Sandtray Therapy Training and Consultation

Sandtray therapy invites a different kind of listening.

Through image, placement, and process, clients communicate in ways that often move beyond words.

Many therapists feel drawn to this work, yet find themselves unsure in the moments when something meaningful is happening but not easily explained.

This training pathway is designed to support those moments.

You will learn how to follow the process in the tray, respond with intention, and support integration in ways that are clinically grounded and developmentally attuned.

All trainings and consultation experiences are offered virtually, allowing you to learn and participate from wherever you are.

Trainings are self-paced.

Consultation is live and relational.

Participation in these trainings and consultation experiences can be documented as part of your professional development and may be included in applications for credentialing through World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals.

Who This Is For?

This training is designed for licensed mental health professionals, registered interns, and graduate-level clinicians who want to integrate Sandtray therapy into their clinical work.

Start Here

Foundations of Sandtray Therapy: A Practical Introduction for Clinicians

12 CE Hours | Self-paced | Beginner to Intermediate

If you’re new to sandtray or unsure where to begin, this is your starting point. No prior experience is required.

This course introduces the core elements of sandtray therapy, including therapist stance, symbolic expression, nervous system awareness, and the structure of a session.

You will learn to:

  • Describe foundational principles of sandtray therapy

  • Identify directive and non directive therapist stance

  • Explain symbolic expression in clinical work

  • Outline the structure of a sandtray session

  • Recognize common challenges in early practice

  • Understand nervous system responses within the tray

Stay Connected to the Work

Sandtray Consultation Circle

Ongoing | Live consultation (drop-in)

A space for case discussion and clinical reflection.

Bring your work, your questions, and the moments that feel unclear. This is where therapists strengthen their clinical thinking and build confidence through shared reflection.

You may attend as needed.

Apply It in Session

Using Sandtray Therapy in Clinical Practice: Skills for Real Sessions

12 CE Hours | Self-paced | Beginner to Intermediate

This course focuses on applying sandtray therapy in real clinical settings.

You will learn how to track what is happening in the tray, respond when you feel unsure, and support movement without moving too quickly into interpretation.

You will learn to:

  • Apply sandtray techniques in session

  • Differentiate observation from interpretation

  • Respond to uncertainty in the tray

  • Identify movement and stagnation

  • Develop case conceptualizations

  • Navigate moments of feeling stuck

Deepen Through Immersion

Sandtray Consultation Immersion: Extended Case-Based Consultation

6 to 12 CE Hours | Live | Intermediate to Advanced

An immersive consultation experience with extended time to explore clinical material.

Participants engage in structured case discussion, observation, and reflection, allowing for deeper understanding of process and clinical decision-making.

You will learn to:

  • Analyze sandtray cases using structured observation

  • Formulate clinically appropriate responses

  • Differentiate observation and interpretation

  • Expand comfort with complex clinical moments

  • Integrate feedback into decision-making

  • Identify ethical considerations in case work

Expand Your Work

Sandtray Therapy and Trauma: Supporting Regulation and Processing

6 CE Hours | Intermediate

Focuses on trauma-informed application and nervous system regulation within the tray.

Sandtray Therapy and Expressive Integration: Journaling, Music, and Story

6 CE Hours | Intermediate

Explores how to support integration through journaling, music, bibliotherapy, and reflective practices.

Sandtray Therapy with Children and Adolescents: Developmentally Attuned Practice

6 CE Hours | Intermediate

Applies sandtray through a play therapy lens with attention to developmental needs and regulation.

Articulate Your Clinical Work

Documenting and Presenting Sandtray Therapy Cases: Clinical Clarity and Ethics

6 CE Hours + 3 consultation hours | Intermediate

Supports clinicians in organizing, documenting, and presenting sandtray cases clearly and ethically.

Step Into Leadership

Providing Sandtray Consultation and Training: Ethics and Facilitation

12 CE Hours + 6 consultation hours | Advanced

Preparation for therapists who want to provide consultation and training in sandtray therapy, with a focus on ethical responsibility and facilitation.

A Developmental Pathway

Most therapists begin with Foundations, then move into Clinical Practice while joining consultation.

Over time, therapists build a combination of training, consultation, and clinical experience as they integrate sandtray into their work.

Continuing Education

Continuing education credit may be available for select trainings. Programs are designed to meet criteria for professional development and continuing education through organizations such as National Board for Certified Counselors and Association for Play Therapy.

Participants seeking CE credit will complete a course evaluation and any required post-course assessments.

If you’ve felt drawn to Sandtray therapy and want to feel more confident using it in your work, this is a place to begin.