Welcome to Play Therapy Institute of Colorado’s E-Learning Site
Please select a course below to get started.
-
Space is Very Limited! Sign Up TODAY to Reserve Your Spot!
Renewal of the Certified Synergetic Play Therapist or Certified Synergetic Play Provider credential is required every 3 years. In order to renew, students must complete an approved program focused on principle SPT concepts and submit a CE Verification Form to the Institute as confirmation. This program meets FULL SPT Credential Renewal/Recertification requirements for the Certified Synergetic Play Therapist/Certified Synergetic Play Provider credential! During the 3-Day In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy 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 a Level 1 Introductory course/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 review and stay up to date on the most current information. Now you have the opportunity to do so and fill in the missing details in your understanding IN PERSON! Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Recertification Program Requirements:- Attend and participate fully in 3 days of in-person training in Brisbane, Australia
- Complete additional online video lessons
- Complete an Integration Assignment to help you reflect on and demonstrate your learning
Learn a solid play therapy theory that combines the power of play with interpersonal neurobiology in Brisbane, Australia!
Registration Deadline is August 29, 2025 | Space is Limited! Reserve Your Spot Today!
Use Early Bird Coupon Code “Brisbane2025” for $50 USD off until May 6th, 2025!
Click here to experience how you can transform you and your child clients from the inside out!
You asked and we answered! For those of you who have wanted to enroll in our signature Level 1 Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program, but are seeking an in-person experience, this program is for you! Have you been searching for ways to create a deeper impact for your clients? Or perhaps you are wanting to improve or learn more about...- Becoming an external regulator to support children with integration and repatterning the activation of their nervous system.
- Supporting healing at deeper levels through right brain to right brain attuned communication
- Teaching children interoceptive (body) awareness (...the key ingredient for self-regulation and co-regulation)
- Creating a neuroception of safety for a child when emotional flooding happens
- Setting boundaries with the brain in mind to not minimize, shame or shut down the child's play, but keep them engaged in their therapy process
- Building collaborative relationships with caregivers to support their child's therapeutic process
- Developing goals, tracking a child's therapeutic process, and translating what's happening during the child's therapy session to their caregiver(s) and others in the world
- Helping children develop a secure attachment to themselves (...a foundation of resilience)
- Applying SPT concepts from a cultural lens for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive clinical orientation where a client's unique experiences and needs are honored
- How to feel a little more like YOU in the therapy process (...because we know inauthenticity is the fastest way to burnout and compassion fatigue)
- And so much more!
"SPT is the missing piece in play therapy. I gained an understanding of who I am in the playroom - a humanness that wasn't there before." -Frances Donohue
Join the growing number of mental health professionals, those in related roles (Child Life Specialists, School Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Coaches, etc.), and parents/caregivers who are learning SPT!
Check out what past students had to say about their experiences here.
Keep scrolling to learn about program dates, cost, learning objectives, scholarship opportunities, CE credit hours, and more.
Learn a solid play therapy theory that combines the power of play with interpersonal neurobiology in Chicago, Illinois!
Registration Deadline is March 14th, 2025 | Space is Limited! Reserve Your Spot Today!
Click here to experience how you can transform you and your child clients from the inside out!
You asked and we answered! For those of you who have wanted to enroll in our signature Level 1 Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program, but are seeking an in-person experience, this program is for you! Have you been searching for ways to create a deeper impact for your clients? Or perhaps you are wanting to improve or learn more about...- Becoming an external regulator to support children with integration and repatterning the activation of their nervous system.
- Supporting healing at deeper levels through right brain to right brain attuned communication.
- Teaching children interoceptive (body) awareness (...the key ingredient for self-regulation and co-regulation).
- Creating a neuroception of safety for a child when emotional flooding happens.
- Setting boundaries with the brain in mind to not minimize, shame or shut down the child's play, but keep them engaged in their therapy process.
- Building collaborative relationships with caregivers to support their child's therapeutic process.
- Developing goals, tracking a child's therapeutic process, and translating what's happening during the child's therapy session to their caregiver(s) and others in the world.
- Helping children develop a secure attachment to themselves (...a foundation of resilience).
- Applying SPT concepts from a cultural lens for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive clinical orientation where a client's unique experiences and needs are honored.
- How to feel a little more like YOU in the therapy process (...because we know inauthenticity is the fastest way to burnout and compassion fatigue).
And so much more! Discover how to take your clients to deeper levels of healing!
"SPT is the missing piece in play therapy. I gained an understanding of who I am in the playroom - a humanness that wasn't there before." -Frances Donohue
Check out what past students had to say about their experiences here!
The join the growing number of mental health professionals, those in related roles (Child Life Specialists, School Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Coaches, etc.) and parents/caregivers who are learning SPT!
*Keep scrolling to learn about program dates, cost, learning objectives, scholarship opportunities, CE credit hours, and more!
Learn a solid play therapy theory that combines the power of play with interpersonal neurobiology in Brisbane, Australia!
Registration Deadline is August 29, 2025 | Space is Limited! Reserve Your Spot Today!
Use Early Bird Coupon Code “Brisbane2025” for $50 USD off until May 6th, 2025!
Click here to experience how you can transform you and your child clients from the inside out!
You asked and we answered! For those of you who have wanted to enroll in our signature Level 1 Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program, but are seeking an in-person experience, this program is for you! Have you been searching for ways to create a deeper impact for your clients? Or perhaps you are wanting to improve or learn more about...- Becoming an external regulator to support children with integration and repatterning the activation of their nervous system.
- Supporting healing at deeper levels through right brain to right brain attuned communication
- Teaching children interoceptive (body) awareness (...the key ingredient for self-regulation and co-regulation)
- Creating a neuroception of safety for a child when emotional flooding happens
- Setting boundaries with the brain in mind to not minimize, shame or shut down the child's play, but keep them engaged in their therapy process
- Building collaborative relationships with caregivers to support their child's therapeutic process
- Developing goals, tracking a child's therapeutic process, and translating what's happening during the child's therapy session to their caregiver(s) and others in the world
- Helping children develop a secure attachment to themselves (...a foundation of resilience)
- Applying SPT concepts from a cultural lens for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive clinical orientation where a client's unique experiences and needs are honored
- How to feel a little more like YOU in the therapy process (...because we know inauthenticity is the fastest way to burnout and compassion fatigue)
- And so much more!
"SPT is the missing piece in play therapy. I gained an understanding of who I am in the playroom - a humanness that wasn't there before." -Frances Donohue
Join the growing number of mental health professionals, those in related roles (Child Life Specialists, School Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Coaches, etc.), and parents/caregivers who are learning SPT!
Check out what past students had to say about their experiences here.
Keep scrolling to learn about program dates, cost, learning objectives, scholarship opportunities, CE credit hours, and more.
2025-2026 Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification Program
Early Bird Pricing Application Deadline is April 1, 2025 Final Application Deadline is June 16, 2025
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. Click the link below to take the first step toward transformation ....Click here FIRST to experience how this program can transform your work and your SELF!
.... Now that you have begun to feel what this program has to offer you, we hope you will choose to join us on this 10-month journey! This 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!
Application Deadline is January 22, 2025!
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.
APPLY NOW to Become a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor!
For full program details including program prerequisites, program cost, live webinar dates, and CE Credit Hour information, keep scrolling!
COME BACK TO REVIEW, REFRESH, & KEEP LEARNING KEY INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS OF SYNERGETIC PLAY THERAPY - FOR FREE!
JANUARY 2025 - JUNE 2025
As a previous student of any Level 1 Introductory program (Online/In-person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy Supplemental, Synergetic Play Therapy Intensive), you are invited to come back for this FREE Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Refresher course. Each month, you will get access to short videos that highlight important and key introductory concepts of Synergetic Play Therapy. These videos will be followed up by a monthly LIVE one-hour webinar with Judy Norman, Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Teacher, Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor, and Co-instructor, along with Lisa, for the Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program, for an opportunity to come back into community. That’s six new opportunities to review, connect, and deepen your learning of the basic principles of Synergetic Play Therapy! Plus, you’ll get access to handouts and additional resources/short videos to keep the learning going. During the webinars, Judy will add in new understandings, as well as help you review, deepen, and continue to apply the basic principles and key concepts of Synergetic Play Therapy into your clinical practice or daily life. Plus, Lisa is constantly learning herself and updating the Synergetic Play Therapy teachings, so this course will also give you the opportunity to hear new nuances and insights as they have been added to the Level 1 program. This course is only open to those who have already completed a Level 1 SPT Introductory program. Please contact info@synergeticplaytherapy.com if you have questions.For more details, see below.
Registration closes July 30, 2025, for the 3.5 Day Learning Retreat!
Did you know that as an esteemed alumnus of the Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program, you have the opportunity to return to the online learning retreats and join new cohorts of the Certification program - eager, possibly terrified, and ready to be inspired? (Remember that?)Why Come Back?As part of the ongoing commitment to keep the teaching of Synergetic Play Therapy ever-evolving, we continue to update the Certification program content. By returning to the online learning retreats, you will:- Be reminded of the power of the SPT Tenets
- Receive some of the most up-to-date and current understanding of interpersonal neurobiology and SPT theory
- Practice your Synergetic Play Therapy skills with play, sand, and art
- Have the opportunity to do your own personal work toward growth and transformation
- "Come home" to yourself and find even more ways to be fearlessly authentic
- Inspire the new cohort of aspiring Certified SPTers and share your own genius
- AND, meet FULL SPT Credential/Recertification requirements!
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 19th, 2025, 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 (whether it was this course or an intensive), 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 (and the information gets updated too!) and now you have the opportunity to do so and fill in the missing details in your understanding and to also confirm what you have fully integrated!Plus this Intro program underwent some amazing changes in 2023 with new/updated content and teachings!
Click here to learn more about the program changes!
“I appreciated doing this course again for my re-certification. The review was invaluable! It’s unbelievable how much one forgets over time. As well as there was a lot of new/updated material that has been added over the last three years. It has confirmed for me how SPT is so 'alive' and growing all the time! I am grateful for the professional and personal growth and honored to be a part of this play therapy community.” - Mary YanRecertification Program Requirements:
- Attend and take notes at all 3 live webinars (see dates below)
- Complete each video module and take notes on the provided handouts, indicating the date you watched each module
- Complete an Integration Assignment to help you reflect on your learning.
- Upload all of your course notes and Integration Assignment to a shared Google Drive folder, provided by the Institute.
Use Early Bird Coupon Code “Intro2025” for $50 USD off until January 7th, 2025!
Final Registration deadline is January 19th, 2025, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
Ready to learn a solid play therapy theory that combines the power of play with interpersonal neurobiology? Click the link below to take the first step...Click here FIRST to learn how this program will create a deeper impact for your clients!
...Now that you have begun to learn what this program has to offer both you and your clients, we hope you will choose to join us for the 6-month Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program! This program is designed for both beginning and advanced practitioners and will take you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the play therapy process, how to effectively work with caregivers and what it means to create a neuroception of safety allowing both the child and the caregiver to have a deeper integration, and (....if this wasn't enough), you'll come to understand the magic of aggressive play, sand and art from the perspectives of nervous system regulation, attunement, attachment, mindfulness, and authenticity.Check out what past students had to say about their experiences in the course!
"SPT is the missing piece in play therapy. I gained an understanding of who I am in the playroom - a humanness that wasn't there before." -Frances Donohue
Join the growing number of mental health professionals, those in related roles (Child Life Specialists, School Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Coaches, etc.) and parents/caregivers who are learning Synergetic Play Therapy!
*For full program details including cost, dates, learning objectives, and more, keep scrolling!
SOLD OUT!
This advanced program, designed for those who have completed the Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification, 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. 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 SPTers, sharing insights and discussing complex cases to enrich your learning experience. Day 1: 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.