In this 3-hour home study course, Lisa Dion explores what it means for the play therapist to become an external regulator during trauma integration. Drawing from neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, and Synergetic Play Therapy, you’ll discover why a child’s ability to move toward and integrate intense experiences is deeply connected to the therapist’s capacity to remain present, regulated, and attuned.
You’ll explore what regulation actually means, how the therapist’s nervous system influences the co-regulatory process, and what can happen when either the child or therapist becomes overwhelmed by the intensity in the room. You’ll also learn practical ways to strengthen your own capacity to stay connected to yourself while staying deeply connected to the child.
This work isn’t about keeping the child from becoming activated. It’s about developing the capacity to stay with the activation—without becoming swept away by it—so the child can experience intensity within the context of relationship and move toward greater integration.
And the work goes both ways. When therapists develop the capacity to regulate themselves through intense moments, they not only become more available to their clients—they also create the conditions for greater sustainability and longevity in their own work.
Presenter
Lisa Dion
Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, is an international teacher, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy, founder and President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute.
Why Add SPT to Your Practice?
“I personally took a lot out of this [program], not all of it was new, but what was new was extremely useful and impactful. What wasn’t new was an excellent reminder to go back to my roots of attachment and emotional work when working with children just like I have worked with youth and adults over the years but in a slightly different context. My entire team has felt the positive impact of this training on our work and we are very happy that we all did it at the same time. We will be able to continue to practice it together and that is very exciting.”
“This experience has been validating to my entire human experience, and offered a clear framework to better connect with myself, client, and world! I know this was only the tip of the iceberg into integrating these powerful concepts, and I’m so hooked, I’ve already signed up for certification to continue my journey!”
“It’s been over 2 years since I took the Synergetic Play Therapy [program]. One of the best choices I’ve ever made. The magnitude of deeply attuning with our clients…and ourselves…is immeasurable!”