Training Courses

Introduction to Sand Tray Therapy

This one-day training is a trauma-informed, inclusive approach with a focus on experiential hands-on learning.

Course Description

Sand Tray Therapy stands as a creative and highly effective intervention, offering a unique space to work through a wide range of challenges, from anxiety to trauma. While traditionally seen as a play therapy, Sand Tray Therapy has the versatility to be used with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. This introductory training provides an in-depth review of various Sand Tray Therapy approaches, including an exploration of the foundational principles of neuroscience and attachment theory. Participants will engage in experiential practice, within triads, stepping into the roles of therapist, client, and observer. Training is in-person, hands-on learning integrated with interactive lectures.

    • Practice and Experience: Engage in Sand Tray practice to gain insight into the client's experience.

    • Historical and Theoretical Knowledge: Explore the history and key approaches of Sand Tray Therapy, including Sandplay/Jungian, Neuroscience and Satir in the Sand Tray, and Synergetic Sand Tray.

    • Neuroscience Insights: Delve into the neuroscience behind Sand Tray work, including the polyvagal system, right brain to right brain attunement, and co-regulation.

    Interventions and Tools:

    Learn specific interventions and tools that can be seamlessly integrated into other therapeutic approaches.

    • Transformation Through Metaphor: Facilitate client transformation by helping them release the binding reactivity of their defenses, using metaphor and somatic awareness.

    • Integration and Perspective: Support clients in becoming more integrated, exploring different perspectives, and experiencing bottom-up somatic shifts.

    Strengthening Sense of Self:

    Assist clients in strengthening their sense of self and achieving greater congruence.

    • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the history and major schools of Sand Tray Therapy and their influences.

    • Discover the science behind Sand Tray Therapy's effectiveness, particularly the role of neuroscience and the polyvagal system.

    • Learn to utilize metaphor in therapy through parts work, identifying different themes, hotspots, and stages of Sand Tray work.

    • Facilitate somatic anchoring and awareness by leveraging co-regulation, immediacy, and right brain to right brain connectivity.

    • Build safety and therapeutic rapport through the use of the sand tray.

    • Master techniques such as:

      • Bilateral movement in the sand tray, 

      • Creating a vagal break,

      • Utilizing the safety game, 

      • Effectively using and teaching metaphor,

      • Facilitating a family map.

Upcoming Courses

Introduction to Sand Tray Therapy

Date: October 26, 2024
Duration: 9:00 - 4:30 (with breaks)
Location: 22500 University Dr., Langley, Room: DC106 DeVries Centre
Group Size Details: Min. of 12 max. of 21

Fees:

  • Student: $175 +GST

  • Professional: $275 + GST

  • Prior to 30 days, early bird registration savings!

Cancellation Policy:

  • 50% refund / 30 days prior

  • No refund within 30 days of training date

Additional Details:

  • We provide all the tools for training, digital slides, and follow up resources

  • Completion Certificate 

  • Paid parking on site, bring a lunch and a drink

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Group Training

Training for the whole team!

Duration: One-day workshop at your location

6.5 hours  (3 breaks)

  • Group Size Details: Min. of 9 max. of 21

  • Fees:  $3,000 +(tax)

    • 50% (non-refundable deposit) due at time of registration

    • remainder due 30 days prior to training date

  • All participants must be part of the host organization team, as per the original request, unless approved by trainers.

  • Cancellation policy:

    • Up to 30 days before the training: 

      • non-refundable deposit 

      • Transferable date (one time is possible upon discussion) if outside of the 30 days 

    • Within 30 days of the training: no refunds, no changes

Meet Your Trainers

Beth Scholes
MACP, R.C.C.

As a family systems therapist, I specialize in developmental relational trauma that includes symptoms consistent with anxiety and complex chronic shame.  In my private practice, I work with families, children, and individual adults.  I have been using Sand Tray Since 2017; and am now excited to share this powerful tool with others.  My training includes both Jungian and Neuro-Science Satir and the Sandtray, and adult education.  I discovered Sand Tray in graduate school and have used it with clients of all ages ever since. I use Sand Tray for trauma intervention, play therapy, families, and so much more. I bring 20+ years of facilitating and teaching experience to this training and love this aspect of my career. For more information refer to Meet Beth

Patricia Felzien
MACP, C.C.C., R.C.C.

As a registered clinical counselor, I specialize in working with children, youth, and their caregivers, focusing on trauma through somatic and experiential therapies, including Neuro-Science Satir Sand Tray Therapy (NSST) and more.  I have facilitated numerous educational and therapeutic groups over the past 15 years. I discovered Sand Tray Therapy in 2017, became certified in NSST in 2022, and am pursuing a Level 1 NSST Trainer certification. I actively participate in NSST “Fishbowls” and international training.  For more information refer to Patricia Felzien