Welcome to Play Therapy Institute of Colorado’s E-Learning Site

Please select a course below to get started.

  • Advanced Synergetic Play Therapy Training Program 2026

    Registration Deadline is March 13, 2026, at 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)

    (Or until registration is full!)

    This advanced level program, designed exclusively for those who have completed the Level 2 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program, is an immersive, 4-day in-person experience offering an in-depth exploration of advanced Synergetic Play Therapy concepts. You’ll learn to apply these concepts across a broad spectrum of client groups and age ranges from children, caregivers, groups/families and teens/adults.

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

    Throughout the program, you will engage in interactive learning experiences, including dynamic role-plays and live demonstrations. These activities will allow you to observe and influence real-time therapeutic scenarios, enhancing your Synergetic Play Therapy skills and theoretical understanding. Additionally, you’ll collaborate with fellow Certified SPTers, sharing insights and discussing complex cases to enrich your learning experience. This program is crafted to integrate your existing knowledge with advanced teachings, boosting your confidence and proficiency in Synergetic Play Therapy theory and tenets!

    Join us to expand your skills and deepen your practice, gaining valuable tools to enhance your therapeutic work with different client groups and across the lifespan!

    “The Advanced SPT training provided me with more clarity and capacity for my clients of all ages and was transformational on a deep personal level. I arrived feeling somewhat stuck in my work and left energized and inspired. I’d recommend this training to anyone wanting to explore SPT concepts more deeply and engage in meaningful personal growth.”
    Taylor D.
    *Keep scrolling for all of the program details and to read more about this year's venue!
  • Join us for an opportunity to go back to the basics AND meet full Recertification requirements for your Certified Synergetic Play Therapist or Certified Synergetic Play Provider credential!

    Registration deadline is January 26th, 2026, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)

    Renewal of the Certified Synergetic Play Therapist or Certified Synergetic Play Provider credential is required every 3 years. In order to renew, students must demonstrate that they have remained engaged in the study of foundational Synergetic Play Therapy teachings through identified courses/programs. This program meets the full requirement of renewing the Certified Synergetic Play Therapist or Certified Synergetic Play Provider credential. Students who do not complete recertification requirements can no longer use the title of Certified Synergetic Play Therapist or Certified Synergetic Play Provider until renewal occurs.  During the Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Recertification program, you will have the opportunity to go back to the foundational understandings and tenets of Synergetic Play Therapy. Likely, the first time you took your Level 1 Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program, you spent the majority of your time trying to orient towards a new way of being in the playroom while grabbing ahold of some of the details of the Synergetic Play Therapy philosophy. This is why it is so important to go back to the basics every few years, to fill in the missing details in your understanding and to also confirm what you have fully integrated, plus the teachings are always being updated with new research and nuance!

    Click here to learn more about how the program has changed over the last few years!

    Recertification Program Requirements: 
    • Attend all 3 live webinars (see dates below) and take notes on the provided handouts
    • Complete each video module and take notes on the provided handouts
    • Complete an Integration assignment to help you reflect on your learning
    • Email all notes to the Institute to confirm completion of the program and to receive your CE Certificate
      *For full program details including cost, dates, and learning objectives, see below.
  • Register by October 27, 2025, at 12pm Mountain Time (Denver) to join!

    This Certified SPT Supervisor Consultation Group, facilitated by Lisa Dion, is designed to offer support and guidance to individuals that have graduated from the Level 3 Becoming a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor program. The purpose of this group is for Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisors to bring real cases and questions regarding how to supervise their supervisee(s) and to get real time feedback and support! This group is for you if you...
    • Feel alone as a supervisor and want to be a part of a kick ass community
    • Sometimes feel “stuck” with your supervisees
    • Want feedback regarding your skills so that you can take them to the next level
    • Want support in learning and integrating various applications of Synergetic Play Therapy in your supervision work
    • Want to keep learning how to become a supervisor
    • Want to hear about others' cases and learn from your peers
    Over the course of 10 months, this group will meet a total of 8 times! That's 8 opportunities for support, guidance, and community! *Participation in this group also meets partial requirements for SPT Credential Renewal/Recertification of the Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor credential! Keep scrolling for dates, cost, and other important information!  
  • Register by October 27, 2025, at 12pm Mountain Time (Denver) to join!

    This Certified SPT Supervisor Consultation Group, facilitated by Lisa Dion, is designed to offer support and guidance to individuals that have graduated from the Level 3 Becoming a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor program. The purpose of this group is for Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisors to bring real cases and questions regarding how to supervise their supervisee(s) and to get real time feedback and support! This group is for you if you...
    • Feel alone as a supervisor and want to be a part of a kick ass community
    • Sometimes feel “stuck” with your supervisees
    • Want feedback regarding your skills so that you can take them to the next level
    • Want support in learning and integrating various applications of Synergetic Play Therapy in your supervision work
    • Want to keep learning how to become a supervisor
    • Want to hear about others' cases and learn from your peers
    Over the course of 10 months, this group will meet a total of 8 times! That's 8 opportunities for support, guidance, and community! *Participation in this group also meets partial requirements for SPT Credential Renewal/Recertification of the Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor credential! Keep scrolling for dates, cost, and other important information!
  • Registration Deadline is March 13, 2026, at 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)

    (Or until registration is full!)

    This advanced level program, designed exclusively for those who have completed the Level 2 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program, is an immersive, 4-day in-person experience offering an in-depth exploration of advanced Synergetic Play Therapy concepts. You’ll learn to apply these concepts across a broad spectrum of client groups and age ranges from children, caregivers, groups/families and teens/adults.

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

    Throughout the program, you will engage in interactive learning experiences, including dynamic role-plays and live demonstrations. These activities will allow you to observe and influence real-time therapeutic scenarios, enhancing your Synergetic Play Therapy skills and theoretical understanding. Additionally, you’ll collaborate with fellow Certified SPTers, sharing insights and discussing complex cases to enrich your learning experience. This program is crafted to integrate your existing knowledge with advanced teachings, boosting your confidence and proficiency in Synergetic Play Therapy theory and tenets!

    Join us to expand your skills and deepen your practice, gaining valuable tools to enhance your therapeutic work with different client groups and across the lifespan!

    “The Advanced SPT training provided me with more clarity and capacity for my clients of all ages and was transformational on a deep personal level. I arrived feeling somewhat stuck in my work and left energized and inspired. I’d recommend this training to anyone wanting to explore SPT concepts more deeply and engage in meaningful personal growth.”
    Taylor D.
    *Keep scrolling for all of the program details and to read more about this year's venue!
  • 2026-2027 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification Program 

    Please use this product to finalize your registration for the 2026-2027 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification Program. If paying before or by the Early Bird deadline, you may use the coupon code provided via email to apply your discount at checkout. The final payment deadline for this program is June 30, 2026. Program Cost by Tiers: Tier 1 - $4382 USD, Tier 2 - $3702 USD, Tier 3 - $3249 USD
    • Tier 1 Currencies: Bahamas (BSD), Bahrain (BHD), Cayman Islands (KYD), Europe (EUR), Gibraltar (GIP), Jordan (JOD), Kuwait (KWD), Oman (OMR), Switzerland (CHF), United Kingdom (GBP), United States (USD)
    • Tier 2 Currencies: Australia (AUD), Bermuda (BMD), Brazil (BRL), Brunei (BND), Bulgaria (BGN), Canada (CAN), Figi (FJD), New Zealand (NZD), Panama (PAB), Singapore (SGD)
    • Tier 3 Currencies: All other currencies not mentioned in Tier 1 or Tier 2
    Use the dropdown menu, below, to select your tiered payment option based on the information above. Your selection will finalize your registration for this program. Your registration will remain incomplete until your payment is received. Tier selection will be verified against billing information before registration is officially confirmed. Should you have any questions, please contact the Institute by emailing info@synergeticplaytherapy.com

    Looking to pay in installments? Click here for payment plan options.

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • 2026-2027 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification Program 

    Please use this product to finalize your registration for the 2026-2027 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification Program. If paying before or by the Early Bird deadline, you may use the coupon code provided via email to apply your discount at checkout. The final payment deadline for this program is June 30, 2026. Payment Plan Options by Tiers: 
    • Tier 1 - $536 USD/month for 9 months OR $402 USD/month for 12 months
    • Tier 2 - $452 USD/month for 9 months OR $339 USD/month for 12 months
    • Tier 3 - $397 USD/month for 9 months OR $298 USD/month for 12 months
    Find your Tier, below, by Currency:
    • Tier 1 Currencies: Bahamas (BSD), Bahrain (BHD), Cayman Islands (KYD), Europe (EUR), Gibraltar (GIP), Jordan (JOD), Kuwait (KWD), Oman (OMR), Switzerland (CHF), United Kingdom (GBP), United States (USD)
    • Tier 2 Currencies: Australia (AUD), Bermuda (BMD), Brazil (BRL), Brunei (BND), Bulgaria (BGN), Canada (CAN), Figi (FJD), New Zealand (NZD), Panama (PAB), Singapore (SGD)
    • Tier 3 Currencies: All other currencies not mentioned in Tier 1 or Tier 2
    Use the dropdown menu, below, to select your tiered payment option based on the information above. Your selection will finalize your registration for this program. Your registration will remain incomplete until your payment is received. Tier selection will be verified against billing information before registration is officially confirmed. Should you have any questions, please contact the Institute by emailing info@synergeticplaytherapy.com

    Click here to pay in full instead!

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • 2026-2027 Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification Program

    Early Bird Application Deadline is April 1, 2026 Final Application Deadline is June 16, 2026 (or until program is full)

    You've already seen the powerful impact of Synergetic Play Therapy through the Level 1 Introductory program—now, imagine what’s possible when you take your skills even further.  The Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program is designed to help you embody the therapeutic skills that will unlock profound transformation for both you and your clients. Imagine feeling more attuned, confident, and capable in every session—able to guide your clients through breakthroughs that go beyond the surface. As one participant put it, “I already got my money’s worth in just the first day!” Are you ready to embody the next level of healing and authenticity? Start your journey now to discover how this program can transform your practice.

    *Keep scrolling to learn about program dates, cost, learning objectives, scholarship opportunities, CE credit hours, and more!

    If you are ready to submit your application, click "Add to Cart" below to pay the $150 application fee. Once payment is confirmed, you will be sent a link to complete the online application!

  • Registration NOW OPEN for the January 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program!

    Use Early Bird coupon code "January2026Intro" for $50 USD off until January 9th!

    Are you ready to learn a transformative play therapy approach that combines the power of play with the latest in interpersonal neurobiology?

    Discover the Program:

    The level 1 Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program is designed for both beginning and experienced practitioners, offering the tools to deepen your understanding of play therapy and apply cutting-edge neuroscience in your practice. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll explore:

    Regulation:

    • Become an external regulator to support repatterning a child's nervous system for integration and healing.
    • Learn how to teach a child interoceptive (body) awareness (the key ingredient for self-regulation and co-regulation).
    • Understand how nervous system activation connects to mental health symptoms.

    The Brain & Neuroscience:

    • Learn how to create a neuroception of safety during emotional flooding.
    • Set boundaries that support brain integration while keeping children engaged in therapy.
    • Use reflections and responses that target multiple areas of the brain for deeper healing.

    Collaborative Relationships:

    • Build effective partnerships with caregivers to support the therapeutic process.
    • Help caregivers recognize that all behaviors make sense, even challenging ones.
    • Set goals, track a child's therapeutic progress, and translate the child's play to their caregivers and others.

    Authenticity & Congruence:

    • Use therapist authenticity to promote profound client change and prevent burnout.
    • Explore aggressive play, sand, and art through the lenses of regulation, mindfulness, and attachment.
    • Cultivate cultural sensitivity to honor the unique experiences and needs of each client.

    Join the growing number of mental health professionals and those in related roles (child life specialists, school counselors, occupational therapists, etc.) who are learning Synergetic Play Therapy!

    “I’m learning Synergetic Play Therapy with Lisa Dion after over 20 years of providing play therapy and 10+ years of providing play therapy training and supervision. I'm here today to tell you that what she is teaching is a game changer. Every one of us needs to understand in an embodied way what it means to combine neurobiology and relationship as the foundation of all the work we are doing with clients, but also with colleagues, friends, family members and SELF. Much of what I’m learning, I've known and done intuitively for years but it is SO liberating to connect the dots and have an understanding through the neurobiological lens of WHY we need to utilize and trust what we feel in our own bodies when in connection with another person.”
    Lynn Louise Wonders
    “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!”
    Jackie Flynn
    “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.”
    Mike Smith
    “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!”
    Jessie Brockmeier
    “This [program] was a perfect combination of understanding the current science/research, gaining clinical understanding and learning new practical skills in order to find the perfect balance of how to work with clients and their families.”
    Kaity Sollenberger
    “This [program] really was more of an experience. I connected with myself on a deeper level and feel it is going to help me immensely in my work. Lisa explained the content in a simple way that I was able to understand, including multiple learning tools to solidify concepts. It was phenomenal!”
    Kayla Barnett

    Upcoming Registration Deadlines:

    • January 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
      • Early Bird Deadline: January 9, 2026, (Use coupon code "January2026Intro" at checkout for $50 USD off!)
      • Final Registration Deadline: January 26, 2026, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
    • June 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
      • Registration Opens: January 26, 2026
    For full program details including cost, dates, learning objectives, and more, keep scrolling!
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Registration NOW OPEN for the January 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program!

    Use Early Bird coupon code "January2026Intro" for $50 USD off the first month's payment until January 9th!

    Are you ready to learn a transformative play therapy approach that combines the power of play with the latest in interpersonal neurobiology?

    Discover the Program:

    The level 1 Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program is designed for both beginning and experienced practitioners, offering the tools to deepen your understanding of play therapy and apply cutting-edge neuroscience in your practice. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll explore:

    Regulation:

    • Become an external regulator to support repatterning a child's nervous system for integration and healing.
    • Learn how to teach a child interoceptive (body) awareness (the key ingredient for self-regulation and co-regulation).
    • Understand how nervous system activation connects to mental health symptoms.

    The Brain & Neuroscience:

    • Learn how to create a neuroception of safety during emotional flooding.
    • Set boundaries that support brain integration while keeping children engaged in therapy.
    • Use reflections and responses that target multiple areas of the brain for deeper healing.

    Collaborative Relationships:

    • Build effective partnerships with caregivers to support the therapeutic process.
    • Help caregivers recognize that all behaviors make sense, even challenging ones.
    • Set goals, track a child's therapeutic progress, and translate the child's play to their caregivers and others.

    Authenticity & Congruence:

    • Use therapist authenticity to promote profound client change and prevent burnout.
    • Explore aggressive play, sand, and art through the lenses of regulation, mindfulness, and attachment.
    • Cultivate cultural sensitivity to honor the unique experiences and needs of each client.

    Join the growing number of mental health professionals and those in related roles (child life specialists, school counselors, occupational therapists, etc.) who are learning Synergetic Play Therapy!

    “I’m learning Synergetic Play Therapy with Lisa Dion after over 20 years of providing play therapy and 10+ years of providing play therapy training and supervision. I'm here today to tell you that what she is teaching is a game changer. Every one of us needs to understand in an embodied way what it means to combine neurobiology and relationship as the foundation of all the work we are doing with clients, but also with colleagues, friends, family members and SELF. Much of what I’m learning, I've known and done intuitively for years but it is SO liberating to connect the dots and have an understanding through the neurobiological lens of WHY we need to utilize and trust what we feel in our own bodies when in connection with another person.”
    Lynn Louise Wonders
    “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!”
    Jackie Flynn
    “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.”
    Mike Smith
    “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!”
    Jessie Brockmeier
    “This [program] was a perfect combination of understanding the current science/research, gaining clinical understanding and learning new practical skills in order to find the perfect balance of how to work with clients and their families.”
    Kaity Sollenberger
    “This [program] really was more of an experience. I connected with myself on a deeper level and feel it is going to help me immensely in my work. Lisa explained the content in a simple way that I was able to understand, including multiple learning tools to solidify concepts. It was phenomenal!”
    Kayla Barnett

    Upcoming Registration Deadlines:

    • January 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
      • Early Bird Deadline: January 9, 2026, (Use coupon code "January2026Intro" at checkout for $50 USD off!)
      • Final Registration Deadline: January 26, 2026, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
    • June 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
      • Registration Opens: January 26, 2026
    For full program details including cost, dates, learning objectives, and more, keep scrolling!
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Register Today to Reserve Your Spot!

    Back by popular demand - revised, energized, and with both an in-person AND virtual option - we invite you to join Lisa Dion for The Business of Therapy, November 13th-15th, 2025, in breathtaking San Diego, California! This year’s event will be held at the luxurious Hilton San Diego Bayfront

    Hear what past The Business of Therapy Participants have to say about the course in the video below!

    We are also bringing back the exclusive VIP Experience!

    (VIP EXPERIENCE IS SOLD OUT! Thank you to the first 20 to sign up!)

    First offered in 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 20 attendees on a first-come-first-serve basis will have the chance to join Lisa for 4 additional hours on the final day of the course and dive into more invaluable insights - Lisa will personally guide you through a series of exercises designed to fine-tune your plans and propel you toward success! The VIP pass also comes with special surprises along the way, focused time with Lisa, and, to top it off, a night out in San Diego together (should you wish to join)! Lisa will also be hosting a virtual "meet and greet" for VIPs only prior to the first day of the course to share details about the VIP Experience and begin to discuss your goals!
    "Attending The Business of Therapy has been nothing short of transformational for my business journey year after year! [In 2024] I joined the VIP experience, and WOW, it was a total game-changer! The extra time with Lisa provided invaluable clarity, awareness, and direction for my business path. I left feeling inspired, laser-focused, and ready to take bold, strategic action.” – Liliana Baylon
    Keep scrolling to learn more about this course and the In-Person Experience! If you already know that you would like to attend the course Virtually/Online, CLICK HERE! *Please pay special attention to the in-person or online selection made when purchasing your course. You will not have the opportunity to switch your attendance from one format to the other after the registration deadline. **If you have taken The Business of Therapy course before, please check your email your email for a link to the Returning Student product page or contact the Institute.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Applications have closed! Thank you to all who applied!

    Becoming a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor isn’t just about offering guidance—it’s about embodying the core tenets of Synergetic Play Therapy and creating an environment where growth and transformation can happen for both you and your supervisees. In this program, you will:
    • Learn to establish strong, trusting supervisory relationships using SPT principles, understanding how to assess supervisees at different stages of their development and guide their growth.
    • Explore complex ethical dilemmas, including how to manage dual relationships, maintain authenticity, and apply legal and ethical considerations in the supervision process.
    • Master cultural awareness and humility by applying SPT tenets through a cultural opportunity lens, supporting therapists in navigating diversity in their clinical work.
    • Enhance your supervisory skills by using reflective practice to empower supervisees to explore their therapeutic work and personal development, while also reflecting on your own patterns as a supervisor.
    This newly revamped program is designed to ensure you’re equipped to provide a supervision experience that promotes both personal and professional growth in your supervisees. With 34.5 hours of training through live webinars, recorded lessons, and hands-on consultation, you’ll finish this program feeling empowered in your role as a supervisor. ***Before submitting your application, please review the APPLICATION CHECKLIST to ensure you have all of the necessary documents and meet all program requirements!

    Applications have closed! Please contact the Institute with any questions.

    For full program details including program prerequisites, program cost, live webinar dates, and CE Credit Hour information, keep scrolling!
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