- You feel alone in your practice of SPT and want to be a part of a SPT community
- You sometimes feel “stuck” with your clients
- You want feedback regarding your skills so that you can take them to the next level
- You want support in learning and integrating various applications of SPT to your clinical work
- You want to keep learning and growing as a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
- You want to hear other cases and learn from others
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want ongoing support to continue to learn and grow in the application of Synergetic Play Therapy® or you would like to receive consultation from an SPT lens, we've got you covered! ... This 6 month Consultation Group is for you, if:- You feel alone in your practice of SPT and want to be a part of a SPT community
- You sometimes feel “stuck” with your clients
- You want feedback regarding your skills so that you can take them to the next level
- You want support in learning and integrating various applications of SPT to your clinical work
- You want to keep learning and growing as a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
- You want to hear other cases and learn from others
Renewal of the Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor™ credential is required every 6 years. In order to renew, students must complete the CE requirements for being a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist™ plus the following CE Supervision requirements. Excess hours may not be rolled over into the next 6 year cycle. If CE credits are not submitted, student will no longer be able to use the title Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor™ until renewal occurs. CE renewal forms are due to the Institute by May 31st OF your renewal year. Please do not submit them on a year that you are not due to renew. Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor™ CE Training Hour Options: Must complete the Becoming an SPT Supervisor 1.5 hour live class and a 1.5 hour recorded video (total of 3 hours) that begins the supervision course to refresh the tenets and goals for SPT supervision. *Offered at a discounted cost. Also offered is a one hour recording of Lisa teaching: Running a Group Supervision that provides information on how to apply SPT Supervision Theory to groups. Group dynamics and group challenges will be explored. You will also receive access to six recorded session videos that provide techniques and skills focused on helping navigate the supervisory relationship and challenges that arise in the playroom. All of the videos include valuable teaching guidance and commentary by Lisa. Then choose one of the following options:- Participate in 8 months of group consultation with Lisa.
- Participate in Khris Rolfe’s SPT Consultant Clinical group (Intro Consultants only) or participate in the Cert Consultant group (Certification Consultants only).
"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 neuroscience behind this training will blow your mind!" - Keri Sawyer "I used to struggle with explaining how play therapy "works" to fathers who were more "left brain" (e.g., Lawyers, accountants, Google employees, etc). But that's not an issue for me anymore. Lisa taught me how to work with resistant fathers so they can confidently "buy" into the play therapy process!" - Susan StutzmanIn this thought-provoking yet practical workshop, participants will explore what it really takes to partner with parents. They will have the opportunity to understand how to have a successful intake session setting the stage for a higher level of investment and commitment, how to communicate to parents so that they understand what play therapy is and how it works, how to translate what is happening in the playroom so that parents understand how the goals are being worked on, what to do with resistant parents and what to do when parents just want to drop their child off to be "fixed".
Through new skills, insights and a framework rooted in relationship theory, therapists are guaranteed to leave feeling inspired to work with parents.
This course helps play therapists strengthen their work with parents so they can:
- Get More Clients
- Understand the Parent's Brain
- Be More Authentic with Parents
- Have Successful Parent Intakes
- Level-Up Their Parent Coaching Skills
Please see course details below. For a list of all available products, please go here. 
Please use this payment plan to begin your custom installment plan of $179/month for 8 months toward your balance of $1,432 USD for the 2023-2024 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program. Please contact the Institute with any questions, info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.
A One-Day Virtual Summit Empowering Therapists While Supporting Play Therapy Training Scholarships!
"Play It Forward" is how therapists maximize their impact for clients, for themselves, and for their community of therapists around the world. Led by mental health professionals for mental health professionals, this educational summit offers online workshops on a variety of distinct topics by leaders in their fields and specialties. And, it provides another unique benefit: making professional development available to all clinicians! Hosted by the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute (SPTI), the Play It Forward Virtual Summit supports the Synergetic Play Therapy Foundation in offering scholarships for mental health professionals in need of financial assistance for training and education. Summit presenters donated their time and expertise as a vehicle for fundraising for our global community of therapists. *All proceeds from this virtual summit will be donated to the Synergetic Play Therapy Foundation to fund play therapy scholarships! The content of each course is diverse, yet there is one common vision - a future where play therapy education and training are more widely accessible and attainable for clinicians in need! Join us and invest in your professional growth while supporting this broader goal! You have the option to join this virtual summit for the Morning Session, the Afternoon Session, or for the Full Day of learning! Each "session" contains two courses on separate topics. (See the topic descriptions below to select the session(s) that most interests you!) Morning Session (Two Courses): Course #1 - Understanding the Intersection of Reflections and Reflective Functioning in Sandtray Therapy Presented by Marshall Lyles, LPC, LMFT-S, RPT-S 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. This workshop will look at the skill of reflecting through the lens of the attachment theory concept of reflective functioning. The examples given for honoring this intersection will feature the use of the sand tray. Course #2 - Playing by the Rules: Navigating Legal Processes for Play Therapists Presented by Val Bruno, LPC, RPT-S 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. Afternoon Session (Two Courses): Course 1 - Play Therapy with Sexually Traumatized Children Presented by Dr. Jodi Mullen, LPC 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. Develop your expertise and become a more effective advocate for your child clients with the knowledge and insight offered through this presentation. 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. Course 2 - Creating an Affirming Play Therapy Space for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Their Families Presented by Jennifer Shivey, LPC, RPT-S Transgender and gender-diverse children face unique challenges in navigating their identities and experiences. Their families also face unique challenges, but many are fearful of voicing them because of how others might perceive them. And well-meaning clinicians can unintentionally create harm when working with this population if they’re unaware of certain blind spots. Gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to provide this much-needed support. This presentation will empower you to leverage play therapy as a dynamic and effective approach to support these children and their families in understanding and expressing themselves in a safe and affirming environment. For more information keep scrolling! Use the dropdown menu below to select your attendance option. You may select to attend the Morning Session courses, Afternoon Session courses, or Full Day to attend them all! *If you are attending live, select the "Live Event" option from the dropdown menu below. *If you are unable to attend live, select the "Home Study" option from the dropdown menu below. (Must be completed within 7 days following the live event)
"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)
JOIN US FOR OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAM AND GROW AS A PROFESSIONAL!
Registration deadline is January 22nd, 2024, 12pm Mountain Time, Denver
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PROGRAM DETAILS!!
Have you been searching for ways to create a deeper impact for your clients? Or perhaps you are:- Looking for game-changing concepts, ideas, and techniques to repattern a child's nervous system and become a more effective external regulator in the playroom?
- Wanting to experience aggressive play, sand, and art from the perspectives of nervous system regulation, attunement, attachment, mindfulness and authenticity?
- Feeling burned out and want to find ways to come back to yourself or feel "green" again, like a new therapist full of curiosity and liveliness?
- Curious how to create a neuroception of safety for both the child and the caregiver to experience deeper integration?
- Wanting to learn a solid play therapy theory that combines the powers of play with interpersonal neurobiology?
- Or just wanting to feel a little more like YOU in the play therapy process?
You will 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 learning 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!
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 program details and objectives, see below.
Out of stock
2024-2025 Synergetic Play Therapy® Certification Program
Applications are now CLOSED!
Please check back for information about the 2025-2026 cohort later in 2024 OR contact the Institute to be notified when Applications open, info@synergeticplaytherapy.com!
Take a moment to reflect on the growth you’ve witnessed since starting the introductory course. How have your clients evolved? How have your therapy sessions changed? Most importantly, how have you changed? Your growth is the key to unlocking your clients’ full potential for transformation. During the introductory course, you've merely scratched the surface of what's possible for client healing and transformation. Imagine delving deeper into a wealth of knowledge and skills with 85 hours of content (plus 13 hours of consultation!). This is precisely what awaits you in our 10-month SPT Certification program, designed to empower you as a therapist or other professional! Here's what you can look forward to!- Dive deeper into understanding attunement, attachment, and mindfulness to enhance your client’s reflective awareness, self-regulation, and co-regulation.
- Gain insight on how to scaffold the development of a child’s interoceptive sense.
- Cultivate an ability to hold awareness of self and other (dual awareness) in order to become an attuned external regulator.
- Explore the interconnectedness between physics and psychology.
- Learn why individuals are driven to do what they do and become who they are.
- Discover how trauma is stored in the body and mind, shaping a client’s narrative.
- Learn how to work with implicit memory to repattern the somatic imprints and protective patterns of the autonomic nervous system.
- Understand the Vagus Nerve and the role it plays in trauma integration and regulation.
- Gain profound insight into the homeostatic mechanisms within the mind and how these contribute to emotions.
- Understand how to assess and work with a child’s emotional age.
- Overcome fears related to working with caregivers and create true collaborative partnerships.
- Master the use of sand and art in both non-directive and directive approaches.
- Learn about the sensory system and how to use this information with neurodivergent children.
- Explore directive interventions for groups, families, teens, siblings, and adults using the SPT tenets.
- Learn how to work with non-verbal regressive states.
- Work with your own activation that naturally arises in sessions and repattern your own nervous system response.
- Deepen your understanding of how to track a child’s progress on the SPT Therapeutic Stages.
- Master the art of managing endings, transitions, and strategies for facilitating a meaningful “goodbye process” with caregivers and children.
- Empower both yourself and your clients within the therapy process, tracking small moments and significant empowerment experiences in a client’s therapeutic journey.
- And so much more!!!!
*For all class details, class objectives, research scholarship, CE credits and more, see below.- 6-Month Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Online course
- 3-Day In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy course
- Synergetic Play Therapy Supplemental course (no longer offered)
- 6-Day SPT Intensive Training (no longer offered)
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!
"This was very helpful in allowing to learn ways to integrate neuroscience and transitions to help promote regulation for the child!" - Fernando Gonzalez III "This class was so informative with great concrete tools. Awesome class!" -Lauri Levitt Transitions are everywhere, in the expected and the unexpected. As a play therapist, it's important to be prepared to help our clients with transitions - such as divorce, death, a move, new sibling, or sensory challenges - that often bring them to our playroom. In this course, Lisa Dion and Susan Stutzman explore how to navigate transitions and change in the play therapy setting. Participants will walk away having gained an understanding of current neurobiological research that supports an understanding of how transitions can trigger a threat response in the brain causing activation of the autonomic nervous system. From a neurobiological lens, the therapist will gain knowledge of how to best navigate the challenges of transitions that bring clients to play therapy and learn ways to navigate change and transition that happens during the therapeutic play process itself. Clinical applications for working through transitioning within professional working relationships will be touched on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGUlmjyn2Js This course is for you, if you want to:- Help children through divorce
- Process death & loss
- Help a child transition to a new school
- Help children learn emotional balance and regulation
- Help kids with sensory challenges