Welcome to Play Therapy Institute of Colorado’s E-Learning Site
Please select a course below to get started.
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Oh yes! You likely know what we're talking about ... the feeling of never being "good enough" ... holding yourself back because of pervasive feelings of shame and self-doubt ... the constant worry/anxiety of not measuring up or fear of being outed as a fraud. It may trap you in a cycle of self-doubt, erode your courage and confidence, undermine your success, and lead to missed opportunities, unfulfilled goals, and a tendency to hide or hold yourself back. Sound familiar?... [Sigh ] ... Let's take a deep breath and acknowledge how challenging and debilitating "imposter syndrome" can be. Lisa wants to help you begin to overcome imposter syndrome in your life.
In response to COVID-19, the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute began offering free webinars to address the challenges, stress and impact that therapists, teachers, parents, and those on the frontlines were facing. Since then, we've continued to offer free webinars to support you on your professional and personal life's journey. Please enjoy free access to these very special webinars. You may view and share it with as many people as you feel it would help.
Being a therapist is not an easy job as it requires an on-going commitment to show up day in and day out when your clients need you ... But what happens when the people we are serving aren't the only ones in crisis? What happens when we are in crisis too? (We are human after all). And what happens if it's the same crisis?! In this special one-hour webinar (Part 3 of Regulating Through the Coronavirus webinar series), you'll reconnect to yourself and gain greater internal resources to help you overcome many of the challenges of being a therapist right now.
Lisa Dion and her dear friend, Peter Bliss join forces again to support you in staying connected during the Holidays ....with the message that staying calm is not the objective or solution for getting through not only the challenges and uncertainty of the world we live in right now, but also this holiday season (because as we know, it's not always about cheer and jubilee).
Chances are, you read the title of the webinar and thought, "What! You want me to do what with rejection?!" (We know ... it might not quite make sense yet.) Or perhaps you know that rejection has a purpose in your life, but you still find yourself having a "love/hate" relationship with it. Either way, rejection can be one of the toughest things to experience - it gets right down to your core self and brings up all of your "Am I ok?" feelings. And this is what we're going to talk about in this one-hour free webinar! ... and more specifically, how to embrace it! - like you're best-est of friends (Yes, you heard that right too.)
Have you found it difficult, confusing, tiring, or maybe even exhausting wearing your two hats day in and day out? One as a therapist and the other as a parent?... Lisa totally gets it!!...as both a therapist and a parent these past 15 years. This one-hour recorded webinar that will help you discover ways to be the most important toy in both the playroom and in your own home!
Whether you're looking for how to engage the resistant child, turn Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) into opportunities for growth and resilience, use yoga to increase your ability to connect to yourself and your clients, or create a neuroception of safety in the playroom, we have you covered. Explore these topics and so many others in our one-hour courses below. Then choose 4 courses to create a bundle for only $119 and save (valued at $140 USD!) You can buy as many bundles as you would like (each as a new order)! See below for course descriptions. To view course details and objectives, click to the right of the title.
Therapists and clinicians are always experiencing a secondary impact when working with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma, crisis, or challenge. A big statement, we know, but it's true. We can't avoid being impacted and it has a lot to do with the brain's mirror neuron system. When we're in the midst of listening or playing through the trauma with the child, we're tracking our client's non-verbal cues. And as we're tracking our client's non-verbal cues, their non-verbal cues are giving us insight into what is happening within them. THIS puts us directly IN the experience with our clients. We'll experience the fear together, the anxiety together, the sadness together, the overwhelm together - Whatever is going on, we'll experience it together including the trauma. That's why we would love to have you join us for this FREE 1-hour webinar to help you navigate the secondary traumatization that can often come along with this profession that we love!
As a graduate of the Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program, you now have access to the SPT Certified Community, a one-stop-shop for resources, important updates, and a community of other Certified Synergetic Play Therapists and Certified Synergetic Play Providers looking to connect with YOU! So what is the SPT Certified Community Membership? This Membership is an opportunity for MORE! More engagement, more opportunities to connect and build relationships, More support, and More content to deepen your learning! By signing up for the SPT Certified Community Membership you are gaining access to exclusive content:- Monthly LIVE Webinars with Lisa and Special Guest Teachers
- Monthly Circle of Support Gatherings
- Monthly SPT Connect Opportunities (NEW!)
- Yoga + Mindfulness Classes
- Access to the full Webinar Library with 70 webinars and counting
- Access to Bonus Video Content
- Surprise discounts on SPTI courses and trainings
- Continued personal and professional transformation
As a graduate of the Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification program, you now have access to the SPT Certified Community, which will serve as the place for you to keep up with important announcements, upcoming events, and information related specifically to you - a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist or Certified Synergetic Play Provider. This online gathering place is our gift to you as a thank you for choosing to be a part of the SPT Certified Community! We are so grateful to have such an expansive community and hope the SPT Certified Community will become somewhere for you to land, to connect, and to be inspired! All graduates of the SPT Certification program are welcome! Simply click "Add to Cart" below to join us! Once you have purchased this FREE product, you will be able to access the SPT Certified Community through your online learning platform! We can't wait to share this space with you!! If you have any questions or need support please email info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.
**Save off the total cost of the course when you pay by the early bird deadline!!** Early Bird Monthly Payment Plan Options: North/South America & Europe: 9-month Payment Plan, $478.00 USD 12-month Payment Plan, $358.00 USD Australia/Asia/Africa: 9-month Payment Plan, $678.00 AUD 12-month Payment Plan, $509.00 AUD [aelia_currency_selector_widget title="Select your currency based on your residential location and wait for the page to refresh before adding to cart." widget_type="dropdown"]
Helping a child heal involves helping them be themselves. One of the best ways to foster this type of environment is to cultivate safety. The therapist knowing the playroom is safe is not enough; the child must know it too. This webinar explores what a neuroception of safety is and how to create it within the child and yourself. See below for course details.
9 Months: $423 USD | $524 CAD | $571 AUD 12 Months: $317 USD | $393 CAD | $428 AUD 15 Months: $254 USD | $315 CAD | $343 AUD [aelia_currency_selector_widget title="Select your currency based on the retreat location you would like to attend and wait for the page to refresh before adding to cart." widget_type="dropdown"] For example: If you reside in the US but want to attend the retreats in Canada you will choose the Canadian Currency, wait for the page to refresh, and then select your plan to add to your cart.
9 Months: $406 USD | $507 CAD | $554 AUD 12 Months: $305 USD | $381 CAD | $416 AUD 15 Months: $244 USD | $305 CAD | $333 AUD [aelia_currency_selector_widget title="Select your currency based on the retreat location you would like to attend and wait for the page to refresh before adding to cart." widget_type="dropdown"] For example: If you reside in the US but want to attend the retreats in Canada you will choose the Canadian Currency, wait for the page to refresh, and then select your plan to add to your cart.
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!
9 Months: $460 USD, Online | $589 AUD 12 Months: $350 USD, Online | $446 AUD [aelia_currency_selector_widget title="Select your currency based on the retreat location you would like to attend and wait for the page to refresh before adding to cart." widget_type="dropdown"] For example: If you reside in the USA, but want to attend the retreats in Australia, you will choose the Australian Currency, wait for the page to refresh, and then select your plan to add to your cart. If attending the Online Retreat, select USD from the drop down menu.
Divorce. The “D” word. The end of the marital road. A happily ever after run amok. It’s something that often gets a bad rap, especially when we think of the children stuck in the middle. But divorce, while it can be devastating to some kids, can also be a relief for others. Children’s perceptions are not all the same. This webinar explores how to support children in play therapy when they are experiencing divorce and separation.
"The Intro to SPT class is the best class I have ever taken. There is no better training for counselors! I have a deeper understanding of the process and how to help children in the playroom. It has given me a whole new perspective and changed my life both personally and professionally. Being authentic allows you to be free. There are just no words to describe it!" -Nancy Asher Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® is a 22-hour course that takes you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the play therapy process, how to repattern a child's nervous system, and what it means to become an external regulator in the playroom. You will also 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 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! Curious what this class is all about? Get the details here. And, check out what past students have to say Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® Prerequisite Training:- Completed or enrolled in a Master’s Degree (or equivalent) program in counseling, social work, or education
- Previous experience working with children and families (required)
- Basic understanding of play therapy and play therapy skills (required)
The Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy launches you on a personal journey towards discovering what showing up in the playroom truly means. It explores what is happening in the play therapy process, how change occurs, and ultimately what it takes to help children heal at profound levels. It invites you to be you! Curious what this class is truly about? Get all the details here. To learn what others have to say, check out our testimonials. Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy 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 required
- A basic understanding of play therapy and play therapy skills is required
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!
"The Intro to SPT class is the best class I have ever taken. There is no better training for counselors! I have a deeper understanding of the process and how to help children in the playroom. It has given me a whole new perspective and changed my life both personally and professionally. Being authentic allows you to be free. There are just no words to describe it!" -Nancy AsherRegistration closes June 13th at 2pm, Mountain Time, Denver, USA.
Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® is a 22-hour course that takes you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the play therapy process, how to repattern a child's nervous system, and what it means to become an external regulator in the playroom. You will also 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 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! Curious what this class is all about? Get the details here. And, check out what past students have to say Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® Prerequisite Training: (if seeking Association for Play Therapy credit, you must meet all of these prerequisites)- Completed or enrolled in a Master’s Degree (or equivalent) program in counseling, social work, or education
- Previous experience working with children and families (required)
- Basic understanding of play therapy and play therapy skills (required)
Registration closes June 13th at 2pm, Mountain Time, Denver, USA.
Enroll by January 6th, 2023, to get the Early Bird Discount
(use coupon code: Intro2023 at checkout)
"The Intro to SPT class is the best class I have ever taken. There is no better training for counselors! I have a deeper understanding of the process and how to help children in the playroom. It has given me a whole new perspective and changed my life both personally and professionally. Being authentic allows you to be free. There are just no words to describe it!" -Nancy Asher Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® is a 19-hour course that takes you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the play therapy process, how to repattern a child's nervous system, and what it means to become an external regulator in the playroom. You will also 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 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! Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® Prerequisite Training:- Completed or enrolled in a Master’s Degree (or equivalent) program in counseling, social work, or education
- Previous experience working with children and families (required)
- Basic understanding of play therapy and play therapy skills (required)
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 class details and objectives, see below.
Every therapist has been there - in a session with a child who doesn't want to come in the room, a child who doesn't want to do the task, a child who only wants to avoid the issue. This webinar explores what to do when a child client's language and behavior say "no." Join us as we explore resistance, with a focus on differentiating resistance from avoidance and differentiating resistance from the dorsal collapse in the nervous system. Emotional flooding is explored as well.
This inspiring one-hour course dives into the transformative role of play therapy in supporting neurodivergent children. Gain insights into how play can help address processing differences, executive functioning challenges, and sensory sensitivities equipping you to meet these unique profiles with confidence and compassion. Guided by over 20 years of professional and personal experience, Cary Hamilton will reveal practical, neurodiversity-affirming, play-based interventions designed to foster connection, emotional regulation, and resilience. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to enhance your clinical practice, deepening your ability to create meaningful and effective therapeutic relationships with neurodivergent children. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your skills, enrich your practice, and make a lasting impact on the lives of neurodivergent children and their families!
Play works - there no doubt about it. As clinicians, we know the power it harnesses. But can we name these therapeutic powers? Can we explain them to parents in a manner that matters? This one-hour course discusses the Therapeutic Powers of Play, what they truly mean, and how to convey them effectively.For course details and objectives, see below.
Parents are a powerful force in a child’s life. Inviting them into the play therapy process is essential for creating lasting change. But let’s face it—this isn’t always easy! Many clinicians, both new and seasoned, struggle with how to effectively involve parents in therapy sessions. This dynamic course with Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S, will equip you with the skills and confidence to build strong alliances with parents while integrating them into play therapy. Using the Attachment-Centered Play Therapy model, you’ll explore the hows, whys, whens, and what-to-dos of parent-child play therapy. You’ll also uncover practical interventions to foster attachment and connection while reflecting on the roadblocks that might arise in your own practice. It’s all designed to help you deepen your understanding of parent-child dynamics, empowering you to create meaningful change for families. Get ready to play, reflect, and transform your approach to parent involvement in therapy!
"The Intro to SPT class is the best class I have ever taken. There is no better training for counselors! I have a deeper understanding of the process and how to help children in the playroom. It has given me a whole new perspective and changed my life both personally and professionally. Being authentic allows you to be free. There are just no words to describe it!" -Nancy Asher The Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy™ is a 22-hour course that takes you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the play therapy process, how to repattern a child's nervous system, and what it means to become an external regulator in the playroom. You will also 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 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! Curious what this class is all about? Get the details here. And, check out what past students have to say Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy™ Prerequisite Training:- Completed or enrolled in a Master’s Degree (or equivalent) program in counseling, social work, or education
- Previous experience working with children and families (required)
- Basic understanding of play therapy and play therapy skills (required)
9 Months: $475 USD, North America | $603 AUD, Australia 12 Months: $360 USD, North America | $456 AUD, Australia [aelia_currency_selector_widget title="Select your currency based on the retreat location you would like to attend and wait for the page to refresh before adding to cart." widget_type="dropdown"] For example: If you reside in the USA, but want to attend the retreats in Australia, you will choose the Australian Currency, wait for the page to refresh, and then select your plan to add to your cart. If attending the Online Retreat, select USD from the drop down menu.
Early Bird Payment Plan: 9 Months: $478 USD, Online | $641 AUD 12 Months: $364 USD, Online | $488 AUD **Save! Get $500 (US Dollars) or $670 (Australian Dollars) off the full cost of the course when you pay in full AND by the early bird deadline for a massive discount!!* Early bird deadline depends on which course you are currently in or have taken in the past. Payment must be made 30 days from your early bird deadline. [aelia_currency_selector_widget title="Select your currency based on the retreat location you would like to attend and wait for the page to refresh before adding to cart." widget_type="dropdown"]
From a stroll through the Lollipop woods of Candyland to a fight over the Thimble in Monopoly, games are part of childhood. In the playroom, certain games are more commonly used than others. How do we use chess as a pawn in our therapeutic healing? How can we call on checkers to check on the child's state of regulation? What does a game tell us about a child's emotional world? This webinar explores these questions and more!
2025-2026 Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification Program
Early Bird Pricing Application Deadline is April 1, 2025 Final Application Deadline is June 16, 2025
You've already seen the powerful impact of Synergetic Play Therapy through the Level 1 Introductory program—now, imagine what’s possible when you take your skills even further. 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!
With their changing brains and hormones, finding ways to integrate play with pre-teens and teens can at times just feel “Awkward”. Learn how to navigate therapy with our clients who are no longer children, but also not quite yet adults. From twelve-year-olds to seniors in high school, adolescence is a time filled with change. This can make the notion of bringing play therapy to this population a challenge. Do we play? Do we talk? Do I ask questions? What do I do?" As such, many therapists find themselves at a loss with this age group, feeling just as confused as they do! In this workshop, play therapists will delve into the mysteries of the teenage mind as we bust myths and glean insight into how to best offer therapeutic support. Using neuroscience, Developmental, Synergetic, and Systemic theories, participants will explore how to navigate this "awkward" and sometimes "overwhelming" developmental stage using an eclectic framework of non-directive and directive play therapy approaches. Understanding how to assess the teen's emotional age, an area often missed when working with this population, will also be covered as a way to understand how to incorporate play into the therapy process. The information presented is designed to open minds and hearts as participants uncover the wisdom of the changing brain and the wisdom of the teenage years. Through lecture, demonstration, and discussion, this workshop will deconstruct this mysterious stage and support play therapists in discovering how they can help mature and remodel the teenage brain, while supporting movement towards the discovery of the authentic self- the cornerstone of the development of a teenager's identity. To get a sense for the course, check out this short video below:See course details below.
"The Intro to SPT class is the best class I have ever taken. There is no better training for counselors! I have a deeper understanding of the process and how to help children in the playroom. It has given me a whole new perspective and changed my life both personally and professionally. Being authentic allows you to be free. There are just no words to describe it!" -Nancy Asher The Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® is a 22-hour course that takes you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the play therapy process, how to repattern a child's nervous system, and what it means to become an external regulator in the playroom. You will also 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 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! Curious what this class is all about? Get the details here. And, check out what past students have to say Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® Prerequisite Training:- Completed or enrolled in a Master’s Degree (or equivalent) program in counseling, social work, or education
- Previous experience working with children and families (required)
- Basic understanding of play therapy and play therapy skills (required)
The Synergetic Play Therapy Institute in collaboration with PIP Solutions presents “Conceptualizing Cases from a Synergetic Play Therapy Lens”. Translating a right brain play experience into a left brain conceptualization is not an easy task. Play therapists often grapple with a sense of uncertainty when trying to comprehend a child’s unique therapeutic progression and assessing whether goals are being achieved. This course, led by Lisa Dion, aims to address this issue by introducing a structured framework derived from Synergetic Play Therapy. Students will gain insights into how to conceptualize cases effectively and apply this framework to enhance the efficacy of their therapeutic interventions.
