Sandtray Immersion at Sea 2027
June 17–24, 2027 | Alaska Cruise
Where Clinical Learning Meets the Wonder of Alaska
Discover, explore, and deepen your sandtray play therapy practice through an unforgettable experiential learning experience at sea.
Join Jackie Flynn and fellow mental health professionals for Sandtray Immersion at Sea, a unique opportunity to explore the therapeutic power of symbols, creative expression, reflection, and connection while journeying through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska.
Across three live experiential trainings, you'll examine meaningful applications of sandtray play therapy for grief, trauma, nervous system regulation, and the person of the therapist.
3 Experiential Trainings | 10 Live CE Hours | June 17–24, 2027
Explore the Training & Register
Training registration is separate from cruise accommodations.
Discover, explore, and deepen your sandtray play therapy practice through an unforgettable experiential learning experience at sea.
What happens when you step outside the traditional training room and give yourself the space to learn, create, reflect, and connect?
Sandtray Immersion at Sea brings together experiential clinical education and an extraordinary Alaskan setting.
Through guided learning, symbolic exploration, case examples, and reflective activities, participants will explore the many ways sandtray can support clinical understanding and therapeutic presence.
You'll have opportunities to deepen your professional knowledge while connecting with other therapists who value play, creativity, and meaningful clinical work.
Learn Through Experience
Go beyond simply hearing about sandtray interventions. Engage in activities that invite reflection, strengthen clinical understanding, and help connect concepts with practice.
Explore the Therapist Within
Consider how your own experiences, beliefs, and responses influence your work. Use symbolic exploration to support self-awareness and intentional therapeutic presence.
Connect and Recharge
Share a distinctive professional experience with fellow clinicians while enjoying the scenery and destinations of an Alaskan cruise.
Three Trainings. Three Perspectives. One Meaningful Journey.
01 | Navigating Grief Through Sandtray Play Therapy
Niesia Garza, LCSW, RPT, CBC
4 CE Hours
Grief can be difficult to capture in words. Through sandtray play therapy, clinicians can explore how images, symbols, and metaphors may reflect experiences of loss, remembrance, attachment, and continuing bonds.
This training considers how grief may appear through symbolic expression and how clinicians can respond thoughtfully to the needs of grieving clients.
Explore:
Grief and loss through symbolic expression
Developmental considerations in grief work
Meaning-making and continuing bonds
Experiential sandtray exploration
Clinical applications for grief and loss
02 | Understanding Trauma, Regulation, and Healing Through Sandtray Play Therapy
Jackie Flynn, EdS, LMHC-S, RPT-S™
3 CE Hours
Explore the relationship between trauma, nervous system responses, and symbolic communication within sandtray play therapy.
This training examines how trauma-informed approaches can support safety, regulation, and clinically purposeful engagement with the sandtray process.
Explore:
Nervous system states and trauma responses
Symbolic expressions of safety and survival
Attachment and regulation within sandtray work
Experiential sandtray activities
Trauma-informed clinical applications
03 | Exploring the Person of the Therapist Through Sandtray Play Therapy
Alisha Denham and Catherine Denham
3 CE Hours
The therapist brings more than clinical knowledge into the room. Personal experiences, beliefs, assumptions, and emotional responses can influence therapeutic presence and decision-making.
Through experiential sandtray activities, this training invites clinicians to explore the relationship between self-awareness, professional identity, and reflective practice.
Explore:
Therapist use of self
Personal symbolism and metaphor
Professional identity and self-awareness
Reflective sandtray exploration
Strengthening therapeutic presence
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Identify sandtray symbols and themes that represent grief, loss, and continuing emotional bonds.
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Explain how developmental differences influence the expression of grief through images, metaphors, and symbolism.
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Participate in a sandtray activity exploring loss, remembrance, and continuing bonds.
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Use sandtray approaches that support adaptation, remembrance, and meaningful connections following loss.
01 | Learning Objectives
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Explain connections between trauma responses, nervous system states, and symbolic sandtray expression.
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Identify miniature choices and sandtray themes reflecting attachment, adaptive survival, and resilience.
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Participate in experiential sandtray activities exploring emotional safety, regulation, and symbolic expression.
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Use trauma-informed sandtray approaches that support safety, regulation, and integration.
02 | Learning Objectives
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Use sandtray reflection to examine professional identity and the therapist's use of self.
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Reflect on how personal symbolism and sandtray themes influence therapeutic presence and clinical practice.
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Participate in experiential sandtray activities that encourage self-awareness and reflective practice.
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Develop strategies for using reflective sandtray experiences to strengthen professional development.
03 | Learning Objectives
Continuing Education
10 Hours of Live Professional Training
The immersion consists of three live educational programs totaling 10 instructional hours.
The published program lists:
10 NBCC Credit Hours
10 APT Live Contact Hours
10 WASTP Contact Hours
These represent credit opportunities through three different provider organizations for the same 10 hours of training, not 30 separate instructional hours.
Participants must meet the applicable attendance and evaluation requirements to receive credit. Partial credit is not offered under the published program terms.
Jackie Flynn Consulting — NBCC ACEP No. 8022
Jacqueline Flynn — APT Approved Provider No. 20-628
Jacqueline Flynn — WASTP Continuing Education Provider No. 179
Please review the complete provider disclosures, individual learning objectives, and CE eligibility requirements before registering.
Experience the Language of Sandtray
Sometimes, the Most Meaningful Stories Begin Without Words.
A single miniature can represent a memory, a relationship, a feeling, or something not yet fully understood.
Sandtray provides opportunities to explore these experiences through imagery, placement, movement, metaphor, and creative expression.
During the immersion, participants will engage with sandtray as both a clinical approach and a reflective experience.
Explore the interactive miniature activity and discover a small glimpse of what makes sandtray work so compelling.
Meet Your Presenters
Learn Alongside Experienced Clinicians and Sandtray Educators
Niesia Garza, LCSW, RPT, CBC
Niesia brings extensive clinical experience in grief, bereavement, traumatic loss, and the use of creative approaches to support emotional expression and meaning-making. Her work emphasizes compassionate clinical presence, symbolism, and continuing bonds.
Jackie Flynn, EdS, LMHC-S, RPT-S™
Founder of Jackie Flynn Consulting, Jackie integrates sandtray therapy, play therapy, EMDR, and nervous system-informed clinical approaches. Her teaching focuses on the intentional use of expressive processes in trauma-informed therapeutic work.
Alisha Denham, LCSW, RPT-S™, RST-C/T
Alisha is a clinician, sand therapy consultant and trainer, and co-founder of Momma Owls Minis. Her work brings together clinical understanding, artistic creativity, and the use of miniatures, symbolism, and metaphor in therapeutic practice.
Catherine Denham, LCSW, RPT-S™, RST-C/T
Catherine is a clinician, sand therapy consultant and trainer, and co-founder of Momma Owls. She supports therapists through education and resources grounded in play, sandtray, creative expression, and reflective clinical practice.
An Extraordinary Setting for Learning and Exploration
Discover Alaska Along the Way
Sailing June 17–24, 2027
Experience the natural beauty of Alaska while participating in an immersive professional training.
The voyage features destinations including:
Seattle, Washington
Your departure point for the Alaskan journey.
Juneau, Alaska
A destination known for mountain scenery, glaciers, and outdoor exploration.
Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Experience coastal Alaska and a destination rich in natural beauty and Tlingit cultural heritage.
Victoria, British Columbia
Explore the architecture, gardens, and coastal character of this Canadian destination.
Training sessions take place on sea days. Port days are available for your own exploration and activities.
Cruise reservations, accommodations, travel, and optional shore activities are separate from the training registration fee.
Reserve Your Place at Sea
Make Space for Learning, Reflection, and Connection in 2027
Early-Bird Registration
$749
Available through January 15, 2027.
Regular Registration
$850
Regular training registration price.
Pay-in-full and three-month payment options are offered through the registration page. Review the checkout for the applicable installment amounts and terms.
Important: The training fee does not include cruise fare, cabin accommodations, transportation, or other cruise-related expenses.
How Registration Works
Step 1 — Register for the Training
Complete your training registration through the official Sandtray Immersion at Sea sales page.
Step 2 — Reserve Your Cruise Accommodations
Contact the designated cruise coordinator to arrange your cabin and review available cruise options and costs.
Step 3 — Prepare for Alaska
Make your travel arrangements and get ready to join fellow clinicians for learning and exploration aboard the cruise.
Cruise Reservations
Mike Davila
Cruise Coordinator, Norwegian Cruise Line
Email: mbdavila@ncl.com
Direct: 954-514-4154
Toll-Free: 877-416-9722, ext. 44154
Cruise reservations are managed separately from training enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the training sessions take place?
The trainings are planned for sea days, allowing participants to enjoy the destinations during port visits.
Can my family or friends join the cruise?
Yes. Family members and friends may accompany you on the cruise. Only those participating in the training need to purchase training registration. Cruise accommodations and guest charges are arranged separately.
Do I need to book the cruise independently?
Yes. After registering for the training, contact the designated cruise coordinator to review cruise accommodations and booking arrangements.
How many CE hours are available?
The three live trainings total 10 instructional hours, with credit opportunities listed through NBCC, APT, and WASTP. Attendance and evaluation requirements apply.
Can I use a payment plan?
Three-month payment options are listed on the official registration page. Please review the full installment amount and conditions before purchasing.
Yes. EMDRIA Basic Training standards require 10 hours of consultation in addition to instruction and supervised practicum.
Where does the cruise depart?
The published departure location is Bell Street Cruise Terminal, Pier 66, 2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington 98121. Confirm final embarkation instructions with the cruise coordinator.
Your Next Meaningful Learning Experience Awaits
Explore. Reflect. Connect. Discover.
Bring your curiosity, creativity, and commitment to meaningful clinical work.
Join Jackie Flynn and fellow clinicians for Sandtray Immersion at Sea, June 17–24, 2027.
Explore the Program and Register Today
For training questions, contact jackie@jackieflynnconsulting.com.
Training registration and cruise bookings are separate purchases. Review the complete event, CE, payment, and cancellation terms before enrolling.