“The hardest and most important lesson in life is to learn how to be yourself.”
– Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S
The Synergetic Play Therapy Institute (SPTI) is home to Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), a researched-informed model of play therapy combining the therapeutic powers of play with nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness, and therapist authenticity.
The Institute is over a decade in the making, the foundation laid when SPT began back in 2008. As interest grew, we adapted. Once a segment of the Play Therapy Institute of Colorado, it became clear from the worldwide demand that SPT needed to be the focal point of our mission. And so SPTI was born, seizing the reins and blazing a new trail.
We are committed to providing an array of professional online and in-person trainings and services to therapists, teachers, parents, and organizations across the globe. Our teachings are wide-ranging, with everything from our SPT signature programs (introduction and certification) to 1-6 hour courses to supervision. We also feature several resources for anyone interested in SPT and play therapy in general. We offer a podcast, blogs, webinars, as well as other dynamic and diverse learning opportunities.
We focus on professional and personal growth, with a nod to our core values: dedication, creativity, knowledge of craft, commitment, and the desire to go the extra mile. We strive to awaken authenticity and transform lives.
While we offer many learning opportunities, SPTI isn’t confined to the classroom. Our institute, like SPT itself, is centered on community. We provide a supportive environment, a home for SPTers to regulate, integrate, and celebrate together. We embrace connection and relationship, encouraging people to show up as themselves – genuine and curious, courageous and vulnerable, and ready to make a difference in the life of a child.
History of Synergetic Play Therapy
Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) was developed by Lisa Dion in 2008. It was born from the realization that it was possible to regulate another person’s nervous system by first regulating your own. Since then the fields of Neuroscience and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) have provided the science and research to confirm the profound healing that occurs when therapists are able to attune to themselves and co-regulate through the dysregulation that arises in the child’s play allowing the child to move towards their challenging thoughts, feelings and body sensations. It is in this deeply resonate state that a synergy emerges allowing the child to heal and re-pattern their nervous system.
In Gratitude
Nothing is ever created on its own and therefore it is important to acknowledge and give thanks to the great minds and hard work of others that helped influence me and the creation of Synergetic Play Therapy.
Thank you Garry Landreth, Ed.D., LPC, RPT-S, Dr. Rise VanFleet, Dr. Byron Norton, Duey Freeman, LPC, Michael Gregory, Dr. Cherionna Menzam, Dr. Daniel Siegel, Dr. Allan Schore, and Dr. John Demartini for your relentless hard work, ingenious mind, and inspiration.
– Lisa
“The hardest and most important lesson in life is to learn how to be yourself.”
– Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S
The Synergetic Play Therapy Institute (SPTI) is home to Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), a researched-informed model of play therapy combining the therapeutic powers of play with nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness, and therapist authenticity.
The Institute is over a decade in the making, the foundation laid when SPT began back in 2008. As interest grew, we adapted. Once a segment of the Play Therapy Institute of Colorado, it became clear from the worldwide demand that SPT needed to be the focal point of our mission. And so SPTI was born, seizing the reins and blazing a new trail.
We are committed to providing an array of professional online and in-person trainings and services to therapists, teachers, parents, and organizations across the globe. Our teachings are wide-ranging, with everything from our SPT signature programs (introduction and certification) to 1-6 hour courses to supervision. We also feature several resources for anyone interested in SPT and play therapy in general. We offer a podcast, blogs, webinars, as well as other dynamic and diverse learning opportunities.
We focus on professional and personal growth, with a nod to our core values: dedication, creativity, knowledge of craft, commitment, and the desire to go the extra mile. We strive to awaken authenticity and transform lives.
While we offer many learning opportunities, SPTI isn’t confined to the classroom. Our institute, like SPT itself, is centered on community. We provide a supportive environment, a home for SPTers to regulate, integrate, and celebrate together. We embrace connection and relationship, encouraging people to show up as themselves – genuine and curious, courageous and vulnerable, and ready to make a difference in the life of a child.
History of Synergetic Play Therapy
Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) was developed by Lisa Dion in 2008. It was born from the realization that it was possible to regulate another person’s nervous system by first regulating your own. Since then the fields of Neuroscience and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) have provided the science and research to confirm the profound healing that occurs when therapists are able to attune to themselves and co-regulate through the dysregulation that arises in the child’s play allowing the child to move towards their challenging thoughts, feelings and body sensations. It is in this deeply resonate state that a synergy emerges allowing the child to heal and re-pattern their nervous system.
In Gratitude
Nothing is ever created on its own and therefore it is important to acknowledge and give thanks to the great minds and hard work of others that helped influence me and the creation of Synergetic Play Therapy.
Thank you Garry Landreth, Ed.D., LPC, RPT-S, Dr. Rise VanFleet, Dr. Byron Norton, Duey Freeman, LPC, Michael Gregory, Dr. Cherionna Menzam, Dr. Daniel Siegel, Dr. Allan Schore, and Dr. John Demartini for your relentless hard work, ingenious mind, and inspiration.
Lisa Dion