Welcome to Play Therapy Institute of Colorado’s E-Learning Site
Please select a course below to get started.
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Live Webinar will be held March 31, 2026, 2pm - 3pm Mountain Time (Denver)
Registration Closes March 30, 2025, at 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
Some children don’t cling. They don’t protest. They appear independent, self-contained, even unaffected. Yet beneath that independence often lives profound shame and a deep fear of rejection. Children with avoidant or dismissive attachment patterns learned early that needing others was unsafe. In the playroom, this can show up as distance, compliance, control, or emotional flatness within the therapeutic relationship. This one-hour course, drawing from the principles of Synergetic Play Therapy, will examine the neurobiological and relational foundations of avoidant attachment and explore how to work effectively with these children — not by forcing connection, but by creating the conditions for internal secure attachment to develop. Because when we hold steady, children begin to discover that they can hold themselves. There are two registration options for this course:- To join us LIVE and online for this webinar, please select "Live Event" from the dropdown menu, below.
- If you are unable to attend the live webinar, select "Home Study" to receive access to a 7-day playback.
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Sale!
Registration NOW OPEN for the June 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program!
Register by May 12, 2026, for Early Bird pricing ($50 USD discount)!
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.”“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!”“I personally took a lot out of this [program], not all of it was new, but what was new was extremely useful and impactful. What wasn’t new was an excellent reminder to go back to my roots of attachment and emotional work when working with children just like I have worked with youth and adults over the years but in a slightly different context. My entire team has felt the positive impact of this training on our work and we are very happy that we all did it at the same time. We will be able to continue to practice it together and that is very exciting.”“This experience has been validating to my entire human experience, and offered a clear framework to better connect with myself, client, and world! I know this was only the tip of the iceberg into integrating these powerful concepts, and I'm so hooked, I've already signed up for certification to continue my journey!”“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.”“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!”Upcoming Registration Deadlines:
- June 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
- Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 12, 2026
- Final Registration Deadline: June 22, 2026, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
- October 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
- Registration Opens: June 22, 2026, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
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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 June 22, 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 for 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
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Welcome Back Certified SPTer!
Deadline to Register for the 3.5 Day Online Learning Retreat is June 30, 2026. Deadline to Register for the 4.5 Day Learning Retreat is November 30, 2026.
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!
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Space is 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 Boulder, Colorado
- Complete additional online video lessons
- Complete an Integration Assignment to help you reflect on and demonstrate your learning
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Learn a solid play therapy theory that combines the power of play with interpersonal neurobiology in Boulder, Colorado!
Early Bird Registration Deadline is May 19, 2026! Apply Coupon Code "Boulder2026" at checkout for $50 USD off the first month!
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. -
Sale!
Learn a solid play therapy theory that combines the power of play with interpersonal neurobiology in Boulder, Colorado!
Apply by the Early Bird Registration Deadline of May 19, 2026, for $50 USD off at checkout!
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. -
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!
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WELCOME BACK!
As a The Business of Therapy alum, you know how much of an impact this course can have on you and your business goals! This year’s event will be held at the luxurious Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio!Hear what fellow The Business of Therapy participants have to say about the course in the video below!
***VIP Experience is SOLD OUT!!**
Thank you to the 20 participants who have registered for the VIP Experience! If you’d like to be added to the waitlist for the VIP Experience, please contact the Institute. You must be registered for the In-Person course to be added to the waitlist.
First offered in 2024, 20 in-person 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 to get feedback from Lisa and peers and to personalize your vision and plans! The VIP pass also comes with special surprises along the way and an optional social gathering at the end to connect with fellow VIPs! Lisa will also be hosting a virtual "meet and greet" for VIPs only prior to the first day of the course to clarify 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
*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. -
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 12th-14th, 2026, in breathtaking San Antonio, Texas! This year’s event will be held at the luxurious Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio!Hear what past The Business of Therapy participants have to say about the course in the video below!
***VIP Experience is SOLD OUT!!**
Thank you to the 20 participants who have registered for the VIP Experience! If you'd like to be added to the waitlist for the VIP Experience, please contact the Institute. You must be registered for the In-Person course to be added to the waitlist. First offered in 2024, 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 to get feedback from Lisa and peers and to personalize your vision and plans! The VIP pass also comes with special surprises along the way and an optional social gathering at the end to connect with fellow VIPs! Lisa will also be hosting a virtual "meet and greet" for VIPs only prior to the first day of the course to clarify 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. -
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 12th-14th, 2026!Hear what past The Business of Therapy participants have to say about the course in the video below!
Keep scrolling to learn more about this course and the Virtual/Online Experience! If you know that you would like to attend the course In-Person, 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. -
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 12th-14th, 2026!Hear what past The Business of Therapy participants have to say about the course in the video below!
Keep scrolling to learn more about this course and the Virtual/Online Experience! If you know that you would like to attend the course In-Person, 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. -
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 12th-14th, 2026, in breathtaking San Antonio, Texas! This year’s event will be held at the luxurious Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio!Hear what past The Business of Therapy Participants have to say about the course in the video below!
***VIP Experience is SOLD OUT!!**
Thank you to the 20 participants who have registered for the VIP Experience! If you’d like to be added to the waitlist for the VIP Experience, please contact the Institute. You must be registered for the In-Person course to be added to the waitlist.
First offered in 2024, 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 to get feedback from Lisa and peers and to personalize your vision and plans! The VIP pass also comes with special surprises along the way and an optional social gathering at the end to connect with fellow VIPs! Lisa will also be hosting a virtual "meet and greet" for VIPs only prior to the first day of the course to clarify 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. -
WELCOME BACK!
As a The Business of Therapy alum, you know how much of an impact this course can have on you and your business goals! This year’s event will be held at the luxurious The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio.Hear what fellow The Business of Therapy participants have to say about the course in the video below!
***VIP Experience is SOLD OUT!!**
Thank you to the 20 participants who have registered for the VIP Experience! If you'd like to be added to the waitlist for the VIP Experience, please contact the Institute. You must be registered for the In-Person course to be added to the waitlist. First offered in 2024, 20 in-person 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 to get feedback from Lisa and peers and to personalize your vision and plans! The VIP pass also comes with special surprises along the way and an optional social gathering at the end to connect with fellow VIPs! Lisa will also be hosting a virtual "meet and greet" for VIPs only prior to the first day of the course to clarify 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
*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. -
REGISTRATION IS FULL!!
Stay Tuned for July 2026 Group Info!
This consultation group is designed for Certified Synergetic Play Therapists and Providers seeking continued growth, connection, and integration of the Synergetic Play Therapy model in their clinical work! This group will meet once a month for six months, each for 90 minutes, and will be led by Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor and Synergetic Play Therapy Consultant, Khristine Rolfe! Each group consultation offers an opportunity to…- Bring clinical cases and questions for discussion and reflection through an SPT lens
- Deepen your understanding of the therapist’s/provider's use of self and how your internal state impacts the therapeutic process
- Explore themes of activation, regulation, and authenticity in your work with children, caregivers, and systems
- Strengthen your capacity to conceptualize through nervous system awareness and energetic attunement
- Receive support, feedback, and inspiration from a community of fellow Certified SPTers, dedicated to ongoing professional and personal evolution!
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Out of stock
Thank you to everyone who registered for the February 25th offering!
Registration for May will open April 15, 2026!
Holding Space in Hard Times is a support circle for mental health therapists navigating the emotional toll of current events, violence, injustice, political unrest, and collective grief. As therapists, we are trained to hold space for others, but many of us also carry personal sorrow, burnout, rage, fear, and fatigue in response to the events unfolding in the world. This live webinar series offers a space to pause, ask questions, and be held in return. It is not supervision or consultation. It is a place for community care. Join the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute's Cultural Ambassador, Liliana Baylon, as we reflect together on how the current climate impacts our minds, bodies, and clinical work, name what often goes unspoken in therapy spaces, and practice grounding and cultural humility. Through connection and honest conversation, we witness each other without the pressure to fix or perform. This space invites you to come as you are, to release what you can, and to leave feeling more connected and less alone! 2026 Holding Space in Hard Times Dates:- February 25, 2026, 11am-12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
- May 6, 2026, 5pm-6pm Mountain Time (Denver)
- August 5, 2026, 11am-12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
- November 18, 2026, 5pm-6pm Mountain Time (Denver)
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REGISTRATION IS FULL!!!
Stay Tuned for July 2026 Group Info!
This consultation group is designed for Certified Synergetic Play Therapists and Providers seeking continued growth, connection, and integration of the Synergetic Play Therapy model in their clinical work! This group will meet once a month for six months, each for 90 minutes, and will be led by Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor and Synergetic Play Therapy Consultant, Khristine Rolfe! Each group consultation offers an opportunity to…- Bring clinical cases and questions for discussion and reflection through an SPT lens
- Deepen your understanding of the therapist’s/provider's use of self and how your internal state impacts the therapeutic process
- Explore themes of activation, regulation, and authenticity in your work with children, caregivers, and systems
- Strengthen your capacity to conceptualize through nervous system awareness and energetic attunement
- Receive support, feedback, and inspiration from a community of fellow Certified SPTers, dedicated to ongoing professional and personal evolution!
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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
Looking to pay in installments? Click here for payment plan options.
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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
- 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
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Sale!
Registration NOW OPEN for the June 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program!
Register by May 12, 2026, for Early Bird pricing ($50 USD off total cost)!
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.”“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!”“I personally took a lot out of this [program], not all of it was new, but what was new was extremely useful and impactful. What wasn’t new was an excellent reminder to go back to my roots of attachment and emotional work when working with children just like I have worked with youth and adults over the years but in a slightly different context. My entire team has felt the positive impact of this training on our work and we are very happy that we all did it at the same time. We will be able to continue to practice it together and that is very exciting.”“This experience has been validating to my entire human experience, and offered a clear framework to better connect with myself, client, and world! I know this was only the tip of the iceberg into integrating these powerful concepts, and I'm so hooked, I've already signed up for certification to continue my journey!”“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.”“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!”Upcoming Registration Deadlines:
- June 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
- Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 12, 2026
- Final Registration Deadline: June 22, 2026, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
- October 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
- Registration Opens: June 22, 2026, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
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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.
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! -
In this workshop, participants will delve into the world of "shoulds" and negative self-talk; those internalized expectations and societal norms that often shape our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions while influencing our lives, physiology, and well-being. During this hour, we will uncover the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the formation of "shoulds" and most importantly, the unique role they play in our psychology. Understanding how “shoulds” and negative self-talk form, the connection they have with our physiology, and the purpose behind them will help you reframe these patterns as valuable feedback systems on the pathway toward authenticity and congruency. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to harness the power of “shoulds” and negative self-talk for personal growth and self-discovery! And, one of the best parts is that you will be able to take this information and have a better understanding of what is happening with your clients and loved ones, as well! -
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. -
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.
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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 June 17th, 2024, 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 earn at least 18 hours of CE credits specific to Synergetic Play Therapy. Excess hours may not be rolled over into the next 3 year cycle. If CE credits are not submitted, students will no longer be able to use the title Certified Synergetic Play Therapist or Certified Synergetic Play Provider until renewal occurs. This course meets the full requirement of renewing your Certified Synergetic Play Therapist or Certified Synergetic Play Provider credential. 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 has undergone some amazing changes in 2023 with new/updated content and teachings. Learn more about the changes here! “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 Renewal 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.
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Please use this payment plan to begin your custom installment plan of $179/month for 8 months toward your balance of $1,432 USD for the 2023-2024 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program. Please contact the Institute with any questions, info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.
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JOIN US FOR OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAM AND GROW AS A PROFESSIONAL!
Registration deadline is January 22nd, 2024, 12pm Mountain Time, Denver
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PROGRAM DETAILS!!
Have you been searching for ways to create a deeper impact for your clients? Or perhaps you are:- Looking for game-changing concepts, ideas, and techniques to repattern a child's nervous system and become a more effective external regulator in the playroom?
- Wanting to experience aggressive play, sand, and art from the perspectives of nervous system regulation, attunement, attachment, mindfulness and authenticity?
- Feeling burned out and want to find ways to come back to yourself or feel "green" again, like a new therapist full of curiosity and liveliness?
- Curious how to create a neuroception of safety for both the child and the caregiver to experience deeper integration?
- Wanting to learn a solid play therapy theory that combines the powers of play with interpersonal neurobiology?
- Or just wanting to feel a little more like YOU in the play therapy process?
You will learn 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 will come to understand the magic of aggressive play, sand and art from the perspectives of nervous system regulation, attunement, attachment, mindfulness, and authenticity.
You'll learn all this while also learning how to avoid burnout and compassion fatigue. Come discover what showing up in the playroom truly means and explore what is happening in the play therapy process, how change occurs, and ultimately what it takes to help children heal at profound levels. And the best part is, you get to be you on the journey!
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
*For program details and objectives, see below.
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REGISTRATION CLOSED
2026 Announcement Coming Soon!
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. -
REGISTRATION CLOSED
2026 Announcement Coming Soon!
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!Hear what past The Business of Therapy Participants have to say about the course in the video below!
Keep scrolling to learn more about this course and the Virtual/Online Experience! If you know that you would like to attend the course In-Person, 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. -
You've landed in the right place! Whether you've had Synergetic Play Therapy® training and are searching for ongoing support in its application OR you're new to Synergetic Play Therapy® and would like to receive consultation through an SPT lens, we've got you covered! This is for you if you:- Have previously enrolled or are currently enrolled in an SPT course and want ongoing support to continue to learn and grow in your application of Synergetic Play Therapy®;
- Have taken any of our 1-hr, 2-hr, 3-hr courses and would like consultation from an SPT lens;
- Have ever attended an event or 2-day training with Lisa Dion and would like consultation to continue to integrate what you learned into your practice;
- Or have never taken a course through the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute® and would just love consultation support from an SPT lens!
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This program is for you if you work IN SCHOOLS (as a school counselor, social worker or psychologist, or a school-based mental health professional) or if you COLLABORATE WITH educators or schools!
**For all program details and dates of when this program is offered, please visit the Synergetic Education Institute's website**
A Synergetic Approach to Education (formerly One Foot in Education: Exploring Education Through an SPT Lens) offered by our sister institute, the Synergetic Education Institute, is a distinct and transformative approach to learning and teaching, working at the intersection of education and mental health! Synergetic educators recognize that the collaborative efforts of educators, students, classrooms, and educational systems produce a more substantial impact than individual contributions. This approach spans the landscape of working with students and perceived challenges and barriers, considering all aspects of learners and the learning environment. It incorporates neuroscience and nervous system regulation research with empowerment practices to create positive change within the immediate environment while maintaining a broader perspective using integrated and differentiated approaches. You will delve into strategies designed for educational settings that promote trauma-informed, social-emotional support within schools. You'll learn to implement these strategies as well as understand the neuroscience behind them, empowering you to support others in deepening their knowledge and awareness. You will also learn how to...- Implement approaches based on neuroscience that support the development of self-regulation skills, including critical skills that are often missing from SEL programming.
- Support educators in understanding how to prepare brains and bodies to learn, including articulating the links between neurophysiological states and classroom behaviors
- Identify the dynamics behind complex student-adult relationships and how to shift these challenging interactions.
- Increase feelings of safety and belonging for students and adults
- Implement small shifts in daily routines that include explicitly teaching critical skills using both "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches.
- Reframe “resistance” to meeting educators at their level of readiness.
- Embody Synergetic Play Therapy® principles and collaborate with teachers to empower them and shift their perceptions of students
Program Prerequisites: This program requires that you have taken a Level 1 Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® program. This includes the completion of one of the following:- Online or In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® program
- Six-Day Synergetic Play Therapy® Intensive Training (no longer offered)
- Synergetic Play Therapy® Supplemental Course (no longer offered)
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We know that supporting a child struggling with obsessive compulsions can be incredibly challenging. Often, the desire to move the child out of their rigidity and rituals can overshadow the deeper issues and stressors driving the behaviors. We also know that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a complex disorder as the reasons behind the behaviors vary widely from managing anxiety to past traumas to focused energy inside of a child driving them towards their genius and that which is most meaningful. Due to the complexity, we can often mis-label, mis-understand, and mis-guide these children in how to work with and understand their rituals and need for perfectionism. We also can inadvertently intensify the inner struggle that is often experienced by these children as they attempt to stop, control, and even deny the urges in their bodies. And that is why we created this course, so you know what to do when OCD shows up in your play therapy sessions! Drawing from Synergetic Play Therapy and Interpersonal Neurobiology, this course explores non-directive and directive play based interventions to help support play therapists on a path to understand the perfection in these children's perfection, while teaching the child how to do the same. Play therapists will take a deeper look at the regulatory function of the child’s behaviors that manage the internal conflicts and anxieties these children often carry. Through discussion topics and experiential exercises, play therapists will learn how to separate the underlying drivers from the wisdom of the rituals themselves. With this knowledge, play therapists will learn how to use themselves and many forms of play to help these children access an understanding of the greatest perfection that exists, the child just as they are. “I loved Lisa's knowledge and approach - very open minded but also structured. Her personal stories of working with clients were very impactful and made it easy to attach the theories to real scenarios.” - Student testimonial See the full course description below. -
Research in neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology sheds light on the need for the play therapist to act as the external regulator supporting the child to move towards the intensity they are experiencing allowing for integration. This 3 hour video course explores this need during trauma integration for two primary reasons: 1) The child need to borrow the play therapist’s regulatory capacity as they work through their traumatic thoughts, feelings and sensations in play therapy and 2) The play therapist’s ability to regulate themselves during the intensity increases the capacity for presence and attunement with the child, while simultaneously supporting the health and longevity of their own nervous system. Without the ability of the play therapist to become the external regulator for the intensity that arises during trauma integration, both the child and the play therapist are at risk for emotional flooding and high levels of dysregulation in their nervous systems. Over time, this can significantly impact a play therapist’s longevity in the field, as well as the ability to stay attuned and present to a child in sessions. This course is a recording of a 3 hour live webinar with Trusted Provider Network. See course details below.