Foundations in Sandtray Therapy

The Foundations in Sandtray Therapy Training provides a comprehensive beginner–intermediate introduction to the principles, theory, and clinical application of sandtray therapy. Over two immersive virtual days, participants explore the historical foundations, essential materials, therapeutic relationship, ethical considerations, diversity and inclusion, and brain‑informed concepts that shape effective sandtray work.

Through experiential practice, case analysis, and structured processing models, you’ll learn how to facilitate sandtray sessions with children, youth, and adults: including complex populations, while strengthening your attunement, regulation skills, and professional boundaries. This cohort‑based learning environment fosters connection, safety, and shared growth, offering a supportive interactive virtual space to deepen your understanding of sandtray processing and develop confidence in your emerging sandtray skills.

Interactive Synchronous Virtual:
2026- September 12, 13th
2027- TBA

Course Level
Beginner – Intermediate

Target Audience
Addiction Counsellors, School Counsellors, Non-Regulated Mental Health Professionals,
Social Workers, Psychologists, Nurses, Mental Health Counsellors

2 Day Interactive Synchronous Distance Learning (Virtual)

Cost: $699

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the theoretical foundations and historical development of sandtray therapy, including the contributions of Lowenfeld, Kalff, and contemporary approaches.
2. Identify essential materials, miniature categories, and environmental setup required to facilitate safe and effective sandtray therapy sessions.
3. Demonstrate introductory skills for presenting the sandtray process.
4. Apply a structured, stage‑based model for processing sandtray with adolescent and adult clients.
5. Analyze developmental differences in trays created by children, youth, and adults.
6. Evaluate case examples across child, youth, and adult populations to inform practice.
7. Identify thematic patterns in client‑created sandtray worlds.
8. Recognize symbolic indicators of healing within sandtray processes.
9. Apply SOAP documentation to record sandtray sessions using best‑practice standards.
10. Explain brain‑informed principles relevant to sandtray therapy.
11. Analyze cultural influences on neurodevelopment and symbolic expression.
12. Analyze case examples across child, youth, and adult populations to inform practice.
13. Evaluate the role of therapist self‑work in supporting attuned presence, regulation, and ethical practice in sandtray therapy.

Agenda Day 1

8:45-9:00 Technical Check
9:00–10:30 Theoretical Foundations & History
10:30–10:45 Break
10:45–12:30 Materials, Miniatures & Environmental Setup
12:30–1:00 Lunch
1:00–2:45 Introductory Skills & Presenting the Sandtray
2:45–3:00 Break
3:00–4:00 Processing Case Studies & Developmental Differences

Agenda Day 2

08:45-09:00 Technical Check In
9:00–10:30 Review, Themes, Patterns & Healing Indicators
10:30–10:45 Break
10:45–12:30 Documentation & Brain‑Informed Principles
12:30–1:00 Lunch
1:00–2:45 Culture, Neurodevelopment, Case analysis
2:45–3:00 Break
3:00–4:00 Therapist Self‑Work & Ethical Attunement/Closing

Certificate Eligibility
1. Must attend both days 2. Camera On for Virtual Delivery 3. Completion of a course evaluation is required

Certificates will be provided via email after completion

Questions, grievances, cancellations, refund and special accomodations can be submitted to Donna Mirus at office@canadiansandtrayinstitute.ca
Training presented by: Canadian Sandtray Institute, Olds, Alberta T4H 1H3 Phone: 587-200-7775