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In this episode of Lessons From The Playroom Podcast, we delve into the intricate world of children's lying behavior in this thought-provoking. Participants explored the underlying motives and protective patterns driving lying behavior, challenging traditional views on honesty. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, learn to create a neuroception of safety that fosters trust and authenticity. Gain insights into recognizing lying patterns and responding therapeutically to promote honesty and connection. This Lessons From The Playroom episode offers valuable tools and techniques for caregivers and professionals seeking to navigate lying behavior with empathy and understanding, ultimately fostering meaningful relationships with children. Course details below. -
In this episode of Lessons From The Playroom, we will talk about the concept of emotional age and its profound impact on therapeutic interactions with children. Through insightful discussion and practical examples, participants will explore the distinction between chronological and emotional age, gaining valuable tools to assess and attune to a child's emotional state. Participants will learn strategies to recognize emotional regression in children and themselves, fostering deeper levels of empathy and understanding. By understanding and working with emotional age, therapists can better support children through their healing journey, creating a nurturing environment for growth and development. Course details below.
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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! -
Helping children learn how to regulate is essential, but without first strengthening the child's interoceptive sense, regulation may not be successful. This experiential workshop offers various opportunities to explore how play can develop this fundamental part of the sensory system. As play therapists, there is an understanding that regulation and co-regulation are essential skills that must be developed in order to have successful relationships and manage emotions, and are essential for trauma integration; however, what many play therapists may not fully understand is that there is a prerequisite that needs to be in place for regulation skills to be effective. What has been understood for years in the world of Occupational Therapy is now becoming a primary focus of education for play therapists. This important understanding is that the child’s interoceptive sense, the 8th sensory system that is responsible for letting the brain know how the body is doing, must be developed first before a child can successfully regulate and co-regulate. Without the development and strengthening of the interoceptive sense, a child may have all kinds of regulation knowledge and tools but will not be able to read their own body cues to know when to use any of them. Examples such as knowing when to use the bathroom, when to take a deep breath, when to ask for help, the ability to read non-verbal cues, knowing when emotions are feeling overwhelming, etc. all rely on interoception. This playful workshop is designed to help play therapists learn what the interoceptive sense is and how to use play to develop interoception in their child clients setting the stage for successful regulation and co-regulation. Play therapists will have fun experientially exploring this fundamental part of the sensory system! (This course is a recording of a 2 hour live webinar held in November 2023) See course details below. -
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. -
Sandtray therapy prominently features the art of reflecting. In fact, it may be the therapy skill most associated with the craft. However, we can become so accustomed to the language of reflecting that we can lose contact with its intent. In this course, you will explore the skill of reflecting through the lens of the attachment theory concept of reflective functioning. Marshall Lyles will walk you through examples honoring this intersection through use of the sand tray. Scroll down for all of the course details! -
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! -
When play therapy intersects with the legal system, play therapists often find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Navigating legal processes can be daunting without proper guidance, leaving therapists feeling uncertain and ill-prepared to advocate for their clients effectively. Learn what you need to know to steer through the legal system with ease and confidence. You’ll leave this presentation empowered to effectively advocate for your clients, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. Scroll down for all of the course details! -
Children who have been sexually traumatized are often in need of our clinical services. Both directive and non-directive play therapy approaches provide these traumatized children with healing and the repair of losses associated with sexual trauma, such as innocence, trust, and appropriate boundaries. In this course you will develop your expertise and become a more effective advocate for your child clients with the knowledge and insight offered through this presentation. You will learn about sexual development in children, the psychological markers of sexual trauma, and the special issues these children present in play therapy, including: consulting with non-offending parents, dealing with the powerful impact of countertransference, and setting limits. Scroll down for all of the course details! -
Transgender and gender-diverse children face unique challenges in navigating their identities and experiences. Their families face challenges, too, but can often be fearful of voicing them due to worries about how others may perceive them. Clinicians are often well meaning but can do unintended harm due to the blind spots they are not aware of when working with this population. Play therapy offers a dynamic and effective approach to support these children and their families in understanding and expressing themselves in a safe and affirming environment, given the appropriate knowledge offered by the clinician. This workshop aims to equip therapists with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to provide effective and affirming play therapy for transgender and gender-diverse children - and their families! Scroll down for all of the course details! -
This dynamic, two-hour video course delves into the intricate interplay between trauma, neurocognitive processes, and communication patterns, shedding light on the challenges therapists face when working with survivors of trauma, especially those from culturally diverse backgrounds or with language barriers. Did you know that trauma's profound impact on neurocognitive functioning can significantly influence communication dynamics within therapeutic settings? This, coupled with cultural and linguistic disparities, can pose an added challenge when trying to establish rapport and foster healing with clients, particularly among Limited English Proficient or Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals! Join Mila Golovine, President & CEO of Masterword. and Lisa Dion, Founder & President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute as they navigate the intersections of cultural competency, trauma-informed therapy, and effective communication strategies. You will also get insights into enhancing the therapeutic alliance, fostering better client engagement, and ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes! Key highlights include:- Understanding how trauma affects neurocognitive processes and communication patterns.
- Exploring cultural competence in therapy and its significance in trauma recovery.
- Identifying challenges and strategies for effective communication with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Best practices for working with Limited English Proficient or Deaf/Hard of Hearing clients.
- Practical techniques to promote therapeutic alliance and engagement.
- Ethical considerations and sensitivity when utilizing interpreters in therapy sessions.
