Registration Open! February 2027 Level 1 In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program – Vancouver, British Columbia

Join Us for a 3-Day In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program for the first time ever in Vancouver, British Columbia!

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? Join us for our upcoming 3-Day in-person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program … 

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Led by Lisa Dion & Helen Ritchie (Registration is Open. Click here for details!)
When: February 19-21, 2027

Discover the Program:

This program includes 3 days, 18 hours, of in-person training with Synergetic Play Therapy Teachers, Lisa Dion and Helen Ritchie, followed by 6, 1-hour group consultations over the course of 4 months with a Synergetic Play Therapy Consultant, 2 pre-recorded one-hour video lessons on the topic of cultural humility, a BONUS video lesson on Synergetic Play Therapy and Teletherapy to further your learning, and a Book Review of the required book, Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity.

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.