Lisa Dion

2026-2027 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification Program (Level 2)
2025-09-01 - 2026-06-16
Enrollment is officially OPEN for the 2026-2027 Synergetic Play Therapy Certification Program!
We’re so excited to invite you to join us on this powerful journey of transformation, growth, and connection. Last year, we filled every single spot before the deadline — and we expect the same this year! So if you’ve been waiting for the moment to say yes to yourself, your growth, and the kids and families you serve… this is it.
This program isn’t just about becoming a better therapist — it’s about coming home to yourself. It’s about discovering your authenticity in and out of the playroom, strengthening your nervous system, deepening your presence, and learning how to use the therapeutic relationship as a profound tool for healing.
Here’s what one of our beautiful graduates had to say:
“SPT is the best certification course I’ve ever taken! Working with children over the past 22 years, I’ve never felt so in-sync with myself and being with my clients. I’m more confident and trusting of the process with the child and with the parent. I’m much more connected to myself and my body. I’m much more aware of what is going on in me, in the room, and with the child. I can more easily let go of the “shoulds” and just be with what is. I’m so happy and grateful that I’ve evolved and still will evolve further with SPT, to be the human and therapist I truly am.” — Barbara Favre, Switzerland
If her words speak to something inside you, we’d love for you to walk this path with us.
Over the course of 10 months, you’ll receive 85 hours of experiential and didactic learning, plus 13 hours of individual and group consultation to help you integrate everything on a deeper level.
You’ll learn how to:

Attune to yourself and your clients in a whole new way
Scaffold the development of a child’s interoceptive sense
Hold awareness of self and other (dual awareness) in order to become an attuned external regulator
Understand the underlying drivers behind human behavior and identity formation
Recognize and work with the ways trauma is stored in the body and mind to support shifts in a client’s narrative
Work with implicit memory to repattern the somatic imprints and protective patterns of the autonomic nervous system
Explore how the brain’s drive for internal balance (homeostasis) influences emotional states and responses
Understand the Vagus Nerve and the role it plays in trauma integration and regulation
Assess and work with a child’s emotional age
Use sensory system information to support neurodivergent clients
Stay present 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
Use sand, art, and the sensory system in both directive and non-directive ways
Track and facilitate small moments and significant empowerment experiences in a client’s therapeutic journey
Work with non-verbal regressive states, endings, transitions, and so much more…

This is just a small taste of what we explore. You’ll dive into the projective process, physics and psychology, caregiver collaboration, and even directive work with teens, families, and adults using the SPT lens.
We’re here to support you in uncovering your brilliance and becoming the therapist — and human — you’re meant to be. 💫 Apply today to secure the early bird discount. The deadline is April 1st — but don’t wait. Seats are limited, and they fill fast.
From our hearts to yours, we can’t wait to welcome you into this next cohort.
Learn more about this program here.

Level 1 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program - 2026 Programs
2025-12-25 - 2026-10-20
Registration is Open for the January 2026 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program!
Are you ready to transform your play therapy practice with a cutting-edge approach that blends the healing power of play with the latest in interpersonal neurobiology? Mark your calendar and get ready to choose from three upcoming sessions of the Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program:

January 27th, 2026
June 23rd, 2026 (registration opening soon!)
October 20th, 2026 (registration opening soon!)

Discover the Program
This 6-month online program is designed for both beginning and experienced practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of play therapy and integrate neuroscience into their practice. Here’s what you’ll explore:
Regulation

Become an external regulator to support repatterning a child’s nervous system for integration and healing.
Teach interoceptive (body) awareness—the key to self-regulation and co-regulation.
Understand how nervous system activation connects to mental health symptoms.

The Brain & Neuroscience

Create a neuroception of safety even during emotional flooding.
Set boundaries that support brain integration while keeping children engaged.
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 see that all behaviors make sense, even challenging ones.
Track a child’s progress and translate their play into meaningful insights for caregivers and other professionals.

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 each child’s unique experiences and needs.

“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
Who Should Join?This program is ideal for:

Mental health professionals
Child Life Specialists, School Counselors, and Occupational Therapists
Coaches and professionals in related fields

Ready to Begin?Join the growing community of professionals embracing Synergetic Play Therapy and bring a new depth to your work.
👉 Click here for full program details, including early bird discounts, session dates, costs, and learning objectives.

Level 1 In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program – 2026 Dates
2026-01-01 - 2026-10-26
Join Us for an In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program in 2026!
Are you ready to transform your play therapy practice with a hands-on, immersive approach that blends the healing power of play with the latest in interpersonal neurobiology? Mark your calendar and join one of our upcoming 3-Day Live Intro to Synergetic Play Therapy programs:
Boulder, Colorado – Led by Judy Norman (Stay tuned! Registration will open soon)When: July 17-19, 2026
UK (Hosted by PIP Solutions) – Led by Lisa Dion (Registration is Open. Click here for details!)When: October 24-26, 2026
Discover the Program:
This 3-day live program is designed for both beginning and experienced practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of play therapy and integrate neuroscience into practice. Here’s what you’ll explore:
Regulation

Become an external regulator to support repatterning a child’s nervous system for integration and healing.
Teach interoceptive (body) awareness—the key to self-regulation and co-regulation.
Understand how nervous system activation connects to mental health symptoms.

The Brain & Neuroscience

Create a neuroception of safety even during emotional flooding.
Set boundaries that support brain integration while keeping children engaged.
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 see that all behaviors make sense, even challenging ones.
Track a child’s progress and translate their play into meaningful insights for caregivers and other professionals.

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 each child’s unique experiences and needs.

“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
Who Should Join?This program is ideal for:

Mental health professionals
Child Life Specialists, School Counselors, and Occupational Therapists
Coaches and professionals in related fields

Ready to Begin?Join the growing community of professionals experiencing Synergetic Play Therapy in-person and bring a new depth to your work.
