A Synergetic Approach to Revolutionizing Therapeutic Play with Children (Cape Town, South Africa)
2024-03-25 - 2024-03-26 | Cassia Conference Venue at Nitida Wine Farm
Lisa Dion will be visiting Cape Town, South Africa to present a 2-day workshop on A Synergetic Approach to Revolutionizing Therapeutic Play with Children.
This 2 day course is designed to help practitioners understand therapeutic play from a neuro-biological perspective. With the help of neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, and a Synergetic Play Therapy framework, practitioners will learn how to effectively work with therapeutic play in a way that supports nervous system regulation, reorganization of the child’s lower centers of the brain and promotes healing for the child. Through role play, discussion, and experiential exercises participants will learn practical techniques that can be used right away in the playroom. Topics such as boundaries, co-regulation, nervous system activation, emotional flooding and use of aggressive toys and play will be explored.
This training will also guide participants towards a deeper understanding of what it means to become a child’s external regulator during trauma play while practicing how to care for their own nervous system thereby decreasing compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. The result is the transformation of trauma play into ways of connecting, healing, and mutual trust.
This is a 2-day in-person event is being hosted by Rene Ohlhoff at Play Therapy International. For additional information, please visit their website or contact Synergetic Play Therapy Institute at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

April 2024 In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® Program (Level 1)
2024-04-05 - 2024-04-07
You asked and we answered! For those of you who have wanted to enroll in our signature Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program, but are seeking an in-person experience, we have an option for you!
Have you been searching for ways to create a deeper impact for your clients? Or perhaps you want 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).

Learn all of this and so much more!
This program is a 3-day 18-hour in-person training that explores the foundational skills of SPT and will take you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the play therapy process, 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’ll come to understand the magic of aggressive play, sand and art from the perspectives of nervous system regulation, attunement, attachment, mindfulness, and authenticity. But it doesn’t stop there! This program also includes 6 months of group consultation and additional video lessons to keep your learning going!
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!
*Offered 3 times a year online (in January, June & October) and in-person (Upcoming: October 2024 – Hosted by PIP Solutions, UK & February 2025 – Chicago, Illinois), the Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program is a comprehensive play therapy training that explores the foundational skills of SPT. This six-month program is designed for both beginning and advanced practitioners. Learn more about this level 1 SPT signature program here.

3-Day In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy
2024-04-05 09:00 - 2024-04-07 16:30 (America/Denver)
The 3-Day In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® is an 18 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 activation, and what it means to become an external regulator in the playroom!
You will learn how to effectively work with caregivers and what it means to create a neuroception of safety in play therapy allowing both the child and the caregiver to have a deeper integration.
And if that wasn’t enough, you will come to understand the magic of aggressive play, sand, and art from the perspectives of nervous system regulation, attunement, mindfulness, and authenticity AND how to apply these concepts to your play therapy practice!
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!
This is event is open to the public. If you would like more information or your organization is interested in training in Synergetic Play Therapy, please contact the Institute at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

FREE Webinar: Harnessing the Power of “Shoulds” & Negative Self-Talk
2024-04-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Are you ready to delve into the world of “shoulds” and negative self-talk? Those internalized expectations and societal norms that often shape our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions while influencing our lives, physiology, and well-being!
Join Lisa Dion on April 17th, 2024, from 6:00 – 7:00 PM Mountain Time (Denver) for a FREE webinar as she uncovers the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the formation of “shoulds” and, most importantly, the unique role they play in our psychology.
​​​​​​​Understanding how “shoulds” and negative self-talk form, the connection they have with our physiology, and the purpose behind them, will help you reframe these patterns as valuable feedback systems on the pathway toward authenticity and congruency.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to harness the power of “shoulds” and negative self-talk for personal growth and self-discovery! And, one of the best parts is that you will be able to take this information and have a better understanding of what is happening with your clients and loved ones, as well!
Register here! And if you can’t make it live, complete the registration anyway and you’ll receive a 7-day playback.
​​​​​​​❇ Invite a friend, colleague, or whoever you think would benefit from this discussion.

MasterWord: Resilience in the Trenches: Vicarious Trauma Mitigation for Professionals on the Frontline
2024-05-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Join Lisa for this FREE 1-hour virtual training hosted by MasterWord on “Resilience in the Trenches: Vicarious Trauma Mitigation for Professionals on the Frontline.”
Professionals in the “helping professions” find themselves on the front lines of support during crises at an individual, community, national, and international levels. These dedicated individuals encompass a diverse range of roles, including first responders, therapists, social workers, healthcare providers, educators, religious leaders, and anyone else who offers assistance during or after traumatic events. Working in such roles inherently exposes these helpers to traumatic situations. They must listen, witness, and often directly experience trauma alongside those they aid. This not only places them in a position of immense importance for those in need but also increases their own vulnerability to the effects of the trauma they encounter.
This webinar aims to explore the impact of trauma on helpers, posing essential questions such as: What occurs when a helper experiences primary or secondary trauma? How does a helper’s own traumatic experiences affect their ability to offer aid, and what are the implications for the individuals they assist? How does a helper handle their own unresolved trauma when triggered during the act of helping? Additionally, the webinar will investigate strategies to mitigate the effects of trauma exposure, drawing from fields like Interpersonal Neurobiology and Polyvagal Theory, ultimately enabling helpers to continue thriving in their crucial roles.
Participate in this educational journey and earn CEUs from NACCM (care managers), CCHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters), NASW (social workers), CCMC (Commission for Case Manager Certification), IMIA (International Medical Interpreters Association), and BEI (Board for Evaluation of Interpreters).
This event is open to the public, please visit the organization’s website for additional information. If you would like your organization to receive training in Synergetic Play Therapy, please contact the Institute at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

Pia Konferans Organizasyon Ltd. Sti: Working with Aggression and Intensity in the Playroom
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-05 | Online
Lisa holding a live online workshop hosted by Pia Konferans Organizasyon Ltd. Sti in Turkey! This workshop is designed to help play therapists understand aggression and death play from a neuro-biological perspective and a Synergetic Play Therapy lens. With the help of neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology, therapists will learn how to effectively work with this type of play in a way that supports nervous system regulation, repatterning of the child’s autonomic activation patterns, and decreases compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
This workshop will take therapists to new possibilities as they explore a science-based process for working with children at the deepest, most profound levels while staying safe and sane. They will learn how to make aggressive play therapeutic while understanding what it takes to maximize growth and integration for their clients and themselves.
If you have questions, or would like your organization to receive training in Synergetic Play Therapy, please contact the Institute at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

PESI Play Therapy Summit 2024: From Big Behaviors to Big Trauma – The Power of Play Therapy Heals
2024-05-08 - 2024-05-09 | Online
Lisa is again participating in this year’s Play Therapy LIVE Online Summit with PESI from May 8-9. This year’s Summit is on From Big Behaviors to Big Trauma – The Power of Play Therapy Heals.
Children heal when they have a safe emotional space to process their trauma, vulnerability, and pain.
But the pathway to them feeling safe and secure isn’t always easy.
Along the way, there are stumbling blocks — dysregulation, unexplainable behaviors, resistance, countertransference, and navigating working with parents.
Good news…PLAY THERAPY IS THE SOLUTION. It’s a proven pathway to a child’s innate capacity to heal!
Now you can join leading play therapy clinicians including keynote and world-renowned child therapist David Crenshaw, Paris Goodyear-Brown, Clair Mellenthin, Lisa Dion, Tammi Van Hollander, and many more who break it down step-by-step.
Together, they will show you how to skillfully integrate fun, practical, and immediately useful play therapy interventions to meet the challenges you’re facing right now.
You’ll walk step by step through dynamic skill sets to:

Accurately interpret the emotional cues of children to foster attunement and connection.
Become an external regulator for trauma integration and repattern states of activation in young clients
Utilize innovative games to help kids identify anger triggers and self-regulate in appropriate ways
Recognize and identify signs of distress or resilience in LGBTQ+ youth through play-based interventions
Discover the importance of imaginative engagement as a vital bridge to connecting with a child’s inner world.
Evaluate attachment styles that impact a parent’s ability to engage in their child’s treatment
… and SO much more!

You will leave this one-of-a-kind Play Therapy Summit with the proven tools, strategies, and skills needed to help your young clients thrive in school, relationships, and life!
And join Lisa on Day 2 (May 9th) from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central for Re-Patterning States of Activation in Play Therapy to navigate the intricacies of repatterning somatic templates and unlock the potential for profound healing and growth. We’ll explore what it means to become an external regulator for trauma integration and learn the process of repatterning states of activation in your child clients and how these patterns of activation shape therapeutic outcomes.
Register with us and use this affiliate link and promo code “GP100” to receive special $199.99 pricing.
Don’t miss this chance to elevate your practice with kid-tested, proven tools that will help your young clients thrive. Sign up today for an inspirational and dynamic summit that’ll bring out the kid in all of us!

Understanding the Psychology of Fear
2024-05-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Online
Fears! We all have them. They’re built into our psychology, influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and profoundly shape our lives – often taking no prisoners.
Join Lisa on May 22nd from 5:00pm – 7:00pm Mountain Time (Denver) for this transformative workshop. You’ll learn how to navigate and overcome these fears, giving you ways to break free from the paralyzing grip they can have when pursuing your highest goals or ambitions, and also with just moving through your daily life. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of fear, including the role of the amygdala in fear processing – a game changer when supporting your clients to work through their fears or gaining traction toward your personal or professional goals.
Whether you’re seeking to overcome specific phobias or simply want to understand the psychological mechanisms at play, this workshop will give you both theoretical and practical insights and skills, and teach you perhaps the most valuable lesson of life – How to turn your fears into a catalyst for action and growth!
Don’t let fear hold you back any longer! Reserve your spot today, and begin your journey of understanding and empowerment!
Registration closes May 21, 2024, at 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
*A 7-day playback will be made available following the live webinar course.

Advanced Self-Mastery Program (Hawaii)
2024-06-26 - 2024-06-29 | Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, Hawaii, United States
This advanced program is a unique personal development experience designed to support you in your ongoing personal journey and deepen your understanding of yourself. Think of it as a deeper unraveling of the question “who am I?” You’ll spend 4 days live in-person with your fellow Certified SPTers delving deeper into yourself. Go deeper into the development of yourself – Deeper into understanding the body and your own activation patterns – Deeper into the mind – Deeper into integrating your perceptions and working on emotional charges that are in the way of fully becoming an external regulator.
During this 4 day live in-person program, you will engage with your fellow Certified SPTer delving deeper into yourself. You will be taken on a journey into the mind and the body in order to gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness between the two. We will flow between didactic teachings and experiential learnings so that you can further empower yourself and reclaim the parts of yourself that have been minimized, hurt, stuck and stunted by trauma and life’s challenges. You’ll also walk away with a deeper understanding of what Lisa means when she says, “Self Mastery requires regulation of the body and regulation of the mind.”
Picture yourself surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Waikoloa, Hawaii, at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa … connecting with fellow SPTers from around the globe … spending quality time with your friends and family (yes, make it a family vacation!) … engaging in loads of self care … and if you choose to stay at the hotel, here are some resort perks we’ve coordinated for you in the cost:

Daily Cultural Activities (Lei Making, Hula Lessons, Hawaiian Language, Hawaiian Games, Walking Tour, Ukulele Lessons)
Daily Pool Fitness for up to 2 guests
Daily Beach Yoga for up to 2 guests
Daily Rental of Tennis Courts, Rackets, Tennis Balls or Pickle Ball Rackets/Balls for up to 2 guests
Waikoloa Specialty Welcome Drink x2
Special group concession of $20 resort fee daily (normally $40 per room daily) with all services
$15 self-parking daily (normally $30) per vehicle
Complimentary 24-hour Fitness Center access
10% off Mandara Spa

If you have additional questions, or would like your organization to receive training in Synergetic Play Therapy, please contact the Institute at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

Virtual Summit: Play It Forward: Elevating Play Therapy through Education & Service
2024-07-25 09:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Get ready for an EPIC virtual summit with some of the top play therapy clinicians in the field!
Join us on July 25th for Play It Forward: Elevating Play Therapy through Education and Service. This is your opportunity to learn from some amazing presenters: Marshall Lyles, Val Bruno, Jodi Weinstein Mullen, and Jen Shivey.
Enhance what you can bring to your therapy practice by attending these online courses:

Understanding the Intersection of Reflections and Reflective Functioning in Sandtray Therapy (Lyles)
Playing by the Rules: Navigating Legal Processes for Play Therapists (Bruno)
Play Therapy with Sexually Traumatized Children (Mullen)
Creating an Affirming Play Therapy Space for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Their Families (Shivey)

Even better, all proceeds go toward play therapy training scholarships awarded through the Synergetic Play Therapy Foundation!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or starting out, this summit is perfect for all clinicians looking to level up their play therapy skills. Choose from full-day or half-day sessions (morning or afternoon) or if you can’t join us live, opt for the 7-day home study course!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow as a play therapy community. Sign up here!
*This event offers up to 6 NBCC CE credit hours by completing the full day of courses or 3 CE credit hours for one session of courses (morning or afternoon). Get all the details and sign up now!

At the Intersection of Trauma, Language, and Culture (2 Hr. Workshop)
2024-08-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
This dynamic two-hour live webinar course delves into the intricate interplay between trauma, neurocognitive processes, and communication patterns, shedding light on the challenges therapists face when working with survivors of trauma, especially those from culturally diverse backgrounds or with language barriers.
Did you know that trauma’s profound impact on neurocognitive functioning can significantly influence communication dynamics within therapeutic settings? This, coupled with cultural and linguistic disparities, can pose an added challenge when trying to establish rapport and foster healing with clients, particularly among Limited English Proficient or Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals!
Join Lisa Dion, Founder & President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, and Mila Golovine, President & CEO of Masterword, for this live webinar course that navigates the intersections of cultural competency, trauma-informed therapy, and effective communication strategies. You will also get insights into enhancing the therapeutic alliance, fostering better client engagement, and ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes!
Join Lisa and Mila on Tuesday, August 13th from 4pm – 6pm Mountain Time (Denver) for an exploration of how trauma impacts neurocognitive processes and communication patterns, particularly in diverse client populations.
Or if you can’t attend live, register for the 7-day Home Study course option instead. You’ll have access to the recording until August 20th.
This live webinar, for 2 CE Credit Hours with NBCC, will give you strategies to navigate trauma’s impact on communication, particularly for clients with language barriers or cultural differences. Enhance your therapeutic alliances with your clients, promote better client engagement, and ultimately improve therapeutic outcomes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the intersections of cultural competency, trauma-informed therapy, and effective communication. Registration closes on August 12th at 12pm (noon) MT. Register now to secure your spot!

2 Days of Play Therapy Workshops in Adelaide, Australia (In-Person)
2024-09-29 - 2024-09-30
Get ready for an unforgettable two days of play therapy workshops with Lisa Dion in Adelaide, Australia, on September 29-30!
🩵 On day 1, we’ll share innovative strategies for supporting children with OCD in play therapy. You’ll learn how to navigate perfectionism, anxiety, and self-doubt while guiding children toward healing and growth.
🩵 On day 2 with two separate workshops, we’ll start with some insights into the importance of interoception in play therapy while learning practical techniques for developing this essential sensory skill in children. Then in our second workshop of the day, special guest Peter Bliss will join us to explore the importance of mindfulness and the neuroscience behind it.
Sign up for one day or both – Don’t miss this chance to enhance your play therapy practice and earn up to 12 CE credits (… including from the Australian Play Therapist Association – APTA) and Synergetic Play Therapy credit toward your credential renewal!

MasterWord: Empowerment Through Connection: The Role of External Regulators in Trauma Integration
2024-10-18 | Online via Zoom
Join Lisa for this 1-day online training hosted by MasterWord on Empowerment through Connection: The Role of External Regulators in Trauma Integration.
Research in neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology underscores the critical role of the professional as the external regulator, necessary not only to support the client in navigating the intensity of their experiences for integration but also to mitigate the impact of secondary traumatization. This workshop delves into this imperative during trauma integration for two primary reasons: Firstly, the child (or adult) relies on borrowing the professional’s regulatory capacity to confront their traumatic thoughts, feelings, and sensations in a session. Secondly, the professionals’ adeptness in self-regulation amidst intensity enhances their presence and attunement with the client, simultaneously safeguarding the health and longevity of their own nervous system. Thirdly, the role interpreters play when facilitating communication for Limited English Proficient and Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients and the interpreter’s role in external regulation dynamic during the encounters.
Without the professional’s capability to act as the external regulator for the intensity arising during trauma integration, both the client and professional face risks of emotional flooding and high levels of dysregulation in their nervous systems. Over time, this can significantly impact a professional’s endurance in the field, as well as their ability to remain attuned and present with clients.
This engaging and informative workshop equips participants with an understanding of the essential components of becoming an external regulator for trauma integration, including what the client’s brain seeks in the environment to signal safety, a deeper comprehension of autonomic nervous system activation, and strategies for professionals to develop their capacity as external regulators while mitigating the risk of secondary traumatization.
Reserve your spot today and get a 20% discount. Use PLAYTHERAPY at checkout.
Synergetic Play Therapy Institute and Masterword, Inc are cosponsors of this program. This co-sponsorship has been approved by NBCC. Synergetic Play Therapy Institute is an NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7450. The ACEP solely is responsible for this program, including the awarding of NBCC credit.
This event is open to the public, please visit the organization’s website for additional information. If you would like your organization to receive training in Synergetic Play Therapy, please contact the Institute at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy - October 2024
2024-10-22 | Online
LEARN A SOLID PLAY THERAPY THEORY THAT COMBINES THE POWER OF PLAY WITH INTERPERSONAL NEUROBIOLOGY!
“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
**Early bird discount ends September 17th, 2024. Use coupon code “Intro2024” at checkout!**
Registration deadline is October 15th, 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 want 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 Synergetic Play Therapy® 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).

Learn all of this and so much more!
Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy is a comprehensive 32-hour program that explores the foundational skills of SPT. This six-month online program is designed for both beginning and advanced practitioners and will take you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the play therapy process, 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’ll come to understand the magic of aggressive play, sand and art from the perspectives of nervous system regulation, attunement, attachment, mindfulness, and authenticity.
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!
Join the growing number of mental health professionals, those in related roles (Child Life Specialists, School Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Coaches, etc.) and parents/caregivers who are learning Synergetic Play Therapy!
Get all the details and register today!
*Offered 3 times a year online (in January, June & October) and in-person (Upcoming: October 2024 – Hosted by PIP Solutions, UK & February 2025 – Chicago, Illinois), the Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program is a comprehensive play therapy training that explores the foundational skills of SPT. This six-month program is designed for both beginning and advanced practitioners. Learn more about this level 1 SPT signature program here.

3-Day In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy (PIP Solutions - UK)
2024-10-26 - 2024-10-28 | Alderley Edge Hotel
This 3-Day In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy hosted by PIP Solutions in the UK will take 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 activation, and what it means to become an external regulator in the playroom!
You will learn how to effectively work with caregivers and what it means to create a neuroception of safety in play therapy allowing both the child and the caregiver to have a deeper integration.
And if that wasn’t enough, you will come to understand the magic of aggressive play, sand, and art from the perspectives of nervous system regulation, attunement, mindfulness, and authenticity AND how to apply these concepts to your play therapy practice!
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!
If you would like more information or your organization is interested in training in Synergetic Play Therapy, please contact the Institute at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

Integrating Aggression and Intensity in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach (In-Person Training, UK)
2024-11-01 | Broadway House, Tothill St, London, SW1H 9NQ, United Kingdom
Join Lisa in London for this one-day training on Integrating Aggression and Intensity in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach!
In play therapy settings, manifestations of aggression and intensity can vary widely, presenting unique challenges. These expressions may manifest as physical aggression or verbal outbursts towards objects or the therapist. Additionally, intense play themes such as death, violence, or destruction may emerge in the child’s play narratives, reflecting underlying emotional turmoil and unresolved trauma.
This workshop will take therapists to new possibilities while understanding aggression and death play from a neurobiological perspective and a Synergetic Play Therapy lens. With the help of neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology, therapists will learn how to effectively work with this type of play in a way that supports nervous system regulation, repatterning of the child’s autonomic activation patterns and decreases compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
Hosted by Nscience UK on November 1st from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm, London UK
Get all the details and register today
This event is open to the public, please visit the organizations website for additional information. If you would like your organization to receive training in Synergetic Play Therapy, please contact the Institute at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

The Business of Therapy 2025 Course (2 Spectacular Options! San Diego, California & Sydney, Australia)
2024-11-11
Save the Date for 2 spectacular options to join us for The Business of Therapy in 2025! The 2.5 day course will be 6-8 September in Sydney, Australia (in-person only) AND November 13th-15th in San Diego, California (in-person and live online).
THIS IS A SPECIAL INVITATION TO ELEVATE (OR UP-LEVEL) AND TAKE YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL DREAM TO NEW HEIGHTS
“This course empowers you to set and plan for your goals, no matter how big or small, while equipping you with the tools to overcome fears that may arise during your journey. The impact continues longer after the course ends!“ – Rose LaPiere
As Keith Cunningham, world-renowned business expert, says, “Nobody is born knowing how to be an entrepreneur”. Like anything else, it’s a skill. It’s also not a skill you learn one time. It takes practice, ongoing learning, evolving, and professional (and personal) growth. A successful entrepreneur understands that building a business or launching a dream requires ongoing learning as they move through cycles of incompetency to competency, over and over again, as each new skill is mastered… And that’s why this course exists! Lisa wants to be part of your “business mastery” journey.
The Business of Therapy is a 2.5-day course custom-designed for therapists, coaches, helpers, and healers like yourself, who are deeply committed to making an impact and want to be of greater service – whether it’s one-on-one in private practice, launching a product or program, or running a company. Regardless of where you are in your business journey, this course provides a roadmap to success!
Learn more about the course here!

Supervisory Skills: Foundations & Insights Webinar (Live or Recorded)
2024-11-20 | Online via Zoom
Live Webinar will be held November 20, 2024, 9am – 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
Registration Closes November 19, 2024, at 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
Are you looking to elevate your play therapy supervision practice, gain confidence, and ensure you’re fully equipped to support your supervisees?
Join us for this transformative experience where you’ll gain practical tools and in-depth knowledge to feel more prepared and confident in your role as a supervisor. It’s about giving you the structure you need to navigate the often complex world of supervision.
This course will delve into critical topics that will transform your supervision practice, including:

Principles & Theoretical Frameworks: Ground your supervision in solid theoretical foundations to ensure ethical, effective guidance.
Clarifying Roles & Relationships: Understand the distinctions between supervision and consultation—what have you agreed upon, and how can you maintain clarity in these roles?
Gatekeeping & Power Dynamics: Explore the importance of gatekeeping in supervision and how to handle power dynamics with awareness and grace.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas: Learn to recognize and manage ethical dilemmas, set clear boundaries, and know your limitations—where do you turn when you need guidance?
Tailoring Supervision to Specific Standards: Each practice setting, whether private practice or agency work, has different standards and guidelines. We’ll discuss the important questions to ask and considerations to keep in mind regardless of location or regulatory environment.
Addressing Language Barriers: Discuss ethical considerations when your supervisee speaks a different language or when English isn’t their first language.
Empowering vs. Instructing: Learn how to support growth and empowerment in your supervisees by encouraging curiosity and reflective practice, rather than simply telling them what to do.

This training is invaluable for ALL play therapy supervisors, including those located outside of the United States, and will ensure you are well-prepared to foster growth and excellence in your supervisees, regardless of location or regulatory environment.
Get all the details and join us here!

January 2025 Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy® (Level 1)
2025-01-21 | Online via Zoom
Registration is open! Are you ready to learn a solid play therapy theory that combines the power of play with interpersonal neurobiology?
The Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program is designed for both beginning and advanced practitioners and will take you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the play therapy process, 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’ll come to understand the magic of aggressive play, sand and art from the perspectives of nervous system regulation, attunement, attachment, mindfulness, and authenticity.
“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
Join the growing number of mental health professionals, those in related roles (Child Life Specialists, School Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Coaches, etc.) and parents/caregivers who are learning Synergetic Play Therapy!
Use Early Bird Coupon Code “Intro2025” for $50 USD off until January 7th, 2025!
Final Registration deadline is January 19th, 2025, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)
*For full program details including cost, dates, learning objectives and to register, click here!

Play Therapy Community: The Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summit at the Beach
2025-02-14 - 2025-02-16 | Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA
Reserve your spot and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2025 Neuroscience of Play Therapy Summit!
Keynoted by Lisa, get ready for an epic lineup of speakers, including Waldo Winborn, Dr. Carmen Cubillo, and Liliana Baylon, who are exceptionally knowledgeable about the NEUROSCIENCE IN PLAY THERAPY! Plus, enjoy optional morning beach play sessions led by the fabulous trio – Alyssa Meyer, Nidhi Kirpalani, and Dr. Janet Courtney. It’s not just learning; it’s a beachy blast of play therapy and neuroscience rolled into one!
Dive deep into the fascinating intersection of play therapy and neuroscience at our conference. Each day begins with sunrise learning experiences led by experts in our field, providing you with cutting-edge insights and practical applications of neuroscience in play therapy. Gear up for engaging sessions that promise to enrich your knowledge and skills in transformative ways.
This event is open to the public, please visit the organization’s website for additional information. If you would like your organization to receive training in Synergetic Play Therapy, please contact the Institute at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

Becoming a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor Program 2025 (Level 3)
2025-02-24 - 2025-02-28 | Online via Zoom
Now Accepting Applications! Deadline is January 22, 2025!
Becoming a Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor isn’t just about offering guidance—it’s about embodying the core tenets of Synergetic Play Therapy and creating an environment where growth and transformation can happen for both you and your supervisees.
In this program, you will:

Learn to establish strong, trusting supervisory relationships using SPT principles, understanding how to assess supervisees at different stages of their development and guide their growth.
Explore complex ethical dilemmas, including how to manage dual relationships, maintain authenticity, and apply legal and ethical considerations in the supervision process.
Master cultural awareness and humility by applying SPT tenets through a cultural opportunity lens, supporting therapists in navigating diversity in their clinical work.
Enhance your supervisory skills by using reflective practice to empower supervisees to explore their therapeutic work and personal development, while also reflecting on your own patterns as a supervisor.

This newly revamped program is designed to ensure you’re equipped to provide a supervision experience that promotes both personal and professional growth in your supervisees. With 34.5 hours of training through live webinars, recorded lessons, and hands-on consultation, you’ll finish this program feeling empowered in your role as a supervisor.
*For full program details including program prerequisites, program cost, dates, and application process, click here!

A Synergetic Approach to Revolutionizing Therapeutic Play with Children (2 Day Training, PTI-South Africa)
2025-03-06 - 2025-03-07
Lisa is coming to Johannesburg, South Africa for a 2-day training with Play Therapy International-South Africa on 6th-7th March 2025. Join her for A Synergetic Approach to Revolutionizing Therapeutic Play with Children.
What will she be presenting on? …….
This 2 day course is designed to help you understand the therapeutic play from a neuro-biological perspective. With the help of neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, and a Synergetic Play Therapy framework, you’ll learn how to effectively work with therapeutic play in a way that supports nervous system regulation, reorganization of the child’s lower centers of the brain, and promotes healing for the child.
Through role play, discussion, and experiential exercises you’ll learn practical techniques that can be used right away in the playroom. Topics such as boundaries, co-regulation, nervous system activation, emotional flooding, and use of aggressive toys and play will be explored.
This training will also guide you toward a deeper understanding of what it means to become a child’s external regulator during trauma play while practicing how to care for your own nervous system thereby decreasing compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. The result is the transformation of trauma play into ways of connecting, healing, and mutual trust!
Get all the details and register here!

A Synergetic Approach for Supporting Children & Caregivers Through Anxiety, Fears & OCD Challenges (PTI-South Africa)
2025-03-10 - 2025-03-11
Join Lisa in Cape Town, South Africa for 2 days of training with Play Therapy International-South Africa on 10th-11th March 2025. Join her for A Synergetic Approach for Supporting Children and Caregivers through Anxiety, Fears, and OCD Challenges.
What will she be presenting on? …….
Supporting a child struggling with anxiety, fears, and obsessive compulsions can be incredibly challenging as the desire to move the child out of their activation and in many cases, their rituals, can overshadow the deeper issues and stressors driving the behaviors.
Without an understanding of what is really going on and how play therapy is able to support the integration of the underlying drivers of the child’s behaviors and emotional experiences, play therapists can inadvertently intensify the inner struggle that is often experienced in these children.
Drawing from Synergetic Play Therapy and interpersonal neurobiology, this workshop explores non-directive and directive play based interventions to support you on a path to understanding the wisdom in anxiety, fears, and obsessive compulsions allowing them to better support their clients. This workshop also gives special attention to learning how to work with parents and caregivers along the journey, as well as how to translate the play to the therapy goals.
Come spend two incredibly powerful days with Lisa filled with didactic and experiential learning designed to give you both the theoretical and practical insight and skills needed to support anxiety, fears, and obsessive compulsions when they show up in your playroom.
REGISTER HERE!

3-Day In-Person Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Program (Level 1)
2025-03-28 - 2025-03-30 | Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL, United States
Registration is Open!
Join Lisa from March 28th – March 30th, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois for the in-person 3-day Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program!
Have you been searching for ways to create a deeper impact for your clients? Or perhaps you want 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).

Learn all of this and so much more!
This program is a 3-day 18-hour in-person training that explores the foundational skills of SPT and will take you on a journey to explore the neuroscience behind what is happening in the play therapy process, 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’ll come to understand the magic of aggressive play, sand and art from the perspectives of nervous system regulation, attunement, attachment, mindfulness, and authenticity. But it doesn’t stop there! This program also includes 6 months of group consultation and additional video lessons to keep your learning going!
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!
Reserve your seat today!
*Offered 3 times a year online (in January, June & October) and in-person, the Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy program is a comprehensive play therapy training that explores the foundational skills of SPT. This six-month program is designed for both beginning and advanced practitioners. Learn more about this level 1 SPT signature program here.

A Synergetic Approach for Supporting Children and Caregivers through Anxiety and OCD Challenge (IPTCA-Ireland)
2025-04-12 - 2025-04-13
Join Lisa in Ireland for 2 days of training with the Irish Play Therapy Community Association on 12th-13th April 2025. Join her for A Synergetic Approach for Supporting Children and Caregivers through Anxiety, Fears and OCD Challenges.
What will she be presenting on? …….
Supporting a child struggling with anxiety, fears, and obsessive compulsions can be incredibly challenging as the desire to move the child out of their activation and in many cases, their rituals, can overshadow the deeper issues and stressors driving the behaviors.
Without an understanding of what is really going on and how play therapy is able to support the integration of the underlying drivers of the child’s behaviors and emotional experiences, play therapists can inadvertently intensify the inner struggle that is often experienced in these children.
Drawing from Synergetic Play Therapy and interpersonal neurobiology, this workshop explores non-directive and directive play based interventions to support you on a path to understanding the wisdom in anxiety, fears, and obsessive compulsions allowing them to better support their clients. This workshop also gives special attention to learning how to work with parents and caregivers along the journey, as well as how to translate the play to the therapy goals.
Come spend two incredibly powerful days with Lisa filled with didactic and experiential learning designed to give you both the theoretical and practical insight and skills needed to support anxiety, fears, and obsessive compulsions when they show up in your playroom.
Get all the details and register here!

Workshop: Working with Aggression & Intensity in the Playroom (Westminster, Colorado)
2025-04-28 | Community Reach Center, 11285 Highline Drive, Northgleen, CO, United States
Lisa will be teaching Working with Aggression and Intensity in the Playroom, hosted by the Community Reach Center of Westminster, Colorado.
What will she be presenting on? …….
Although aggression and death are a common part of the play therapy process, many therapists don’t have a clear understanding of what to do and how to facilitate the intensity when it enters the playroom during play. The result can lead to inadvertently promoting aggression and increasing low brain disorganization. It can also lead to the therapist feeling beat up, exhausted, and hyper-aroused themselves, which can significantly impact their longevity in the field and their ability to stay attuned and present to a child in the playroom over time.
This workshop is designed to help you understand aggression and death play from a neuro-biological perspective and a Synergetic Play Therapy lens. With the help of neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology, you’ll learn how to effectively work with this type of play to support nervous system regulation, repatterning the child’s autonomic activation patterns and decreasing compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
This workshop will take you to new possibilities as you explore a science-based process for working with children at the deepest, most profound levels while staying safe and sane. Learn how to make aggressive play therapeutic while understanding what it takes to maximize growth and integration for your clients and yourself!
This event is closed. Please visit the organization’s website for additional information. If you would like your organization to receive training from the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, please contact us at info@synergeticplaytherapy.com.

Advanced Level Synergetic Play Therapy Training Program 2025 – Vancouver Island
2025-05-03 - 2025-05-06 | Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, 1155 Resort Drive, Parksville, British Colombia, Canada
SOLD OUT! STAY TUNED FOR 2026
This advanced program, designed for those who have completed the Synergetic Play Therapy Certification program, is an immersive 4-day in-person experience offering an in-depth exploration of advanced Synergetic Play Therapy concepts. You’ll learn to apply these concepts across a broad spectrum of client groups and age ranges from children, caregivers, groups/families, and teens/adults.
Throughout the program, you will engage in interactive learning experiences, including dynamic role-plays and live demonstrations. These activities will allow you to observe and influence real-time therapeutic scenarios, enhancing your Synergetic Play Therapy® skills and theoretical understanding. Additionally, you’ll collaborate with fellow SPTers, sharing insights and discussing complex cases to enrich your learning experience.
Day 1: Children

Deepen your understanding of working with children in Synergetic Play Therapy®.
Engage in role-play scenarios to handle complex child behaviors and emotions.
Learn to deepen the therapeutic relationship and foster greater attachment to self and healing for your young clients.

Day 2: Parents/Caregivers

Learn more ways to support and engage parents and caregivers.
Gain a greater understanding of how to become the caregiver’s external regulator and involve them in their child’s healing process.

Day 3: Groups/Families

Go deeper applying your Synergetic Play Therapy® skills with groups and families.
Watch Lisa facilitate complex family and group dynamic scenarios.
Learn to navigate and resolve challenges within group and family therapy settings.

Day 4: Teens/Adults

Deepen your understanding of Synergetic Psychotherapy for teen and adult clients.
Apply your Synergetic Play Therapy® skills (authenticity, mindfulness, emotional congruence, reflective dialogue, regulation, etc.) and tailor them to your teen and adult clients.
Explore how to “SPT” your sessions with teens and adult clients, supporting them in moving from deflective awareness to reflective awareness.

This program is crafted to integrate your existing knowledge with advanced teachings, boosting your confidence and proficiency in Synergetic Play Therapy® theory and tenets.

Healthy Nest Conference hosted by Pia Konferans Organizasyon Ltd. Sti (Turkey)
2025-05-27 - 2025-05-28
Lisa is presenting two workshops on May 4th-5th at the Healthy Nest Conference hosted by Pia Konferans Organizasyon Ltd. Sti in Istanbul, Turkey.
Workshop #1: Who Am I? Using Play and Stories to Help Teens Discover their Home Within.
This workshop is designed to help you discover how to help mature and remodel the teenage brain using play and stories, while supporting movement towards the discovery of the authentic self and their “inner home”- the cornerstone of the development of a teenager’s identity.
Workshop #2: The Interplay Between Mind and Body (co-presented by Clemence Jeay)
In this interactive workshop, you’ll engage in hands-on activities to practice mindfulness exercises, cranial posture techniques, and strategies for supporting holistic well-being in children and teenagers. You’ll also be guided through several exercises and group discussions on implementing techniques in various settings.
Stay tuned for details!

Working with Aggression and Intensity in Play Therapy (Keynote, PTUK 2025 Annual Conference)
2025-06-21
Save the date! Lisa is coming to the UK for the Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK) 2025 Annual Conference on Saturday the 21st of June, 2025.
What will she be presenting on? …….
Although aggression and death play are a common part of the play therapy process, many therapists don’t have a clear understanding of what to do and how to facilitate the intensity when it enters the playroom during play. The result can lead to inadvertently promoting aggression and increasing lower brain disorganization. It can also lead to the therapist feeling beat up, exhausted, and hyper-aroused themselves, which can over time significantly impact their longevity in the field, as well as their ability to stay attuned and present to a child in the playroom.
This keynote presentation is designed to help play therapists understand aggression and death play from a neuro-biological perspective and a Synergetic Play Therapy lens. With the help of neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology, therapists will learn how to effectively work with this type of play in a way that supports nervous system regulation, repatterning of the child’s autonomic activation patterns, and decreases compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
*Lisa will also be doing a breakout session as part of the conference on Working with Aggression and Intensity in Play Therapy Part 2.
This 2 hour workshop is designed to help you learn what it really means to become a child’s external regulator for trauma integration. You’ll be guided through experiential role plays and activities designed to help you explore your own experience with aggression while learning how to regulate and co-regulate with a child when aggression and intensity arises in the playroom. Come take what you learned in the keynote presentation and put it into practice further helping you embody the teaching.
Learn more here.

PESI 2025 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference
2025-08-13 - 2025-08-14
Hosted by PESI, join Lisa for the 2025 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference!
Cutting-Edge Interventions for Healing Today’s Struggling Youth📅 LIVE Online | August 13–14, 2025🎓 Earn up to 19.5 CE Hours + Certification Included💲 Only $199.99 (Reg. $1,389.89)
Real Tools. Real Change. For the Youth Who Need It Most.
From trauma and attachment wounds to anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and suicidality—today’s youth are facing challenges that require more than outdated tools and generic approaches. They need real change—and that starts with you.
Join thousands of clinicians at this nationally renowned event designed to equip you with the most effective, evidence-based interventions in youth mental health.
A Powerhouse Line-Up of Today’s Most Trusted Voices
Get ready to learn from leaders shaping the future of youth mental health:
🌟 Dan Siegel, MD – Renowned neuropsychiatrist and author of The Whole-Brain Child🌟 Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S – Creator of Synergetic Play Therapy🌟 Kate Truitt, PhD – Global leader in the neuroscience of trauma and resilience🌟 Eli Harwood, MA, LPC – Attachment expert and author of Raising Securely Attached Kids🌟 Varleisha Lyons, PhD, OTD – Expert in neuroanatomy, trauma, and regulation🌟 And many more!
New Challenges Call for New Strategies
This two-day, LIVE online event delivers practical tools you can use immediately in your practice:
✅ Set boundaries without shame or rupture (with Lisa Dion)✅ Use EMDR + Flash Technique to accelerate trauma healing✅ Engage caregivers with confidence and compassion✅ Apply DBT tools to reduce emotional reactivity✅ Support culturally diverse youth in suicide prevention✅ Leverage tech—AI, VR, and more—for youth mental health✅ Integrate Dan Siegel’s newest PDP model with Whole-Brain strategies…and more!
What’s Included in Your All-Access Pass:
🎥 8 Live Online Sessions with Q&A📚 30-Day Replay Access to all content🎁 2 Bonus On-Demand Trainings📄 Downloadable Worksheets, Games & Handouts🎓 Earn up to 19.5 CE Hours (15.5 Live + 4 Self-Study)🏅 FREE Certification as a Certified Youth Mental Health Specialist (CYMHS) – a $149.99 value!💬 Live Q&A + Expert Panel Discussion
Can’t Attend Live? No Problem.
✔️ Get the recording package with unlimited, on-demand access✔️ Earn the same CE hours and certification✔️ Watch on your schedule, at your pace
Featured Topics Include:

Trauma & Attachment Wounds
Emotional Regulation & Executive Function
Suicide Prevention for Marginalized Youth
Boundary Setting with Dysregulated Clients
Tech-Based Interventions (AI, VR, Metaverse)
Parental Coaching & Attachment Repair
Nutritional & Sleep Supports for Mental Health…and more!

2025 Schedule At-A-Glance
📅 Day 1 | August 13, 2025

AI & Tech in Therapy (Varleisha Lyons)
Brain-Based Boundaries (Lisa Dion)
Keynote: Whole-Brain Child in a Screen-Filled World (Dan Siegel)
Coaching Parents for Secure Attachment (Eli Harwood)

📅 Day 2 | August 14, 2025

Neuroplasticity in Action (Kate Truitt)
Suicide Prevention for Marginalized Youth (Eboni Webb)
EMDR + Flash Technique with Children (Christine Mark-Griffin)
Closing Panel: Youth Mental Health Innovations (Eboni Webb & Christopher Willard)

💥 Register Now & Save 85%
2025 Child and Adolescent Mental Health ConferenceLIVE Online | August 13–14, 2025🧠 Cutting-Edge Interventions for Healing Today’s Struggling Youth
🎟️ Just $199.99 (Regularly $1,389.89)✅ All Sessions + Bonuses + CE Hours + CYMHS Certification
👉 Register Now
