Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification Program 2023-2024

Applications for 2023-2024 program will be accepted beginning in December 2023 through June 16th, 2023. Check back soon!

We know being a therapist / provider requires us to be on a journey of ongoing learning and self growth… And the Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program is designed just for this reason – to support you on your journey of growing, evolving, and transforming as a play therapist or play provider!

  • Develop a more in-depth understanding of neurobiology to effect deeper healing for your clients
  • Study in greater detail the projective process, how the mind works and creates perceptions and memory, and of course, so much more interpersonal neurobiology
  • Gain a transformative understanding of trauma and how integration occurs in the mind-body
  • Support your clients in getting in touch with the their authentic self to effect long-term empowerment and systemic healing
  • Learn how to use SPT with directive interventions, teens, adults & families
  • Develop a more in-depth understanding of neurobiology to effect deeper healing for your clients
  • Discover yourself as a therapist/provider and increase confidence in your expertise and abilities

With 90 hours of content plus 13 hours of consultation, the SPT Certification program propels you on a journey of inquiry about how healing truly occurs in the playroom. You will learn about nervous system activation re-patterning and how integration occurs in the mind-body. You will study in-depth the projective process and the mind, perceptions and memory, interpersonal neurobiology, and will have a transformative understanding of trauma and attachment theory. But this isn’t the best part of this training. The best part is what happens to YOU! This program is designed to not only help you learn how to facilitate your child client’s healing, but also teach you about yourself, what drives you to be who you are, and awaken your own authenticity … absolutely priceless.

Why is this the perfect time to embark on this transformational journey with us? The Certification program is so much more than learning how to work with others. It’s also about your own personal journey. Your experience will be one of “being held” while learning something that’s meaningful to you and that helps advance you in your career, skills, and confidence. 

Take it from those who have experienced the Certification program themselves.

“This journey has been empowering, inspiring, and transformative, and has changed my way of living and being. The embodiment of SPT has been the nourishment that allowed me to grow in both my personal and professional worlds. Harmoniously, as I have grown, so has my relationship with my clients, and my ability to help them do the same. SPT has been my grounding roots, a guiding light, and a breath of fresh air!” – Malia Segal

Synergetic Play Therapy Prerequisites: Must have completed an SPT introductory course and their corresponding prerequisites to apply to this program (price of prerequisite is independent of the Certification program pricing):

*For all class details, class objectives, research scholarship, and more, see below.

Category:

Description

Course Details: The course begins with 3.5 days together in community. Halfway through the course, we will reconvene for an additional 4.5 days.  During the program (with the exception of December and January), the course will be conducted twice a month via live webinar (1 1/2 hours each). Students will have additional monthly assignments to integrate learning. The Certification process includes 4 one-hour consultation sessions (pre-Certification consultation upon completion of your introductory course) and 9 one-hour consultation sessions (combination of group and individual) during the course with an SPT Consultant for a total of 13 consultation hours. These sessions are designed to help you integrate and deepen your learning. 

When and Where: Find Retreat and Class Dates Here

“SPT offers the gift of manifesting the true expression of self, for both our young clients and ourselves. We learn to engage fully in relationship. We connect and become that which fosters trust, growth, and healing. My journey through the SPT Certification process has been the most profound learning experience of my life. I am forever transformed.” – Mary Telep

What You Will Learn: Participants will gain a greater understanding and KNOWING of the below listed topics in Synergetic Play Therapy, as well as an in-depth look at the neuroscience and research behind the model. We ask therapists/providers to go within to further ask the question, “Who am I?” with the understanding that as the authentic self emerges, therapists can increase their capacity to facilitate deeper and more complex processes within the child. Therapists / Providers will also learn the details of the application of SPT theory while given the opportunity to fine tune their skills. Subjects that will be covered include:

  • What drives human behavior? Why do we do what we do?
  • Developing Interoception- the 8th sense
  • Regression and Non-verbal states
  • The mirror neuron system process
  • Developing the capacity to become the External Regulator
  • Understanding the mind and the projective process
  • Working with parents in the playroom
  • A deeper understanding of nervous system regulation
  • How to attune to your clients
  • Developing Dual Awareness
  • Memory and Trauma
  • Working with Emotional Flooding
  • SPT in groups and families
  • Translating the play to parents
  • Accessing emotional age
  • Directive SPT interventions
  • Working with sensory challenges
  • And so much more!

Learning Objectives by Class: SPT Certification Objectives by Class

Credits: 90 APT CE Non-Contact Credits

*Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, APT Approved Provider 09-264**
*Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA) Approved Provider
*British Columbia Play Therapy Association (BCPTA) Approved Provider

For an understanding of which credits can be used towards your RPT or continuing education, please contact APT for the most updated requirements. Also, please note that play therapy credit may not be awarded to non-mental health professionals. 

**Please note: in order to receive SPT credit, you must have access to working with children. If you work in the mental health profession upon completion of the course you will earn the title of “Certified Synergetic Play Therapist.” If you work with children in another capacity, upon completion of the course, you will earn the title of “Certified Synergetic Play Provider.” 

Program Requirements: 

  • Attend both multi-day online retreats and all online monthly classes.
  • Complete 10 recorded sessions of your work with your clients and complete a corresponding video self observation form for each session.
  • Complete three (3) SPT Certification Skill Assessments with your consultant.
  • 13 Consultation Sessions – 6 individual sessions and 3 small group sessions for a total of 9 hours during the program. 4 individual pre-certification or post certification (depending on when you completed Intro, Supplemental Intro, or Intensive.) If you are unable to complete your pre-certification consultations you can use them during the training.
  • Homework: approximately 2 -3 hours a month. Homework includes watching recordings of play therapy sessions, and completing video observation forms; personal reflections, and self observations of your own sessions.
  • Client Hours: In order to receive your Certification at the end of the program you need to complete a minimum of 350 client contact hours using the model. Hours accrued while in an introductory course (Intensive, Online, Supplemental) and then any hours accrued while under the supervision/receiving consultation from an SPT Supervisor or Consultant count towards the 350 client contact hours.

*Once certified, you must renew your Certified Synergetic Play Therapist or Certified Synergetic Play Provider credential every 3 years. 

Cost: $4400 (USD)/ $6300 (AUD) Click here for full pricing and discounts based on residence!

Application Deadline Dates: 

  • To receive the early bird price applications must be submitted by:  April 1st
  • To join us for the 2023-2024 Certification year your application must be submitted by: June 16th
  • Applications will be available soon!

“SPT has changed my life in a profound way. It has taught me to think differently about how to support children, how to be in relationship, and how to think more critically about the world around me. But the most profound learning from SPT has been about myself: That I have worth and that I can walk this planet being fearlessly authentic.” – Amy Bobb

Refund Policy: A Full refund will be given, minus cost of any pre-Certification consultations that may have occurred + a $250 (USD*) administrative/processing fee if cancellation is before 6-weeks from the start of your first retreat. A Partial refund will be given, minus cost of any pre-Certification consultations that may have occurred + $500 (USD*) administrative/processing fee, if a cancellation falls after 6-weeks to the start of your first retreat. No refund will be given once the class begins. You may roll over your payment to the following year’s program (within one year). If an emergency situation arises, please contact the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute to discuss the situation.

13 reviews for Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification Program 2023-2024

  1. Leah Band –

    “Not only has this process given me the confidence to be the kind of therapist I’ve always wanted to be, but this process has changed me as a human being. I am so grateful to be on this lifelong journey and part of the SPT community.” – Leah Band

  2. Malia Segal –

    “This journey has been empowering, inspiring, and transformative, and has changed my way of living and being. The embodiment of SPT has been the nourishment that allowed me to grow in both my personal and professional worlds. Harmoniously, as I have grown, so has my relationship with my clients, and my ability to help them do the same. SPT has been my grounding roots, a guiding light, and a breath of fresh air!” – Malia Segal

  3. Amy Bobb –

    “SPT has changed my life in a profound way. It has taught me to think differently about how to support children, how to be in relationship, and how to think more critically about the world around me. But the most profound learning from SPT has been about myself: That I have worth and that I can walk this planet being fearlessly authentic.” – Amy Bobb

  4. Kelah Savage –

    This experience was life changing. It is more than just a therapy model that can be used with kids. It is a way of being, existing, and growing. I love the science behind the framework and model. – Kelah Savage

  5. Natalie Olsen –

    The SPT Certification is not an easy class. It is a process of growth and with that comes being stretched and pulled out of your comfort zone, challenging your perceptions and beliefs, and trying on new lenses to view the world. This course requires work and sacrifice. However, it is well worth it and results in amazing growth and development of the entire self. – Natalie Olsen

  6. Natascha Lawrence –

    Synergetic Play Therapy has opened my mind, heart and spirit to learning how to truly be human. It has given me permission to feel the depth of my feelings inside and out of the playroom and tools to explore how to live congruently. It is the framework that allows me to connect to my clients, others and my authentic self and be okay in the discomfort. – Natascha Lawrence

  7. Kim Buller –

    SPT created space for my heart to open on deeper levels. I continue to further discover how to trust myself and I am learning to love all parts of myself. This has allowed me to be more present with my clients and their journey. – Kim Buller

  8. Bethany Mills –

    SPT not only provided the gateway to the professional growth experience I was hoping for, but also a personal growth journey I will forever hold in my heart. – Bethany Mills

  9. Ekta Bid –

    With the pandemic, I managed to sign up for the Certification program and do it from my home miles and time zones away. Grateful for the opportunity. I have learned so much from Lisa, the supervisors, the team and my fellow colleagues in the program. I’ve learned to regulate, be authentic and attuned with myself during the hardest times and be an external regulator for my family, friends, clients and all those around me. SPT has helped me grow and attach to my inner self. – Ekta Bid

  10. Megan Lelli –

    A life changing experience; to be held in community while learning to be who you are. I can’t thank Lisa and the SPT community enough for setting me on this remarkable journey. – Megan Lelli

  11. Silvia Perri –

    The Online Introduction changed my work and my life to a certain degree. But the SPT Certification program really shifted how I look at parents and clients. I gained more confidence each time I had a session. I felt how I was growing alongside my clients. If you are ready for some work and some change in your life – go for it! – Silvia Perri

  12. Mary Telep –

    SPT offers the gift of manifesting the true expression of self, for both our young clients and ourselves. We learn to engage fully in relationship. We connect and become that which fosters trust, growth, and healing. My journey through the SPT Certification process has been the most profound learning experience of my life. I am forever transformed. – Mary Telep

  13. Kellee Clark –

    Certification gave me a community that took me out of isolation, gave me a mirror that showed me the strength I hold, and created a space that safely nurtured the wounds I held and now allows me to heal others at a deeper level than ever before. Since learning SPT, I have not had the thought, “What am I doing in here?” I feel like I have all the skills and knowledge to know exactly what I am doing in each session. – Kellee Clark

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