Applied Sandtray Therapy Program

How does it work and what does this program include?

As part of this sandtray therapy training program, you can expect:
3 days of in-person experiential training
That is 21 hours of sandtray therapy training!
PLUS…
You will receive a chosen book for your learning needs.
You will get your own portable sandtray, many goodies including miniatures, some fun swag, a fun experience and your own healing through the use of the sandtray!

AND... you’ll come away with the confidence needed to do sandtray therapy with all ages.

Cost:
$1199 Flexible Interest Free Payment Plans Available

YES, I want to join
sandtray therapy training

Locations/Dates

CALGARY, AB, July 17, 18, 19th 2026
TORONTO, ON October 23, 24, 25th 2026
& MONCTON, NB (COMING SOON early 2027)

sandtray therapy

Want to become an Applied Sandtray Therapist?

At the Canadian Sandtray Institute we offer the Applied Training in Sandtray Therapy. This program accepts mental health professionals and graduates of a specified mental health program to partake in an in-person experiential learning experience over 3 days.

Join Us

THE APPLIED SANDTRAY THERAPY SUCCESS PLAN

1.

Completed!
(You are here)

2.

Enroll in the training

3.

Become a confident,
connected sandtray therapist

Applied Knowledge in Sandtray Therapy

This training reviews the basics of sandtray therapy including principles and theory. The training will cover the role of the clinician when working with clients in the sandtray; including the therapeutic relationship, ethical and legal implications along with the importance of diversity and inclusion in sandtray therapy. Principles of self-care, boundaries and competencies will be explored. In addition to these concepts, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the neuroscience as it relates to sandtray therapy. Including mind-body integration, accessing implicitly held memories, arousal patterns, and how sandtray therapy access’ embedded trauma.

Day 1

Based on the content of this Level I am able to:

  • Describe the foundational principles and theoretical underpinnings of sandtray therapy as they relate to clinical practice.

  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of the clinician within the sandtray process, including facilitation skills and therapeutic stance.

  • Explain the ethical and legal considerations relevant to sandtray therapy, with attention to scope of practice, documentation, and client safety.

  • Discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in sandtray therapy and evaluate how cultural factors influence client expression and meaning making.

Day 2

  • Analyze the role of self‑care, boundaries, and professional competencies in maintaining clinician effectiveness when conducting sandtray therapy.

  • Summarize key concepts in neuroscience that inform sandtray therapy, including mind – body integration and neural pathways involved in expressive therapies.

  • Differentiate between explicit and implicit memory systems and explain how sandtray therapy facilitates access to implicitly held memories.

  • Examine arousal patterns and trauma responses and demonstrate how sandtray interventions can support clients in processing embedded trauma safely and effectively.

Applied Skills in Sandtray Therapy

Day 3

  • Differentiate between nondirective and directive sandtray approaches and apply each method appropriately across developmental stages.

  • Demonstrate the ability to process sandtrays with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults using developmentally attuned clinical skills.

  • Analyze the unique needs of complex populations and adapt sandtray interventions to support diverse clinical presentations.

  • Evaluate case studies involving individuals, couples, families, and groups to identify effective sandtray strategies for varied therapeutic contexts.

  • Demonstrate key skills to enhance your effectiveness as a clinician/facilitator of sandtray therapy.

  • Recognize the importance of self work in sandtray therapy.

  • Analyze themes, metaphors, and symbolic content emerging within client sandtrays using established clinical frameworks.