This course helps play therapists strengthen their work with parents so they can:

  • Get More Clients

  • Be More Authentic with Parents

  • Level-Up Their Parent Coaching Skills

"I finally know how to work with resistant dads!"

- Susan Stutzman

Kid Matters Counseling | Hinsdale, IL

LCPC, RPT, Certified SPT

Kid Matters Counseling | Hinsdale, IL

I used to *struggle* with explaining how play therapy "works" to fathers who were more "left brain" (e.g. Lawyers, accountants, Google employees etc). But that's not an issue for me anymore. Lisa taught me how to work with resistant fathers so they can confidently "buy" into the play therapy process!

"The neuroscience behind this training will blow your mind!"

Keri Sawyer | Chicago, IL

Enroll Now $179

What's included?

  • 6 CE Hours & Certificate (with survey & passing quiz grade)

  • High Quality, Interactive Video & Clear Audio

  • Downloadable Audio Files

  • No Expiration Date (you'll have 24-hour, 365-Days access to the content)

  • Learn at your own pace! The training videos will be here for you.

Will this suite me?

  • Beginner play therapists wanting to learn everything from the ground up

  • Intermediate play therapists looking to sharpen their skills.

  • Advanced play therapists looking to expand their play therapy toolbox.

6 NON-CONTACT CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS

APT APPROVED PROVIDER #18-533

Course Objectives 

Objective 1 - Learn the elements of an effective intake session that set the stage for parental investment in the play therapy process.

Objective 2 -  Understand how to work with a resistant parent and keep them engaged in the play therapy process.

Objective 3 -  Learn how to translate what is happening in the playroom to parents.

Objective 4 - Understand how the therapist’s authenticity and emotional congruency impact the relationship with the parent in the play therapy process.

Objective 5 - Understand the therapists’ role as a coach if the parent enters the play therapy session.

Objective 6 - Understand how Synergetic Play Therapy’s concept of “The Set-Up/The Offering” is applied to working with parents.


Course Description 

In this thought-provoking yet practical workshop, participants will explore what it really takes to partner with parents. They will have the opportunity to understand how to have a successful intake session setting the stage for a higher level of investment and commitment, how to communicate to parents so that they understand what play therapy is and how it works, how to translate what is happening in the playroom so that parents understand how the goals are being worked on, what to do with resistant parents and what to do when parents just want to drop their child off to be "fixed". 

Through new skills, insights and a framework rooted in relationship theory, therapists are guaranteed to leave feeling inspired to work with parents.


Play Therapy Toolbox. is an Approved Provider with the Association for Play Therapy. (APT Approved Provider #18-533).  

Play therapy credit available to mental health professionals only as listed in each course description.  Courses that do not qualify for play therapy credit are clearly listed.

Course Reviews by Play Therapists

  • Finally a great course about working with parents!

    Marina Keukens Terrell

    As a fairly seasoned play therapist I learned so much from this course. Kudos!

    As a fairly seasoned play therapist I learned so much from this course. Kudos!

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  • Very Informative!

    jennifer gilbert

    It was very informative not only for play therapist but therapist working with parents. It helps me understand a parent's perspective and how to work with them.

    Read More

    It was very informative not only for play therapist but therapist working with parents. It helps me understand a parent's perspective and how to work with them.

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  • Great reframe that I can use tomorrow!

    Pauliina Pope

    This course was a very positive surprise. I completed in one day, and know that my next session will be better because of it.

    This course was a very positive surprise. I completed in one day, and know that my next session will be better because of it.

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  • Deepen Your Knowledge!

    Malia Segal

    This course was very helpful to expand my knowledge base for a personal challenge of mine: parents as part of this therapy process. If you've listened to Lis...

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    This course was very helpful to expand my knowledge base for a personal challenge of mine: parents as part of this therapy process. If you've listened to Lisa's LFtP podcast, this takes that to next level and I found it to be so helpful especially in developing goals, providing real help to parents during your meetings with them, and translating play behavior. Highly recommend this course; the audio downloads were really helpful as I could listen while doing other tasks!

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  • Highly Recommended Training for Any Play Therapist!!

    Ally Berttucci

    This course was INCREDIBLY valuable to my continuing development as a child and family therapist. Working with parents is a critical part of the job, and Lis...

    Read More

    This course was INCREDIBLY valuable to my continuing development as a child and family therapist. Working with parents is a critical part of the job, and Lisa provided practical tools to enhance my proficiency in helping parents feel seen, understood and respected. The course comes with usable hand-outs and resources that I know I will refer back to time and again. This course blends neuroscience, therapist self-reflection, and practical strategies that will empower any play therapist to serve their families well! Not to mention, the site was intuitive and easy to use right from my home office!

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  • Such great content!

    Meredith Messina

    Lisa Dion offers SO MUCH good information for working with parents, and the course is easy to use and follow. Well worth your time and money!!!

    Lisa Dion offers SO MUCH good information for working with parents, and the course is easy to use and follow. Well worth your time and money!!!

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  • So much good information!

    Sommer Greer

    This was a great training. There is a lot of valuable information provided. The presenter is excellent and knowledgeable.

    This was a great training. There is a lot of valuable information provided. The presenter is excellent and knowledgeable.

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You're ready for this course if you want to...

  • Grow Your Client Load

    It's frustrating to lose a potential client because you don't know how to "sell play therapy" to parents & caregivers. This course will give you the confidence to "sell" play therapy and grow your client load.

  • Have Successful Parent Intakes

    Learn the elements of an effective intake session that set the stage for parental investment in the play therapy process. This course is for you!

  • Understand the Parent's Brain

    Ever wanted to know how a parent is "thinking" in your first intake session? Neuroscience provides curcial insights to how to partner with parents.

  • Be More Authentic with Parents

    Understand how the therapist’s authenticity and emotional congruency impact the relationship with the parent in the play therapy process.

  • Level-Up Your Parent Coaching Skills

    Understand the therapists’ role as a coach if the parent enters the play therapy session.

Take the guesswork out in working with parents & get more clients!

(Seriously!)

Enroll Today! $179

Course curriculum

  • 1
    Introduction (Start Here)
  • 2
    1. Understanding Parents 101 (60 Minutes)
  • 3
    2. Neuroscience & Partnering with Parents (105 Minutes)
  • 4
    3. Elements of a Successful Intake Session (How to Sell Play Therapy) - (72 Minutes)
  • 5
    4. Conflict, Working with Dads, & Translating a Child's Play to Parents (72 minutes)
  • 6