Training Program WhatsApp Group

*Please note: this group will not be monitored by the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and is solely intended to be a place for participants to connect and support each other before and during the event.

CE Credit Hours: 24 CE Credit Hours, NBCC Content Area: Counselor Professional Identity and Practice Issues

Synergetic Play Therapy Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7450. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Synergetic Play Therapy Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

*NBCC credit may not be awarded to non-mental health professionals. 

*This program offers CE credits through the British Columbia Play Therapy Association (BCPTA) Approved Provider #23-01 and Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA) Approved Provider.

*This program meets FULL SPT Credential Renewal/Recertification requirements for the Certified Synergetic Play Therapist/Certified Synergetic Play Provider credentials. 

Click on the first lesson below “Advanced Synergetic Play Therapy Training Program 2026 – Program Agreements” to get started!