Bringing Sandtray Therapy Into Your Sessions
Schedule
Fri Jun 12 2026 at 10:00 am to 04:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
1400 Mercantile Ln suite 208 | Largo, MD
About this Event
Join us for an exciting in-person 5-hour training and 1 hour lunch where we will delve into the fascinating world of Sandtray Therapy!
Bringing Sandtray Therapy Into Your Sessions: A Foundational Training for Mental Health Therapists
Trainer: Sabra Starnes, LICSW, LCSW-C, M.Ed., RPT-S
Training Description
Sandtray therapy offers clients a powerful, creative way to express thoughts, feelings, experiences, and inner conflicts when words may feel limited, overwhelming, or difficult to access. This beginner-level, in-person training introduces mental health therapists to the foundations of sandtray therapy and explores how it can be thoughtfully incorporated into clinical sessions with children, teens, adults, families, and groups.
Participants will explore the basic principles of sandtray therapy, the therapeutic value of symbols and miniatures, the role of the therapist as witness and facilitator, and ways to create a safe, supportive, and culturally responsive sandtray experience. Through discussion, demonstration, and hands-on practice, participants will learn how to set up a sandtray space, select and organize miniatures, introduce sandtray work to clients, and begin using both non-directive and directive sandtray approaches in clinical sessions.
This training is designed for therapists who are new to sandtray therapy or who want a clear, practical foundation for bringing sandtray into their clinical work with confidence, curiosity, cultural humility, and respect for each client’s unique symbolic expression.
In this comprehensive training, you will:
- Gain a deep understanding of the principles and practices of Sandtray Therapy.
- Participate in live demonstrations and practical exercises.
- Explore case studies to see real-world applications of Sandtray Therapy.
- Learn how to set up and maintain a sandtray therapy space.
- Network with fellow professionals and exchange ideas and experiences.
- Receive a certificate of completion that adds value to your professional credentials.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to enhance your therapeutic toolkit and make a meaningful impact on your clients' lives!
5 CEUS- NBCC Next Place Therapy Services, LLC is an approved provider #7270
5 APT Contact Hours Next Place Therapy is an approved provider #172-526
5 NASW CEUs approved by the National Association of Social Workers
Please confirm with your licensing board for CEU approval.
Training Location: 1300 Mercantile Ln suite 100 E Largo, Maryland 20774
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the origin and history of Sandtray therapy and how it relates to play therapy.
2. Review the difference between sandtray and sandplay therapy, two distinct sandtray work approaches.
3. Identify the therapeutic value of the sand tray as a powerful technique to incorporate into play therapy sessions with clients.
4. Discuss the process for creating a physical and virtual sandtray in play therapy sessions.
5. List how to organize miniatures in the play therapy session.
The training includes
A light breakfast, water, snacks, lunch
hands-on learning- miniatures, tray, and sand to use during the training
1 hour lunch and breaks
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Opening & Introduction Brief Introduction to Sandtray Therapy
Host: Sabra Starnes
Info: Brief Introduction to Sandtray Therapy: An Overview
Course Outline and Objectives
Ice Breaker: Sharing Personal Experience with Sand
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
History & Origin of Sandtray Therapy
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
15 Minute Morning Break
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Differences: Sandtray vs. Sandplay Therapy
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Lunch Break
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Hands-On Experience: Physical Sandtray Setup
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:45 PM
Introduction to Miniatures
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
15 minute break
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:15 PM
Ethical Considerations in Sandtray Therapy
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Closure & Certification
Where is it happening?
1400 Mercantile Ln suite 208, 1400 Mercantile Lane, Largo, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 175.00
