• 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.

  • 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.”
    Lynn Louise Wonders
    “It’s been over 2 years since I took the Synergetic Play Therapy [program]. One of the best choices I’ve ever made. The magnitude of deeply attuning with our clients...and ourselves...is immeasurable!”
    Jackie Flynn
    “I personally took a lot out of this [program], not all of it was new, but what was new was extremely useful and impactful. What wasn’t new was an excellent reminder to go back to my roots of attachment and emotional work when working with children just like I have worked with youth and adults over the years but in a slightly different context. My entire team has felt the positive impact of this training on our work and we are very happy that we all did it at the same time. We will be able to continue to practice it together and that is very exciting.”
    Mike Smith
    “This experience has been validating to my entire human experience, and offered a clear framework to better connect with myself, client, and world! I know this was only the tip of the iceberg into integrating these powerful concepts, and I'm so hooked, I've already signed up for certification to continue my journey!”
    Jessie Brockmeier
    “This [program] was a perfect combination of understanding the current science/research, gaining clinical understanding and learning new practical skills in order to find the perfect balance of how to work with clients and their families.”
    Kaity Sollenberger
    “This [program] really was more of an experience. I connected with myself on a deeper level and feel it is going to help me immensely in my work. Lisa explained the content in a simple way that I was able to understand, including multiple learning tools to solidify concepts. It was phenomenal!”
    Kayla Barnett

    Upcoming Registration Deadlines:

    • 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)
    For full program details including cost, dates, learning objectives, and more, keep scrolling!
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Early Bird Payment Plan: 18 Months:  $243 USD **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.     
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • 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.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • 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.
  • 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!
    This consultation group is a space for continued embodiment of the SPT principles, a place to reflect on your own process as a therapist/provider, and to reconnect with the heart of Synergetic Play Therapy - the relationship between therapist/provider, child, and nervous system. *Full participation in this group meets the 8-hour consultation pre-requisite for the Level 3 Becoming a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor Program.  Keep scrolling for more details!
    Sign Up Now
    Details
  • Registration closes July 9th, 2026, at 12pm Mountain Time (Denver) (or until groups are full!)

    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 a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor and Synergetic Play Therapy Consultant.  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!
    This consultation group is a space for continued embodiment of the SPT principles, a place to reflect on your own process as a therapist/provider, and to reconnect with the heart of Synergetic Play Therapy - the relationship between therapist/provider, child, and nervous system. Full participation in this group meets the 8-hour consultation pre-requisite for the Level 3 Becoming a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor Program. There are two Group Consultation options to choose from:
    • GROUP A - Wednesdays at 9 AM Mountain Time (Denver) with Polly Douglass
    • GROUP B - Thursdays at 5 PM Mountain Time (Denver) with Katherine Eastlake
     Please use the dropdown menu, below, to register for your chosen group. *Keep scrolling for details including exact dates for each Group Consultation option.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • SPT Certification 2020 – 2021: Course Payment Plan

    From: $254.00 / month for 15 months
    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.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • This is the payment plan for the Synergetic Play Therapy Certification Course - Fall 2018 [aelia_currency_selector_widget title="Select your currency and wait for the page to refresh before adding to cart." widget_type="dropdown"]
  • 2026-2027 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification Program 

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

    Click here to pay in full instead!

    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • "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 Live - Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy™ is a 18-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! This payment link is for the 6 mandatory group consultations part of this course. Consultation is a mandatory part of the course to help you integrate what you learned …If you’d like, you can meet the Consultants here. Cost: $300.00 USD - ($50.00 per session)     *For class details and objectives, see below.
  • 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.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
Go to Top