• Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® January 2023 Monthly Payments

    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.

    Sign Up Now Details
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    Engaging the Resistant Child in Play Therapy

    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.
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  • Inviting Parents to Play Using Attachment-Centered Play Therapy

    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!
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    The Therapeutic Powers of Play

    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.  
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    Online Introduction To Synergetic Play Therapy October 2020 Monthly Payments

    "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)
    *For class details and objectives, see below.
    Sign Up Now Details

  • Level 1 Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy (ONLINE) Payment Plan

    Registration is Open for the October 2025 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program!

    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:

    • October 2025 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
      • Early Bird Registration Deadline: September 12, 2025 - Apply Coupon Code "October2025Intro" at checkout for $50 USD off the first month!
      • Final Registration Deadline: October 13, 2025, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
    • January 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
      • Registration Opens: October 13, 2025
    For full program details including cost, dates, learning objectives, and more, keep scrolling!
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  • SPT Certification 2021 – 2022: Course Payment Plan

    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.
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    SPT Certification 2022 – 2023: Course ‘Early Bird’ Payment Plan

    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"]    
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  • Pre-Teens and Teens in Play Therapy

    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.
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  • Conceptualizing Cases from a Synergetic Play Therapy Lens

    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.
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    Using Games in Play Therapy

    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!

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  • Level 1 Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program (ONLINE)

    Registration is Open for the October 2025 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program!

    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:

    • October 2025 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
      • Early Bird Registration Deadline: September 12, 2025 - Apply Coupon Code "October2025Intro" at checkout for $50 USD off!
      • Final Registration Deadline: October 13, 2025, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
    • January 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program
      • Registration Opens: October 13, 2025
    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
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