• February 2027 Level 1 In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® Program – Vancouver, British Columbia (Payment Plan)

    From: $173.98 / month for 6 months

    Learn a solid play therapy theory that combines the power of play with interpersonal neurobiology in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada!

    Click here to experience how you can transform you and your child clients from the inside out!

    Register by October 9, 2026 and use Early Bird Coupon Code "Vancouver2027" for $50 USD off your first month!

    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

    Check out what past students had to say about their experiences here.

    6-Month Payment Plan Options by Tiers: Tier 1 – $244.38 USD/month, Tier 2 – $198.55 USD/month, Tier 3 – $173.98 USD/month
    • 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.
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  • Level 1 Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy (ONLINE) Payment Plan

    From: $173.98 / month for 6 months

    Registration NOW OPEN for the October 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program!

    Register by September 22nd and use Early Bird coupon code "October2026" $50 USD off your first month!

    Final Registration Deadline is October 19, 2026, at 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)

    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
     6-Month Payment Plan Options by Tiers: Tier 1 – $244.38 USD/month, Tier 2 – $198.55 USD/month, Tier 3 – $173.98 USD/month
    • 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.
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    Online Introduction To Synergetic Play Therapy (October 2019 – March 2020) Monthly Payments

    From: $178.75 / month for 6 months
    The Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy launches you on a personal journey towards discovering what showing up in the playroom truly means. It explores what is happening in the play therapy process, how change occurs, and ultimately what it takes to help children heal at profound levels. It invites you to be you! Curious what this class is truly about? Get all the details here. To learn what others have to say, check out our testimonials. Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Prerequisite Training:
    • Participants should have completed or be enrolled in a Master’s Degree (or equivalent) program in counseling, social work, or education
    • Previous experience working with children and families is required
    • A basic understanding of play therapy and play therapy skills is required
    This six-month course includes three, one-hour LIVE webinars with Lisa Dion, six 2.5-hour recorded videos, and monthly consultations** with a Synergetic Play Therapy™ Supervisor/Consultant to help you integrate what you are learning. It is designed for masters-level therapists and clinicians (or equivalent) and provides the chance to learn from anywhere. Connect without the commute! Special topics such as facilitating sand, art, trauma, and aggressive play are covered from the perspective of nervous system regulation, attunement, attachment, mindfulness, and authenticity. Participants will also learn how to track their client’s changes for parents, teachers, agencies, and themselves. **Do you want consultation catered to your needs? For the first time ever, we are offering the option to add consultations and customize your experience to fit your unique situation. You may opt for 50-minute sessions instead of 30-minute consultations. You can purchase additional consultations now or you can purchase after the course has begun (if choosing the latter, please contact us and we'll provide you with a link). *For class details and objectives, please see below.  
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    Custom Payment Plan (Whitney McDaniel)

    $179.00 / month for 8 months
    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.
    Sign Up Now Details

  • Partnering with Parents in Play Therapy (Affiliate Course)

    $179.97
    "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 Stutzman

    In 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.
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  • Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® October 2021 Monthly Payments (Aisling)

    $195.83 / month for 6 months
    "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)
    *For class details and objectives, see below.
    Sign Up Now Details

  • Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor *Renewal*

    $200.00
    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:
    1. Participate in 8 months of group consultation with Lisa. 
    2. Participate in Khris Rolfe’s SPT Consultant Clinical group (Intro Consultants only) or participate in the Cert Consultant group (Certification Consultants only).
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  • Playing Perfectly: A Play Therapist’s Guide for Working with OCD

    $200.00
    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.
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  • SPT Ongoing Consultation Groups with Lindsay Ishman (November 2022 – February 2023)

    $210.00
    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 4 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
    This consultation group, facilitated by Lindsay Ishman, is designed to offer support and guidance to individuals that have graduated from the SPT Certification Course.  The purpose of this group is for individuals to bring real cases and questions regarding application of Synergetic Play Therapy in their clinical practice. *See description below for dates and times.
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  • SPT Certification 2020 – 2021: Course Payment Plan (Melanie Paul)

    $229.16 / month for 12 months
    12 Months: $229.16 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.
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    Online Introduction To Synergetic Play Therapy June 2020 Monthly Payments

    $233.75 / month for 6 months
    The Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy launches you on a personal journey towards discovering what showing up in the playroom truly means. It explores what is happening in the play therapy process, how change occurs, and ultimately what it takes to help children heal at profound levels. It invites you to be you! *For class details and objectives, please see below.  
    Sign Up Now Details
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    Online Introduction To Synergetic Play Therapy October 2020 Monthly Payments

    $233.75 / month for 6 months
    "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
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