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

Please select a course below to get started.

  • Partnering with Parents in Play Therapy (Affiliate Course)

    "The neuroscience behind this training will blow your mind!" - Keri Sawyer "I used to struggle with explaining how play therapy "works" to fathers who were more "left brain" (e.g., Lawyers, accountants, Google employees, etc). But that's not an issue for me anymore. Lisa taught me how to work with resistant fathers so they can confidently "buy" into the play therapy process!" - Susan Stutzman

    In this thought-provoking yet practical workshop, participants will explore what it really takes to partner with parents. They will have the opportunity to understand how to have a successful intake session setting the stage for a higher level of investment and commitment, how to communicate to parents so that they understand what play therapy is and how it works, how to translate what is happening in the playroom so that parents understand how the goals are being worked on, what to do with resistant parents and what to do when parents just want to drop their child off to be "fixed".

    Through new skills, insights and a framework rooted in relationship theory, therapists are guaranteed to leave feeling inspired to work with parents.

    This course helps play therapists strengthen their work with parents so they can: 

    • Get More Clients
    • Understand the Parent's Brain
    • Be More Authentic with Parents
    • Have Successful Parent Intakes
    • Level-Up Their Parent Coaching Skills
    Please see course details below. For a list of all available products, please go here.
  • "Although I have been utilizing mindfulness for years in the therapy room, this training opened my eyes to the opportunities and benefits that I was overlooking. I am able to more intentionally track the content AND processes occurring in session, leading to more richness and depth in the work." -Dr. Alana Roth

    Neuroscience is revealing that mindfulness is a key component for integration, so what is it, what is it not and how to incorporate it into the playroom are important questions to consider as a play therapist.  If you are curious about understanding mindfulness and developing a more mindful approach to your work,  join Lisa Dion in an interactive workshop on becoming a mindful play therapist.

    In this course, you will explore some of the neuroscience behind mindfulness as you learn how to cultivate it within yourself and within your child clients. You will also learn the importance of bringing mindfulness into the playroom as a way to avoid compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and burnout.  This course is applicable to all play therapy theories.

    https://youtu.be/jwCo52TKE2I This course helps play therapists to:
    • Connect mindfulness and trauma integration
    • Reduce compassion fatigue
    • Help children cultivate mindfulness
    • Understand the neuroscience behind cultivating mindfulness
    See course details below. For a list of all available products, please go here.
  • "This was the most significant sand tray training which help me better understand the ways sand can assist in helping regulate/co-regulate our nervous systems. I highly recommend this training to anyone who works with children and adults." -Helen Wilson "Although I consider myself a seasoned play and sand tray therapist I learned so much in just one hour of this course. Highly recommended!" - Marina Keukens Terrell Have you ever wondered how to help children facilitate their processing in your playroom through the use of sand in a nontraditional way?  If so, this workshop is for you! The sand tray is a common fixture in play therapy. But thinking outside the “sandbox” allows therapists to use sand in a nontraditional way, fostering regulation. In this engaging workshop the play therapist will learn the 5 toys needed to turn a sand tray into a regulation tool, gain an understanding of how a child can use the sand and the activation in their nervous system as well as be exposed to various ways to bring regulation into the sand tray to help deepen the child’s experience. Join us as we explore the link between sand and the nervous system and discover how the proper tools can deepen both the child’s experience and their healing. https://youtu.be/x4Z4xlOANwU Please see course details below. For a list of all available products, please go here.   By clicking "Buy Product" you will be redirected to a payment link provided by Kid Matters Counseling. All payment or course-related questions should be redirected to the affiliate organization, Kid Matters Counseling. Synergetic Play Therapy Institute does not process payment directly for this course.
  • "This was very helpful in allowing to learn ways to integrate neuroscience and transitions to help promote regulation for the child!" - Fernando Gonzalez III "This class was so informative with great concrete tools. Awesome class!" -Lauri Levitt Transitions are everywhere, in the expected and the unexpected. As a play therapist, it's important to be prepared to help our clients with transitions - such as divorce, death, a move, new sibling, or sensory challenges - that often bring them to our playroom. In this course, Lisa Dion and Susan Stutzman explore how to navigate transitions and change in the play therapy setting.  Participants will walk away having gained an understanding of current neurobiological research that supports an understanding of how transitions can trigger a threat response in the brain causing activation of the autonomic nervous system. From a neurobiological lens, the therapist will gain knowledge of how to best navigate the challenges of transitions that bring clients to play therapy and learn ways to navigate change and transition that happens during the therapeutic play process itself. Clinical applications for working through transitioning within professional working relationships will be touched on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGUlmjyn2Js This course is for you, if you want to:
    • Help children through divorce
    • Process death & loss
    • Help a child transition to a new school
    • Help children learn emotional balance and regulation
    • Help kids with sensory challenges
    For course details and objectives, see below. For a list of all available products, please go here.
  • "I could watch Lisa talk about play therapy all day. This workshop gives you really helpful, crystallized ideas and nuggets about the play therapy process and how it allows children to heal. Definitely worth a watch when you're maybe feeling stuck with a specific client, or running out of metaphors to communicate the efficacy of play therapy with colleagues or parents." -Malia Segal Lisa unlocks the therapeutic powers of play in this foundational neuroscience-rich training .... In a profession that is fighting for recognition and to be taken seriously, not fully understanding exactly how play therapy transformation takes place is a void. Without really understanding how attuned play works to bring about lasting change, therapists are left feeling uncertain and missing the language to effectively talk to parents, teachers and other influential people in children’s lives. The therapist's ability to influence other professions to see the value in play therapy is also impacted. This presentation is designed to fill in gaps in the play therapist’s understanding by addressing the answer to this very important question- how exactly does play therapy work? Through presentation and discussion, participants will be taken into the minds and biology of children for an inside look at what goes on that leads to their transformation and healing. With the help of neuroscience, brain development, and interpersonal neurobiology, the “how” will be answered allowing participants to truly understand the process and what exactly is going on in the playroom. This dynamic, eye-opening and thought provoking presentation will empower therapists to begin to move beyond their current framework. This course is for you if you want to ...
    • Integrate the neuroscience behind the therapeutic powers of play therapy
    • Better articulate to parents why play therapy works
    • How children use toys to understand themselves
    For course details and objectives, see below. For a list of all available products, please go here.
  • The Six-Day Synergetic Play Therapy® Intensive allows you to jump in and really experience the magic of Synergetic Play Therapy®! We hold these intensives regularly throughout the year, limiting this program to four people in order to permit extensive skill practice with individualized coaching and feedback. Each participant will be paired with a child client with whom they will work every day during the training under direct supervision as part of a therapeutic observation team. Dive into SPT and see if it's right for you!

    Six-Day Synergetic Play Therapy® Intensive Prerequisite Training:
    • Participants should have completed or be enrolled in a Master’s Degree (or equivalent) program in counseling, social work, or education.
    • Previous experience working with children and families is also required.
    • A basic understanding of play therapy and play therapy skills is required.
    For availability and registration details, please contact the Institute at 720-458-9597 or email info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

    ***Please scroll to the bottom of this page for a complete list of the course details and objectives***

  • "Clear, to the point information on how to set up play therapy in a home, how to set boundaries (literally and figuratively speaking), and how to work with parents." -Marina Keukens Terrell "Love the ideas and talking about setting up a space for boundaries if it is a shared space within a home!" -Carly Schrimpl Take the guesswork out of doing play therapy in the home! .... Are you an in-home play therapist finding yourself confused and even overwhelmed about how to bring play therapy into the home? Do you ever wonder where boundaries are? What toys to bring? How to structure your time? What to do with the parents when they are also there? How to talk to the parents about what you are doing? In this training you'll explore how to make your time in the home the most therapeutic experience possible while bringing clarity and certainty to your role. https://youtu.be/jP0W4Rs3AMk This course is for you if ...
    • Struggle with setting boundaries and structure your time for in-home play therapy sessions.
    • Lost on what toys to bring with you into the home.
    • Confused on how to explain play therapy sessions to parents.
    • Practice in places like hospitals & schools
    For course details and objectives, see below. For a list of all available products, please go here.
  • "The experience of becoming a Synergetic Play Therapist Supervisor has been a journey in deepening my relationship and attachment to myself and therefore to those around me. I feel better resourced and skilled to support play therapists in their work and their own journeys. This course connected me to a community that I feel deeply privileged to be a part of. During a challenging time for our planet, I felt a connection to others that sustained me." -Katrina Bevelander Are you ready to become a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor? For Certified Synergetic Play Therapists who meet the prerequisites we offer a path to becoming a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor*. These courses also count towards Registered Play Therapy Supervisor requirements (please check with APT to determine full requirements). In this training, students will learn how to apply the Synergetic Play Therapy philosophy and tenets to the supervisory relationship. Through video observation, didactic learning, group discussion, and self study (this course is heavy on independent study), students will learn how to step into the role of supervisor- one of the most important and influential roles in a play therapist's journey. Hear what other Certified SPT Therapists/Supervisors had to say about the course Application Deadline September 1st, 2022!  Please note: Completion of a Legal and Ethical Issues in Play Therapy Supervision course is not a prerequisite for this course. However, it must be completed before you can obtain the designation Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor. You will be asked to provide documentation of completion of a Legal and Ethical issues in Play Therapy supervision course. You will also need to have two supervisees during the six months of the course and that are willing to be video-taped. *Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor is a protected title held by those who have taken this training Please scroll down for class details and objectives.   [aelia_currency_selector_widget title="Select your currency based on your location and wait for the page to refresh before adding to cart." widget_type="dropdown"]
  • Have you been looking for the perfect opportunity to market to a community of over 13,000 play therapists and mental health professionals who all want to increase their income and showcase their talents!? Come join us at  The Business of Therapy Conference, Featuring award-winning play therapist and international speaker Lisa Dion in Denver, Colorado, November 11th-13th, 2022.

    For further questions regarding these sponsorship opportunities please email Jen: info@jentaylorplaytherapy.com or scroll below for a description of the Sponsorship Opportunities.

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  • want ongoing support to continue to learn and grow in the application of Synergetic Play Therapy® or you would like to receive consultation from an SPT lens, we've got you covered! ... **Groups must consistent of 4 individuals.  This 6 month Consultation Group is for you, if:
    • You feel alone in your practice of SPT and want to be a part of a SPT community
    • You sometimes feel “stuck” with your clients
    • You want feedback regarding your skills so that you can take them to the next level
    • You want support in learning and integrating various applications of SPT to your clinical work
    • You want to keep learning and growing as a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
    • You want to hear other cases and learn from others
    This consultation group, facilitated by Lindsay Ishman, is designed to offer support and guidance to individuals that have graduated from the SPT Certification Course.  The purpose of this group is for individuals to bring real cases and questions regarding application of Synergetic Play Therapy in their clinical practice. *See description below for dates and times.
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  • CLARIFYING! ENERGIZING! EYE-OPENING! INSPIRING! AMAZING!!!! 

    These are just a few words students have used to describe this course!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Back by popular demand - revised, energized, and with an in-person and virtual option, join us November 9th-11th, 2023, for the next The Business of Therapy course! Custom designed for therapists, coaches, helpers and healers like yourself, who are deeply committed to making an impact and want to be of greater service - whether it's one-on-one in private practice, launching a product or program, or running a company - Elevate and take your entrepreneurial dream to new heights! This course teaches you the steps involved in building a dream, as well as helps you understand the why behind them so you can think like a business entrepreneur. Plus, for 2.5 days, Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy®, President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and co-founder of the Synergetic Education Institute, will give you the key ingredients she's learned and discovered along her own entrepreneurial journey.  "This weekend was one of the best investments in myself I have ever made." - Bianca Kisselburg This course is for you, if you:
    • Have a business idea and don't know where to start
    • Have a successful business and want to take it to the next level
    • Have launched a dream and can't seem to get traction
    • Feel overwhelmed by the many to-dos and responsibilities of your business
    • Feel alone, confused and filled with self doubt as you think about building and growing your dream
    • Keep finding yourself in-debt and/or not able to grow your finances
    • Keep finding that your fears and limiting beliefs are stopping your growth 
    • Want to become more efficient with the business you have (no matter the size of your business) so that your business is working for you, not you having to keep working your business
    And this year's event will be held at the gorgeous Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, housed in the former Colorado National Bank building! This building's historic allure is just one of the reasons The Denver Post coined it as the "most beautiful room in Denver"! Located in Denver's financial district, this area is buzzing with individuals ready to get down to business just like you! We chose this location for you as a symbol of your worth and the possibility of your goals - because you are worth it! And you deserve to dream BIG!  

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Keep scrolling to learn more about this course and the In-Person Experience! If you know that you would like to attend the course online, click here!
  • CLARIFYING! ENERGIZING! EYE-OPENING! INSPIRING! AMAZING!!!! 

    These are just a few words students have used to describe this course!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Back by popular demand - revised, energized, and with an in-person and virtual option, join us November 9th-11th, 2023, for the next The Business of Therapy course! Custom designed for therapists, coaches, helpers and healers like yourself, who are deeply committed to making an impact and want to be of greater service - whether it's one-on-one in private practice, launching a product or program, or running a company - Elevate and take your entrepreneurial dream to new heights! This course teaches you the steps involved in building a dream, as well as helps you understand the why behind them so you can think like a business entrepreneur. Plus, for 2.5 days, Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy®, President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and co-founder of the Synergetic Education Institute, will give you the key ingredients she's learned and discovered along her own entrepreneurial journey.  "This weekend was one of the best investments in myself I have ever made." - Bianca Kisselburg This course is for you, if you:
    • Have a business idea and don't know where to start
    • Have a successful business and want to take it to the next level
    • Have launched a dream and can't seem to get traction
    • Feel overwhelmed by the many to-dos and responsibilities of your business
    • Feel alone, confused and filled with self doubt as you think about building and growing your dream
    • Keep finding yourself in-debt and/or not able to grow your finances
    • Keep finding that your fears and limiting beliefs are stopping your growth 
    • Want to become more efficient with the business you have (no matter the size of your business) so that your business is working for you, not you having to keep working your business
    And this year's event will be held at the gorgeous Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, housed in the former Colorado National Bank building! This building's historic allure is just one of the reasons The Denver Post coined it as the "most beautiful room in Denver"! Located in Denver's financial district, this area is buzzing with individuals ready to get down to business just like you! We chose this location for you as a symbol of your worth and the possibility of your goals - because you are worth it! And you deserve to dream BIG!  

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Keep scrolling to learn more about this online course! If you know that you would like to attend the course in-person, click here!
  • CLARIFYING! ENERGIZING! EYE-OPENING! INSPIRING! AMAZING!!!! 

    These are just a few words students have used to describe this course!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Back by popular demand - revised, energized, and with an in-person and virtual option, join us November 9th-11th, 2023, for the next The Business of Therapy course! Custom designed for therapists, coaches, helpers and healers like yourself, who are deeply committed to making an impact and want to be of greater service - whether it's one-on-one in private practice, launching a product or program, or running a company - Elevate and take your entrepreneurial dream to new heights! This course teaches you the steps involved in building a dream, as well as helps you understand the why behind them so you can think like a business entrepreneur. Plus, for 2.5 days, Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy®, President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and co-founder of the Synergetic Education Institute, will give you the key ingredients she's learned and discovered along her own entrepreneurial journey.  "This weekend was one of the best investments in myself I have ever made." - Bianca Kisselburg This course is for you, if you:
    • Have a business idea and don't know where to start
    • Have a successful business and want to take it to the next level
    • Have launched a dream and can't seem to get traction
    • Feel overwhelmed by the many to-dos and responsibilities of your business
    • Feel alone, confused and filled with self doubt as you think about building and growing your dream
    • Keep finding yourself in-debt and/or not able to grow your finances
    • Keep finding that your fears and limiting beliefs are stopping your growth 
    • Want to become more efficient with the business you have (no matter the size of your business) so that your business is working for you, not you having to keep working your business
    And this year's event will be held at the gorgeous Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, housed in the former Colorado National Bank building! This building's historic allure is just one of the reasons The Denver Post coined it as the "most beautiful room in Denver"! Located in Denver's financial district, this area is buzzing with individuals ready to get down to business just like you! We chose this location for you as a symbol of your worth and the possibility of your goals - because you are worth it! And you deserve to dream BIG!  

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Keep scrolling to learn more about this course and the In-Person Experience! If you know that you would like to attend the course online, click here!
  • CLARIFYING! ENERGIZING! EYE-OPENING! INSPIRING! AMAZING!!!! 

    These are just a few words students have used to describe this course!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Back by popular demand - revised, energized, and with an in-person and virtual option, join us November 9th-11th, 2023, for the next The Business of Therapy course! Custom designed for therapists, coaches, helpers and healers like yourself, who are deeply committed to making an impact and want to be of greater service - whether it's one-on-one in private practice, launching a product or program, or running a company - Elevate and take your entrepreneurial dream to new heights! This course teaches you the steps involved in building a dream, as well as helps you understand the why behind them so you can think like a business entrepreneur. Plus, for 2.5 days, Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy®, President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and co-founder of the Synergetic Education Institute, will give you the key ingredients she's learned and discovered along her own entrepreneurial journey.  "This weekend was one of the best investments in myself I have ever made." - Bianca Kisselburg This course is for you, if you:
    • Have a business idea and don't know where to start
    • Have a successful business and want to take it to the next level
    • Have launched a dream and can't seem to get traction
    • Feel overwhelmed by the many to-dos and responsibilities of your business
    • Feel alone, confused and filled with self doubt as you think about building and growing your dream
    • Keep finding yourself in-debt and/or not able to grow your finances
    • Keep finding that your fears and limiting beliefs are stopping your growth 
    • Want to become more efficient with the business you have (no matter the size of your business) so that your business is working for you, not you having to keep working your business
    And this year's event will be held at the gorgeous Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, housed in the former Colorado National Bank building! This building's historic allure is just one of the reasons The Denver Post coined it as the "most beautiful room in Denver"! Located in Denver's financial district, this area is buzzing with individuals ready to get down to business just like you! We chose this location for you as a symbol of your worth and the possibility of your goals - because you are worth it! And you deserve to dream BIG!  

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Keep scrolling to learn more about this online course! If you know that you would like to attend the course in-person, click here!
  • CLARIFYING! ENERGIZING! EYE-OPENING! INSPIRING! AMAZING!!!! 

    These are just a few words students have used to describe this course!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Back by popular demand - revised, energized, and with an in-person and virtual option, join us November 9th-11th, 2023, for the next The Business of Therapy course! Custom designed for therapists, coaches, helpers and healers like yourself, who are deeply committed to making an impact and want to be of greater service - whether it's one-on-one in private practice, launching a product or program, or running a company - Elevate and take your entrepreneurial dream to new heights! This course teaches you the steps involved in building a dream, as well as helps you understand the why behind them so you can think like a business entrepreneur. Plus, for 2.5 days, Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy®, President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and co-founder of the Synergetic Education Institute, will give you the key ingredients she's learned and discovered along her own entrepreneurial journey.  "This weekend was one of the best investments in myself I have ever made." - Bianca Kisselburg This course is for you, if you:
    • Have a business idea and don't know where to start
    • Have a successful business and want to take it to the next level
    • Have launched a dream and can't seem to get traction
    • Feel overwhelmed by the many to-dos and responsibilities of your business
    • Feel alone, confused and filled with self doubt as you think about building and growing your dream
    • Keep finding yourself in-debt and/or not able to grow your finances
    • Keep finding that your fears and limiting beliefs are stopping your growth 
    • Want to become more efficient with the business you have (no matter the size of your business) so that your business is working for you, not you having to keep working your business
    And this year's event will be held at the gorgeous Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, housed in the former Colorado National Bank building! This building's historic allure is just one of the reasons The Denver Post coined it as the "most beautiful room in Denver"! Located in Denver's financial district, this area is buzzing with individuals ready to get down to business just like you! We chose this location for you as a symbol of your worth and the possibility of your goals - because you are worth it! And you deserve to dream BIG!  

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Keep scrolling to learn more about this course and the In-Person Experience! If you know that you would like to attend the course online, click here!
  • CLARIFYING! ENERGIZING! EYE-OPENING! INSPIRING! AMAZING!!!! 

    These are just a few words students have used to describe this course!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Back by popular demand - revised, energized, and with an in-person and virtual option, join us November 9th-11th, 2023, for the next The Business of Therapy course! Custom designed for therapists, coaches, helpers and healers like yourself, who are deeply committed to making an impact and want to be of greater service - whether it's one-on-one in private practice, launching a product or program, or running a company - Elevate and take your entrepreneurial dream to new heights! This course teaches you the steps involved in building a dream, as well as helps you understand the why behind them so you can think like a business entrepreneur. Plus, for 2.5 days, Lisa Dion, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy®, President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and co-founder of the Synergetic Education Institute, will give you the key ingredients she's learned and discovered along her own entrepreneurial journey.  "This weekend was one of the best investments in myself I have ever made." - Bianca Kisselburg This course is for you, if you:
    • Have a business idea and don't know where to start
    • Have a successful business and want to take it to the next level
    • Have launched a dream and can't seem to get traction
    • Feel overwhelmed by the many to-dos and responsibilities of your business
    • Feel alone, confused and filled with self doubt as you think about building and growing your dream
    • Keep finding yourself in-debt and/or not able to grow your finances
    • Keep finding that your fears and limiting beliefs are stopping your growth 
    • Want to become more efficient with the business you have (no matter the size of your business) so that your business is working for you, not you having to keep working your business
    And this year's event will be held at the gorgeous Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel, housed in the former Colorado National Bank building! This building's historic allure is just one of the reasons The Denver Post coined it as the "most beautiful room in Denver"! Located in Denver's financial district, this area is buzzing with individuals ready to get down to business just like you! We chose this location for you as a symbol of your worth and the possibility of your goals - because you are worth it! And you deserve to dream BIG!  

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COURSE DETAILS!!

    Keep scrolling to learn more about this online course! If you know that you would like to attend the course in-person, click here!
  • In this episode of Lessons From The Playroom Podcast, we delve into the intricate world of children's lying behavior in this thought-provoking. Participants explored the underlying motives and protective patterns driving lying behavior, challenging traditional views on honesty. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, learn to create a neuroception of safety that fosters trust and authenticity. Gain insights into recognizing lying patterns and responding therapeutically to promote honesty and connection. This Lessons From The Playroom episode offers valuable tools and techniques for caregivers and professionals seeking to navigate lying behavior with empathy and understanding, ultimately fostering meaningful relationships with children.    Course details below.
  • In this episode of Lessons From The Playroom, we will talk about the concept of emotional age and its profound impact on therapeutic interactions with children. Through insightful discussion and practical examples, participants will explore the distinction between chronological and emotional age, gaining valuable tools to assess and attune to a child's emotional state. Participants will learn strategies to recognize emotional regression in children and themselves, fostering deeper levels of empathy and understanding. By understanding and working with emotional age, therapists can better support children through their healing journey, creating a nurturing environment for growth and development.   Course details 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!
    If you are ready to get back into community, refresh your SPT learning, and feel the excitement of the new SPTers on their own Certification journey, we would like to invite you back to join us for the 2025-2026 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program online learning retreats! "I am always excited to repeat the retreats as an alumni for three reasons. First, there is always new information to be had. Second, each time I hear the information that Lisa imparts, I hear it in a different way. Lastly, it is so wonderful to be in such a supportive environment with like-minded people. I can’t get enough!" - Johanna Simmons, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and Supervisor
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  • 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
    *For program details and objectives, see below
  • 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.
  • 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.
    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!

    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!
  • This dynamic, two-hour video course delves into the intricate interplay between trauma, neurocognitive processes, and communication patterns, shedding light on the challenges therapists face when working with survivors of trauma, especially those from culturally diverse backgrounds or with language barriers. Did you know that trauma's profound impact on neurocognitive functioning can significantly influence communication dynamics within therapeutic settings? This, coupled with cultural and linguistic disparities, can pose an added challenge when trying to establish rapport and foster healing with clients, particularly among Limited English Proficient or Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals! Join Mila Golovine, President & CEO of Masterword. and Lisa Dion, Founder & President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute as they navigate the intersections of cultural competency, trauma-informed therapy, and effective communication strategies. You will also get insights into enhancing the therapeutic alliance, fostering better client engagement, and ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes! Key highlights include:
    • Understanding how trauma affects neurocognitive processes and communication patterns.
    • Exploring cultural competence in therapy and its significance in trauma recovery.
    • Identifying challenges and strategies for effective communication with clients from diverse backgrounds.
    • Best practices for working with Limited English Proficient or Deaf/Hard of Hearing clients.
    • Practical techniques to promote therapeutic alliance and engagement.
    • Ethical considerations and sensitivity when utilizing interpreters in therapy sessions.
    Don't miss this chance to learn actionable insights and tools to navigating the complexities of trauma, culture, and language and to more effectively meet your clients at this complex intersection!
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