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Available courses

Level Three Sandtray PT

Course Description

This level reviews how to integrate sandtray with other methods of psychotherapy including CBT, DBT, parts work and specific couples counselling approaches. 

Learning Outcomes 

  • Recite how the brain works through the sandtray and play therapy process.
  • Describe polyvagal theory and how sandtray can be used to assist builders in feeling safe using this model (familiarity, cues of safety) in play therapy.
  • Discuss how to incorporate sandtray and play therapy into other models of therapy.
  • Practice using the sandtray to represent parts of self in play therapy.
  • Describe miniatures necessary for integration of sandtray play therapy with other models of therapy.
  • Practice using the sandtray directively using each of the discussed approaches in play therapy.


Level Two Sandtray PT

Course Description 

Level 2 is focussed on the use of Sandtray play therapy in group compilations.Directive sandtrays will be introduced.

Learning Outcomes 

Review how to witness a sandtray using the sandtray/ worldplay protocol in play therapy.  

Adapt this play therapy protocol to use with couples in couple therapy.

Discuss directive approaches to utilize sandtray play therapy with families 

Review the use of sandtray play therapy therapy with therapeutic groups at each stage of group development. 

Experience using sandtray play therapy as a group check in and check out activity. 


Level One Sandtray PT

Course Description

Participants in this course will spend two days learning about the history, theory and practical aspects of sand tray play therapy. Although some time will be spent exploring a variety of sand tray approaches, the primary model being used in this experiential workshop will be the Sand Tray World Play approach developed by Gisela Schubach DeDomenico. Participants will have opportunities to explore sand tray as a treatment modality from the perspective of the client, as observer and as therapist.
Through a combination of prepared readings, lecture, audio/visual materials and small group work participants will learn to:

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify the history and theory of sandtray play therapy.
  2. Understand when and how to use sandtray in play therapy.
  3. Identify how to set up for sandtray work and what materials to have available in the play therapy office.
  4.  Gain familiarity with the Sandtray-Worldplay play therapy through practice sessions using this approach;
  5. Engage in group sand tray and identify how to create a group sand tray experience in play therapy.

Certificate Applicants

This course is for individuals that are working towards certificate completion. It is a place where they can upload certificates and proof of supervision hours. 



Level Four Course E Using genograms in sandtray play therapy.

Course Description

Genograms have long been used in family therapy as they assist the clinician to have quick reference to family patterns. Family members also have a tangible way to communicate information and feelings about these patterns. Dr. Eliana Gil created the family play genogram. It can be created using paper or the sandtray in Play Therapy.

Learning Outcomes 

Review how a family genogram is drawn using symbols created by Dr. Murray Bowen. 

Review how to apply family genograms to sandtray play therapy. 

Practice and reflect how miniatures can be utilized as you focus on your own family of origin or created family. 

L4 Course D Using sandtray PT to focus on family strengths, resiliency and resources

Course Description

This two hour course reviews how to integrate activities in family play therapy sessions where familial strengths and resiliency can be highlighted.  Tammi Van Hollander is interviewed by Theresa Fraser as she discusses her use of greatness sticks and their application with Sandtray PT. 

Learning Outcomes 

Discuss how family PT therapy is a powerful approach that can be utilized to involve all members of a family system.

Identify what greatness sticks are and how they can be created for Play Therapy. 

Practice using greatness sticks in a sandtray play therapy tray that you make about your own family of origin or your own created family. 



Level Four Course C Bridging Sandtray Themes with Linda Homeyer

Level Four Course A Using Sandtray PT Directively

Course Description 

This course provides the therapist with more information on Directive Sandtray work. We discuss the cautions and benefits of using Sandtray directively in sandtray play therapy.

Learning Outcomes: 

Identify when directive sandtray PT can be beneficial in therapy. 

Identify when directive sandtray may not be advisable in Play Therapy. 

Review directives that can be introduced in sandtray pt. 

Reflect on a time that a directive sandtray benefited a client in sandtray pt. 

Level Four Course B Solution Focussed Sandtray in PT

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Course Description
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)can be integrated with Play Therapy techniques. It  is a brief, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that helps clients focus on solutions rather than problems. 

Learning Outcomes 
Identify how to utilize sandtray play therapy in defining goals, describing the problem, and developing a vision for a preferred future including using the miracle question and identifying exceptions  in sandtray play therapy.  

Identify how to highlight strengths , internal and external resources. as well as concrete steps in sandtray play therapy.
Review the importance of relapse prevention prior to closing sandtray play therapy.