Synergetic Play Therapists get to the root of the struggle, helping transform the child (and the family) from the inside out. As human beings, we are given a marvelous coping mechanism in our biology called the nervous system. This system acts like a “honing mechanism,” constantly trying to keep us in an optimal state of regulation. When we perceive any form of challenge in our lives, our nervous system gets activated to either rev us up or slow us down–whatever we perceive is necessary to take on the challenge. Every symptom a child struggles with is rooted in an inability for the nervous system to get them back to a state of regulation. When we have an experience that we have labeled as “challenging”Âť in our perceptions, we will attempt to move away from the physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts related to that experience. Neurobiology now shows us that in order for integration to occur, we must move towards the physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts rather than away from them.
If you are curious about this modality, we have a few options for you. You can take our Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy Course where you can learn and earn from anywhere.  This course is a combination of six 2.5 hour videos and three 1 hour live webinars with Lisa Dion over a six month period.  It also includes 30 minutes of individual consultation each month to help you integrate the material. We also offer a Six-Day Synergetic Play Therapy Intensive training for those who want to just dive in. Therapists work directly with a child under supervision while receiving instruction and learning how to really embody the work. This is a truly transformational experience for both the therapist and the child.
While the information in each course is very similar, depending on what type of learner you are, your budget, your time availability, and geographical location,  you may be drawn to one over the other. The Online Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy course allows you to participate from anywhere in the world as it is exclusively online, with live webinar components. It happens over six months for three hours once per month. This format gives students time to integrate the concepts into their work with kids over a longer period of time. The Six-Day Intensives are great for hands-on learners and for therapists that feel ready to just go for it. Therapists work with a child client (provided by the Institute) while receiving direct supervision, so that they can more quickly integrate the learning will love this course. The Intensives are live at the Play Therapy Institute of Colorado.  Both courses prepare the therapist for going on to do the certification program if they so choose.
After years of demand from schools districts around the country and Canada, we are finally ready to launch a comprehensive training program dedicated to teachers, school counselors, and educators based on the principles of Synergetic Play Therapy!
Our pilot program is tentatively scheduled to begin in Fall 2018. Stay “attuned” for details!
Please contact us at info@playtherapycolorado.com with questions.
For details on becoming a Registered Play Therapist, please visit the Association for Play Therapy (APT) Website.