- 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)
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"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: -
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. -
**Save! Get up to $500 (USD)/$750(AUD) off the total cost of the course when you pay by the early bird deadline!! Early Bird Pay in Full Cost: North/South America & Europe: $3,900 USD Australia/Asia/Africa: $5,500 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"] -
Payment Plan Total 9 Months: $489 USD per month, North America | $656 AUD per month, Australia 12 Months: $374 USD per month,, North America | $501 AUD per month, 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"]
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We live in a technological age: there is no pacifying Pac-Man, no axing Apple. But screen time doesn’t always mean zoning out. In moderation, Mickey Mouse and Mario can be our allies, helping children better connect to the world around them. This webinar explores the therapeutic value of screen time and how to use it as part of a play therapy process. Learn how to recognize when a child is using it to avoid and when a child’s use of technology is the perfect entry into the therapeutic alliance. -
*This is NOT a course. Earn non-contact continuing education credit by completing a quiz based on the book. Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity offers a way to work with aggressive play that allows children to learn how integrate the intensity they are experiencing from their thoughts, emotions, and sensations while simultaneously supporting regulation in the therapist's nervous system. These will help therapists understand the neurobiological processes that lead kids to dys-regulation, and help them facilitate emotional healing in their clients. Topics Covered Include:- What Regulation Really Means
- Making Aggressive Play Therapeutic
- Authentic Expression
- Setting Boundaries
- Hyper-Aroused Play
- Observing Play
- Hypo-Aroused Play
- Working with Parents
- Developing Yourself as the External Regulator
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We live in a technological age: there is no pacifying Pac-Man, no axing Apple. But screen time doesn't always mean zoning out. In moderation, Mickey Mouse and Mario can be our allies, helping children better connect to the world around them. This webinar explores the therapeutic value of screen time and how to use it as part of a play therapy process. Learn how to recognize when a child is using it to avoid and when a child's use of technology is the perfect entry into the therapeutic alliance.
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As play therapists, we are often searching for ways to help our clients regulate their emotions and body. This webinar explores how therapists can use yoga to increase their ability to connect with themselves and their clients while facilitating the regulation of emotions and body during play therapy sessions. -
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) can be a part of growing up. But how can we help turn these obstacles into opportunities for growth and resilience and apply this knowledge to the play therapy process? This course explores how play therapy can be used to help mitigate the effects of ACES. Learn the major categories of ACES, along with protective factors or strategies that have been shown to be helpful both in the short-term and long-term. This course is designed to enhance or increase the professional knowledge of graduate-level counselors. -
Pay in Full Early Bird - **Save! Get $500 (USD) or $600 (AUD) off the full cost of the course when you pay in full by March 22nd for a massive discount!!* North America = $3750.00 USD Australia = $4,900.00 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. -
2024-2025 Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification Program
Please use this product to finalize your registration for the 2024-2025 Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification Program. If paying before or by the Early Bird deadline, you may use the coupon code you were provided via email at checkout to apply your discount. The final payment deadline for this program is June 28, 2024. To select your payment option, please use the dropdown menu below to choose your first, 3.5 Day Learning Retreat Online Location. (By selecting your virtual retreat location you are committing to the same location for both program learning retreats.) Your selection will finalize your registration of this program and your pricing option. *Please note: All pricing options will be displayed in USD at checkout. See details below. -
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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Eating challenges in children can show up in many ways. From the refusal to eat to eating too much, underneath often lies the need for perfectionism and control. Helping kids take these challenges off their plates involves offering choices and uncovering co-existing issues, as well as providing parental support. This course takes a look at this important struggle.
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You have been selected to be a part of the 2019-2020 Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Cohort! Congratulations! To secure your spot, you will put down a 600.00 USD deposit. The rest of the money will be due before August and you will be emailed a link for payment along with course information closer to the start of the first retreat. Reminder that if you pay in full, you receive 400.00 off the total price for additional savings! Refund Policy: Your deposit secures your spot in the Certification Program. Withdrawal before the program begins will result in a forfeit of the full deposit amount. This deposit is non-refundable! For more information regarding dates, scroll down below. -
As play therapists, we are often searching for ways to help our clients regulate their emotions and body. This webinar explores how therapists can use yoga to increase their ability to connect with themselves and their clients while facilitating the regulation of emotions and body during play therapy sessions.
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"I am always excited to repeat the retreats as an alumni for three reasons. First, there is always new information to be had. Second, each time I hear the information that Lisa imparts, I hear it in a different way. Lastly, it is so wonderful to be in such a supportive environment with like-minded people. I can’t get enough!" -Johanna Simmons Ask and you shall receive ... After much feedback from SPTers, we have broadened the Synergetic Play Therapy™ Certification retreats and now the online classes. As an esteemed alumni, you are invited to return and be part of the upcoming program. Embark on a one-of-a kind experience of connection and community ... mentor, master, and make new memories. Choose from one of three destinations for the retreats (details below) and come be yourself over and over again! In addition to the retreats, you also have the option of purchasing the live monthly online classes. Registration closes August 1st. For class details and objectives, please see below. -
Are you looking to elevate your play therapy supervision practice, gain confidence, and ensure you're fully equipped to support your supervisees? Join us for this transformative experience where you’ll gain practical tools and in-depth knowledge to feel more prepared and confident in your role as a supervisor. It’s about giving you the structure you need to navigate the often complex world of supervision. This course will delve into critical topics that will transform your supervision practice, including:- Principles & Theoretical Frameworks: Ground your supervision in solid theoretical foundations to ensure ethical, effective guidance.
- Clarifying Roles & Relationships: Understand the distinctions between supervision and consultation—what have you agreed upon, and how can you maintain clarity in these roles?
- Gatekeeping & Power Dynamics: Explore the importance of gatekeeping in supervision and how to handle power dynamics with awareness and grace.
- Navigating Ethical Dilemmas: Learn to recognize and manage ethical dilemmas, set clear boundaries, and know your limitations—where do you turn when you need guidance?
- Tailoring Supervision to Specific Standards: Each practice setting, whether private practice or agency work, has different standards and guidelines. We’ll discuss the important questions to ask and considerations to keep in mind regardless of location or regulatory environment.
- Addressing Language Barriers: Discuss ethical considerations when your supervisee speaks a different language or when English isn't their first language.
- Empowering vs. Instructing: Learn how to support growth and empowerment in your supervisees by encouraging curiosity and reflective practice, rather than simply telling them what to do.
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From a swingset to a grassy knoll, play therapy can happen outside of the playroom. Play therapy in a Pontiac? A sand tray in a sandlot? The setting doesn't matter! Why? Because it's the relationship between clinician and client that truly counts. This webinar explores boundaries, logistics, and how play therapy looks without toys or walls.
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Thank you for your interest in the Six-Day Synergetic Play Therapy Intensive Training Program!
Intensives can only be registered for after participants have cleared availability with the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute. Please email info@synergeticplaytherapy.com for availability.
In order to secure your Intensive spot, please choose a payment option below or pay in full. Please note, the full fee must be paid by the first day of the intensive you are signed up for.
Cost: $1,750.00 (Payments are accepted in full, or over the course of 2 or 3 payments. Select your option from the drop-down menu) -
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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Early Bird Pay In Full North/South America & Europe = $3900.00 USD Australia/Asia = $5230.00 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"] -
Thank you for your interest in the Six-Day Synergetic Play Therapy Intensive Training Program!
Intensives can only be registered for after participants have cleared availability with the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute. Please email info@synergeticplaytherapy.com for availability.
In order to secure your Intensive spot, please choose a payment option below or pay in full. Please note, the full fee must be paid by the first day of the intensive you are signed up for.
Cost: $1,750.00 -
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! -
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