Inaugural Conference of the

World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals

May 15-16, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel 601 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47708

We invite you to experience a training with

depth and a return to what sand therapy is

really about…

To register, go to: https://worldsandtherapy.org/annual-conference

Conference Information The World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals (WASTP) is delighted to present our Inaugural Conference. We have gathered together experts on the “cutting edge” of sand therapies to challenge clinicians to enliven their work and investigate the crafting of new perspectives therapeutically with clients. This ground-breaking conference offers case presentations, experiential learning, the latest best practices with sand, as well as a panel discussion by distinguished faculty within a creative, sheltered and playful space.

Conference attendees are limited to 250 participants. We are excited to present this opportunity for mental health professionals to learn about how sand can be incorporated into therapeutic practice through a variety of methodologies. Our conference features sessions for all experience levels for play therapists, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, social workers, Jungian analysts, licensed practitioners and graduate students who practice or wish to learn more about sand therapies in particular and play therapy techniques and theory.

Individual conference presentations and discussions will be complemented by social activities: opportunities for attendees to gather in networking and fellowship activities, as well as opportunities to view and purchase sand-related items from carefully curated vendors and artists.

Intended Audience: This event is appropriate for mental health professionals who utilize, or would like to utilize, sand therapy in their work with children, adolescents, and their families.

Our Featured Keynote Presenter:

Linda Homeyer, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S

… travels the world teaching play therapy and

sandtray therapy. A prolific writer, she has authored

several books and book chapters, including

professional journal articles. Linda was named an

Association for Play Therapy (APT) Director Emerita

and received the APT Lifetime Achievement Award.

Conference Location

Place: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 601 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47708

When you call to reserve a room, the hotel lists the Conference as "Sand Therapy

Professionals." Please call (812)423.5002 (the direct number for the hotel) and

ask for “Sales,” not the Front Desk.

If you have any difficulty making the discounted reservation during the dates

May 14 - May 17, 2020, ask for Eric Beasley. Additionally, the hotel has a free

shuttle to take people back and forth to the other hotels listed below if needed.

Places to stay nearby:

• Tropicana Evansville

• Le Merigot at Tropicana

• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Evansville West

Conference Objectives At the close of the conference, attendees will be able to:

• Compare perspectives and methods of working in sand therapy and play therapy modalities;

• Describe a variety of sand therapy and play therapy interventions targeted at improving clinician-client relational factors during therapy sessions;

• Identify those sand therapy and play therapy practices which enhance the relationship between client and therapist; and

• Cite important relational factors which influence and inform sand therapy and play therapy techniques.

Registration Information DIVERSITY STATEMENT The World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals actively works to encourage and support the cultural, racial, gender, sexual orientation and economic diversity of our training community. ADA STATEMENT If you have any special needs, please contact the following email before you register: sandtherapypros@gmail.com CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY In order to properly prepare for the conference, we ask that attendees register by March 30, 2020 so that we can process your registration. If however, your plans change, please inform us by email: sandtherapypros@gmail.com as soon as possible if you are unable to attend. If we are able to fill your slot (since the conference is limited to 250 participants, and we will keep a waiting list of attendees), we will refund your conference fee minus a $50 cancellation fee. Refunds will not be given for no-shows for any reason. ONLINE REGISTRATION Priority online registration will be available after December 1, 2019 for members of WASTP only. We are opening general registration after January 15, 2020. CE’s are pending. Please visit: https://worldsandtherapy.org/annual-conference and click on the link to register for the conference. After choosing sessions, you will be sent a return confirmation email indicating whether you are registered or on a waiting list. Your registration fee includes admission to participate in either one (1) or two (2) full days of the conference, snacks at breaks twice daily, handout materials available online (print out the materials yourself), and continuing education verification for sandplay and pending separate fees for Continuing Education certification by The Institute for Continuing Education if you choose that CE option. REGISTRATION FEES

• One day registration: $150 for either May 15 or May 16, 2020

• Two-day registration: $250 for May 15 - 16, 2020

• CE Certificate (mailed after the conference ends): $30

• Materials Fee for Lara Kasza”s Friday workshop (“SandSymbol Making: Creating Treasures of the Self) is an additional $25 per registrant

REGISTRATION DEADLINE After March 30, 2020, please contact the conference email to see if you can register on-site at the conference. We will keep a waiting list and will contact you if there are any open spaces for registration.

The Institute for Continuing Education

This program is co-sponsored by the World Association for Sand Tray and The Institute for Continuing Education. The Conference offers a total of 12.00 contact hours (6.00 hrs. per day).

Continuing education credit is awarded on a session-by-session basis, with full attendance required for the sessions attended. The CE processing fee is $30.00 per person and may be paid with registration or on-site. Application forms and other required CE materials will be available on site. If you have questions regarding the program, continuing education learning objectives, presenters, contact The Institute at: 800-557-1950 / email: instconted@aol.com

NOTE: To receive continuing education credit, applicants must complete all CE materials, sign in/out at designated locations, and submit an evaluation form for the sessions attended.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the attendee to determine if CE credit offered by The Institute for Continuing Education meets the regulations of their state licensing/certification board.

Play Therapy

The Institute for Continuing Education is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to sponsor continuing education specific to play therapy. The Institute for Continuing Education maintains responsibility for the program. APT provider 98-040.

Psychology

The Institute for Continuing Education is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute for Continuing Education maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Counseling

For counselors seeking CE credit, The Institute will submit a co-sponsorship application to NBCC for this program. This website will be updated regarding accreditation approval. New York: The Institute for Continuing Education is recognized by the New York State Education

Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. Provider MHC-0016.

Ohio Board Counseling/ Social Work: Ohio Board of Counseling and Social Work Board, Provider RCS 030001.

Social Work

This program has been submitted for approval for continuing education credit for social workers. This website will be updated regarding accreditation approval. New York: The Institute for Continuing Education is recognized by the New York State Education

Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers, Provider SW-0025.

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Provider No. 98000996A, expiration 4/01/2021.

Marriage/Family Therapy

The Institute for Continuing Education is a recognized provider of continuing education by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency for marriage/family therapists, Provider 98000996-A, expiration 4/01/2021. Florida Department of Health, Division of Social Work, Counseling, MFT, Provider BAP 255, expiration

03/2021.

New York: The Institute for Continuing Education is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Marriage-Family Therapy as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed MFTs, Provider MH-0012.

Ohio Board Marriage/Family Therapy, Provider RTX 100501.

California Professionals: The Institute for Continuing Education, Provider 56590, is approved by the

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs. The Institute for Continuing Education maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This Course meets the qualifications for up to 12.00 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCC, as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Non-credit workshops will be clearly noted in the CE packet received at the Conference.

Non-Credit Events: Breakfast, lunch, reception events, committee/business meetings, networking sessions, poster sessions.

Non-Credit Sessions: Any workshops that do not offer CE credit will be clearly noted on CE materials distributed at the time of Conference check-in and will also be noted on Conference website.

Skills Level: Foundational, Intermediate, Advanced. Attendees are urged to review the session descriptions to determine appropriateness for professional and personal needs.

Instructional Methodology: May include lecture, demonstration, audio/visual, experiential practice of techniques, large and small group discussion.

Conference Program at a Glance

Friday, May 15, 2020

7:00-8:00am Registration

8:00-8:30am Welcome and Introduction – Fisher (Ballroom A & B)

8:30-9:30am Keynote Presentation – Homeyer (Ballroom A & B)

9:30-10:00am Break

10:00am-12:00pm “A” Workshops

• A1: Symbols – Burr & Heiko (Ballroom A)

• A2: Neurobiology Part I – Grayson (Ballroom B)

• A3: Lifespan – Thakur & Smith-Inman (Small Room A)

• A4: Substance Use – Fisher (Small Room B)

12:00-1:30pm Lunch

1:30-5:00pm “B” Workshops

• B1: SandStory Therapy ® - Kasza (Ballroom A)

• B2: Neurobiology Part II – Grayson (Ballroom B)

• B3: Basics/Experiential - Langley (Small Room A)

• B4: Groups & Families – Hartwig & Van Hollander (Small Room B)

5:00-6:00pm Research Posters / Vendor Shopping

6:00-7:00pm Reception

Saturday, May 16, 2020

8:00-11:30am “C” Workshops

• C1: Cross-theoretical - Homeyer (Ballroom A)

• C2: Trauma & Attachment - Lyles (Ballroom B)

• C3: Supervision - Hartwig (Small Room A)

• C4: SandSymbol Making - Kasza (Small Room B)

11:30am-1:00pm Lunch

1:00-4:30pm “D” Workshops

• D1: Cultural Competency Panel (Ballroom A)

• D2: Trauma & Attachment – Lyles & Van Hollander (Ballroom B)

• D3: Elements – Burr & Heiko (Small Room A)

• D4: Grief Walking – Fraser & Heshmati (Small Room B)

4:30-5:00pm Closing Ceremony (Ballroom A & B)

Conference Program

Friday, May 15, 2020

7:00-8:00am Registration

8:00-8:30am Welcome from WASTP President Sherry Fisher and the

Conference Committee

9:30-10:00am Mid-Morning Break and Snacks for All/Vendor Shopping

10:00am-12:00pm Morning “A” Workshops (2 CEs)

A1

Workshop: Entering the Dark Forest: An Introduction to the Meaning and Language of Symbols in Sand Therapy

Presenters: John Burr, LCSW, RPT-S & Rosalind Heiko, PhD, HSP-P, ISST, RPT-S

Level: Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced

Room: Ballroom A

Description: This two-hour workshop will offer participants an essential perspective

Keynote Presentation – 8:30-9:30am (1 CE) As the WORLD Turns: Knowing Our History as We Make It Linda Homeyer, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S Level: Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced

Sand therapies have an exciting, respected, and evolving history! Knowing the context of the work we do is important not only to us, but grounds us as we work with clients and the professional community as a whole. Part of the establishment of a discipline or modality is the duration of use, the body of professional literature, and professional research. We will review the historic and future intersections of sand and play therapy.

on symbols, symbol meaning and the representation of symbolic language. Getting perspective on what sand therapy is all about in relation to symbols is crucial in sand therapy. This workshop will focus on an approach to understanding symbols with child, teen and adult clients for beginning as well as seasoned counselors and therapists. We will explore the roots of this perspective as it pertains to clinical practice of sand therapy through metaphor, storytelling, learning the basic language of Jungian terms (e.g., archetype, symbol, signs, temenos, shadow, individuation, and the constellation of the self), experiential play, and discussion. (Participants may earn 2 Sandplay CE training hours.)

A2

Workshop: This is Your Brain on Sand Therapy Part I: Healing Trauma in the Crucible of the Sand Therapy Process

Presenter: Rita Grayson, LCSW, RPT-S

Level: Intermediate

Room: Ballroom B

Description: This workshop will dive into the brain science underlying healing in play therapy using sand. We will look at how trauma embeds in the brain and how, thanks to neuroplasticity, it can be healed. Combining the embodied experience of using sand and metaphorical figures in play therapy along with the client-therapist relationship, we will identify key components that support healing from trauma. This training is appropriate for play therapists who work with children as well as clinicians who see only adults or adolescents.

A3

Workshop: Sand Therapy Across the Lifespan: The Journey of a Lifetime

Presenters: Sabrina Thakur, MS, LMFT, RPT-S & Lisa Smith-Inman, MA, LPCC

Level: Foundational

Room: Small Room A

Description: This workshop presents an interactive discussion of sand therapy across the lifespan utilizing several different case studies of children, teens and adults. Through a photographic progression of trays we will explore cognitive, social/emotional developmental and lifespan theories and how they connect to the client’s sand work

A4

Workshop: To Use or Not to Use - That is the Question: Sand Therapy and Substance Use Disorders

Presenter: Sherry Fisher, LCSW, LCAC, RPT-S

Level: Intermediate and Advanced

Room: Small Room B

Description: This is an intermediate/advanced seminar. Participants should have some training in the use of sand therapy. The stages of change and motivational interviewing will be briefly reviewed as well as Sand Tray World Play. Potential contraindications for sand tray, times when the work can trigger relapse, will be

discussed as well as preparing your client for the power of the work to reduce the likelihood of relapse. Common comorbid diagnoses will be discussed and a brief overview of how sand therapies can address these, often underlying triggers for substance use and relapse. Finally, participants will be given directives that can be utilized in sand therapy specific to substance use.

12:00-1:30pm Lunch

1:30-5:00pm Afternoon “B” Workshops (3 CEs)

2:30-3:00p Mid-Afternoon Break and Snack/Vendor Shopping

B1

Workshop: SandStory Therapy®: Your Client’s Story in the Sand

Presenters: Lara Kasza, Creative Arts Therapist and a Registered Sandplay Therapist

Level: Intermediate

Room: Ballroom A

Description: An experiential three-hour workshop exploring the SandStory Therapy® approach. Looking briefly at the theoretical genesis and historical context of SandStory Therapy®, attendees will then focus on the two distinct elements of SandStory which is the narrative structure of the client’s process and the importance of therapeutic presence for safe holding. Time to connect with the sand, practice the five stages and explore our inner stories, help to embed this introduction

B2

Workshop: This is Your Brain on Sand Therapy Part II: Healing Trauma in the Crucible of the Sand Therapy Process

Presenters: Rita Grayson, LCSW, RPT-S

Level: Intermediate

Room: Ballroom B

Description: Part 2: Continued from the earlier morning workshop. This workshop will dive into the brain science underlying healing in play therapy using sand. We will look at how trauma embeds in the brain and how, thanks to neuroplasticity, it can be healed. Combining the embodied experience of using sand and metaphorical figures in play therapy along with the client-therapist relationship, we will identify key components that support healing from trauma. This training is appropriate for play therapists who work with children as well as clinicians who see only adults or adolescents.

B3

Workshop: What a Wonder-full World: An Introduction to the Sand Therapy Experience

Presenters: Jamie Lynn Langley, LCSW, RPT-S

Level: Foundational

Room: Small Room A

Description: This presentation is for the beginning therapist or one new to sand therapy to learn about the wonders of this modality for a wide range of all ages within individual, family and/or play therapy. Participants will be provided an overview of sand therapy practicalities such as sand tray options and sand selection as well as storing and displaying images in therapist space and/or playroom. Intentional selection and organization of images will be reviewed for optimal experiencing of sand therapy for clients of all ages. Throughout the presentation participants will have experiential learning opportunities in the sand, as experiencing sand therapy is the best way to learn how “wonder-full” it is for individual, family and/or play therapy. Prompts and processing of sand trays will also be explored. This presentation is designed for a small group due to the experiential learning process.

B4

Workshop: We’re All in This Together: Sand Therapy with Groups and Families

Presenters: Elizabeth Kjellstrand Hartwig, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT, RPT-S & Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S

Level: Intermediate

Room: Small Room B

Description: In this three-hour experiential workshop, participants will learn the power of sand therapy when working with groups and families. We will explore how to incorporate play therapy techniques to create directive and nondirective sandtrays and highlight the therapeutic powers of play. You will gain personal and professional insight through participation in sand therapy experiences and strategies to implement sand therapy with groups and families into your practice

5:00-6:00pm Research Posters / Vendor Shopping

6:00-7:00pm Reception

Conference Program

Saturday, May 16, 2020

8:00-11:30am Morning “C” Workshops (3 CEs)

9:15-9:45am Mid-Morning Break and Snack/Vendor Shopping

C1

Workshop: Working with a Play Therapy Theory/Approach within the Sand Therapy Experience

Presenters: Linda Homeyer, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S

Level: Foundational

Room: Ballroom A

Description: This interactive training provides insight for processing client creation in the sand from a variety of play therapy theory counseling theory/approaches (cross-theoretical approaches). Participants will explore their current work – how they might enrich it for their clients and facilitate treatment goals.

C2

Workshop: Reclaiming Relationship Part I: Addressing Attachment Trauma with all Ages using Sand-Based Play Therapy

Presenters: Marshall Lyles, MA, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S

Level: Intermediate

Room: Ballroom B

Description: Part 1: Clients affected by attachment trauma appear on virtually every clinician’s caseload, though this wounding has often gone unnamed and unexplored. The lived experiences of those with not yet healed attachment trauma varies widely; however, most have internalized judgments from those in their lives who have criticized symptoms without showing compassionate curiosity for the roots of the struggles. As a result, exploring these wounds and their resulting patterns needs to be executed with gentleness and safety. Sand therapy provides such an opportunity as the client is empowered to structure the timing and intensity of the meaning making. As contact with these affected parts manifests in the sand tray, the therapist has the sacred task of providing disconfirming experiences through the healing power of metaphor. This workshop will explore these ideas while providing hands on experiences for the participant.

C3

Workshop: Supervision in the Sand: Four Approaches to Using Sand Therapy in Supervision

Presenters: Elizabeth Kjellstrand Hartwig, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT, RPT-S

Level: Intermediate and Advanced (This training counts for 3 supervision CEs)

Room: Small Room A

Description: Have you ever utilized sand therapy in supervision? Sand therapy is an effective counseling technique and can also be helpful in play therapy supervision. Join us as we explore four approaches using sand therapy in clinical supervision. These approaches include teaching sand therapy as a technique, promoting supervisee self-awareness, case consultation, and group supervision. This presentation is geared toward supervisors who are currently, or are working toward becoming, play therapy supervisors, however all practitioners are welcome to participate. Each approach can be a dynamic way to enhance the supervision process. Come ready to learn, share, and participate!

C4

Workshop: SandSymbol Making: Creating Treasures of the Self

Presenters: Lara Kasza, Creative Arts Therapist and a Registered Sandplay Therapist

Level: Foundational

Room: Small Room B

Description: An experiential three-hour workshop with hands-on creation of your own SandSymbols ready for you to take away for yourself or for your Toolkit. If you have ever had ‘symbol envy’ when looking at other therapists’ amazing collections and wished you had some lovely symbols too…but couldn’t seem to find or afford them? Well, this is a chance for you to be ‘crafty’ and create your own. No need to be artistic (though welcome if you are!) just be ready to be creative. And enjoy some self-care time of your own! Using clay, stones, paint, decoupage and even glittery nail polish, we will create our own treasure chests and fill them with sparkling jewels of all kinds - treasures of the Self (choosing this workshop will add a Materials Fee of $25 to your total registration cost.

11:30am-1:00pm Lunch

1:00-4:30pm Afternoon “D” Workshops (3 CEs)

2:30-3:00p Mid-Afternoon Break and Snack/Vendor Shopping

D1

Workshop: Diversity in Each Grain: Embracing Cultural Humility Ethically and Gracefully in Sand Therapy

Presenters: Jamie Lynn Langley, LCSW, RPT-S, Yolanda Fountain, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, ACS, NCC and Panelists

Level: Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced

Room: Ballroom A

Description: Did you know that each grain of sand is different? Yet, each grain combined creates a world of soothing dimensions. This workshop provides an opportunity for play and sand therapists to explore diversity and multiculturalism using an ethical, humble, and graceful approach. Participants will enhance their understanding of diverse cultures, identify barriers to wholesome multiculturalism,

and explore engagement with cultural sensitivity and humility to enrich their play and sand therapy practice. Participants are requested to bring a sand symbol that represents their culture for an experiential activity in the sand. In the final portion of the session, some invited guests representing various diversities will join the presenters to explore considerations for image inclusion and other factors to bridge multiculturalism in sand therapy

D2

Workshop: Reclaiming Relationship Part II: Addressing Attachment Trauma with all Ages using Sand-Based Play Therapy

Presenters: Marshall Lyles, MA, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S & Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S

Level: Intermediate

Room: Ballroom B

Description: Part II: Clients affected by attachment trauma appear on virtually every clinician’s caseload, though this wounding has often gone unnamed and unexplored. The lived experiences of those with not yet healed attachment trauma varies widely; however, most have internalized judgments from those in their lives who have criticized symptoms without showing compassionate curiosity for the roots of the struggles. As a result, exploring these wounds and their resulting patterns needs to be executed with gentleness and safety. Sand therapy provides such an opportunity as the client is empowered to structure the timing and intensity of the meaning making. As contact with these affected parts manifests in the sand tray, the therapist has the sacred task of providing disconfirming experiences through the healing power of metaphor. This workshop will explore these ideas while providing hands on experiences for the participant.

D3

Workshop: Playing with the Sacred: The Power of the Elements in Sand

Presenters: John Burr, LCSW, RPT-S & Rosalind Heiko, PhD, HSP-P, ISST, RPT-S

Level: Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced

Room: Small Room A

Description: Join us in this highly experiential workshop as we play together with the magical symbols of the elements air, water, earth and fire. Each of us has an intimate relationship with these elements, experiencing their rhythmic beat like a moonlit autumn walk in the woods under swaying trees or the raging storm of a lover’s quarrel. The elements belong to the eternal world, helping us find our way, meaning, and purpose of our existence. Through elemental play the participants will explore possible meanings of the elements when used in sandplay and play therapy. As we experience the four elements together, we can become aware of the forces that are being called to awaken within our clients when used in the play process. (Participants may earn 3 Sandplay CE Training Hours)

D4

Workshop: Grief Walking in the Sandtray

Presenters: Theresa Fraser, CRPO, RCT, CPT-S, CYC-P & Fatemeh Heshmati, CRPO, RP, CCC

Level: Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced

Room: Small Room B

Description: We all experience loss and subsequent grief as a result of physical, emotional or spiritual disconnection with a person or experience. In order to hold these experiences, the sand therapy professional needs to first get in touch with their own personal and professional grief and loss experiences which includes professionally planning for their own expected or unexpected death. This workshop will also discuss phases of grief walking in the sandtray and we will present an overview of two sand therapy experiences.

4:30-5:00p Closing Ceremony (Ballroom A&B)

Conference Faculty

“My approach to therapy is based on the belief in your ability to heal and resolve problems through a safe and protected therapeutic relationship. Through providing a non-judgmental, empathetic, safe environment, healing can occur.”

John Burr, LCSW, RPT-S, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and the owner of The Center for Sandtray and Expressive Therapy. President of the Utah Association for Play Therapy, he has served on its board for the past 23 years. John has over 32 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. He specializes in using sandplay and expressive arts techniques in his clinical practice and teaches workshops on these approaches.

“Trust the process. When skillfully utilized, the process of sand therapy is powerful and often as a therapist we just need to witness the unfolding, create safety and hold the space. Doing more than that is often a barrier to healing.”

Sherry Fisher, LCSW, LCAC, RPT-S, is President of the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals and has previously served on the Indiana APT Board. Sherry started her career working on an adolescent addictions unit. She has experience working in home based, school based and hospital based services and currently maintains a private practice in Evansville, IN. Sherry has also been Adjunct faculty at the University of Southern Indiana.

“Sand therapy is the left brain’s liberation through the right brain’s processing. It boldly professes the unspoken by allowing both hemispheres to collaborate in sacred space.”

Yolanda Fountain, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, ACS, NCC is the owner at Play Wellness LLC in Roswell, Georgia, where she provides professional counseling, play therapy, and sand therapy services, supervision, and training. Dr. Fountain has extensive experience in higher education as a counselor, professor, and clinical supervisor and teaches master’s and doctoral level courses.

“Worlds created within the safety of relationship depict stories of past, present and future experiences: including birth stories, death stories and all the experiences that can occur in between these two constants of humanity.”

Theresa Fraser, CRPO, RCT, CPT-S, CYC-P, is a recognized Play Therapy Supervisor in Canada and Australia. She is the Director/Lead therapist at Maritime Play Therapy Centre where she teaches and practices play therapy and sand therapy. She has also completed studies as a birth and death doula and is currently a Ph.D. student with the University of South Wales.

“Sand therapy, being experiential in nature, offers an invitation to our inner world to speak without requiring words. Experiences of pain and fear, often stored outside of conscious awareness, are most effectively accessed through body-based approaches. Within the crucible of the therapeutic relationship and the sand therapy process, past pain is offered an opportunity to be comforted and healed.”

Rita Grayson, LCSW, RPT-S is the founder of SageSource Learning Center, a training facility dedicated to teaching Sandtray Therapy and Neurobiology. Combining her extensive training in Sandtray-Worldplay, her deep study of neuroscience, and over 20 years as a clinician, Rita created The Body-Brain Approach to Sandtray Therapy.

“Sand therapy is magical! Through the sand we reveal our celebrations and challenges, our loves and losses, and our courage to find solutions. Treasure the journey.”

Elizabeth Kjellstrand Hartwig, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT, RPT-S, is an Associate Professor in the Professional Counseling Program and director of the Animal-Assisted Counseling Academy at Texas State University. She’s authored one book, two book chapters, and 13 articles. She has presented at regional and international conferences in the United

States, United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

“Only the bravest people commit to the therapeutic relationship. When they expose their vulnerabilities, their shadow, their truths, I am humbled by the gift of their trust and mindful of the need to nurture the sacred nature of the process as it unfolds between us.”

Roz Heiko, PhD, HSP-P, ISST, RPT-S, is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, a Sandplay Teacher and has practiced as a psychologist for over 35 years. She travels nationally and internationally, training and consulting with therapists working with children and families. Her most recent publication is A Therapist’s Guide to Mapping the Girl Heroine’s Journey in Sandplay (2018), published by Rowman & Littlefield.

“Sand tray is the most powerful medium that facilitates self-awareness, vulnerability and healing.”

Fatemeh Heshmati, CRPO, RP, CCC, is a registered psychotherapist and a mental health practitioner at Polaris Counselling in Ontario. She is a play therapy intern and mainly works with families and children who have experienced trauma. She has also completed graduate programs in cell biology and physiology, and undergraduate program in midwifery.

“The sand process contains and displays: struggles and joys, past and future, hidden and obvious. It reveals my life…It reveals me.”

Dr. Linda Homeyer is Director, Door of Hope Counseling Center, New Braunfels, Texas. She travels the world teaching play therapy and sandtray therapy. A prolific writer, she has authored several books and books chapters, including professional journal articles. Linda was named APT Director Emerita and received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Sandstory Therapy® has at its heart the therapist's ability to remain grounded in their own presence and be fully present each moment to their client. It allows them to attune to their client's needs and pace which enables empowerment and growth for the client. Relationship is at the core of this medium with the therapist, ultimately, being the therapy.”

Lara Kasza is an Accredited Creative Arts Therapist and a Registered Sandplay Therapist with Sandtray Therapy training. She is also a Senior Clinical Supervisor and has been a University Lecturer teaching Creative Therapy at Masters Level. At the SandStory Centre in London, Lara offers CPD training in SandStory Therapy® to therapists.

“It has been said a picture is worth a thousand words...Sand therapy provides the opportunity for countless "pictures" made in the sand representing an immeasurable amount of words for clients to explore their healing journey amidst trusted exposure to the sand therapist.”

Jamie Lynn Langley, LCSW, RPT-S, has been a therapist for thirty years in Tennessee. Jamie co-founded the Tennessee Association for Play Therapy and currently serves as its president. She enjoys supervising, writing and training, and has presented nationally and internationally. Jamie is also an Adjunct Professor at both Lipscomb University and Middle TN State University.

“When creating a world in the sand, a client may make contact and truly see a part of self for the first time. As sand therapists, we have a beautiful opportunity to model how to be with that world in full curiosity without judgment, serving as a dynamic witness to the healing potential of evolving metaphors...”

Marshall Lyles, MA, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S, has over 15 years of practice in family and play therapy. Drawing on lessons learned from working with attachment trauma in a variety of mental health settings, Marshall regularly teaches on trauma, expressive therapies, and attachment-informed family work around the globe.

“Creating our world in the sand helps us touch the reality of our inner experience and allows us to feel seen and deeply known by an attuned ‘other’ as we witness our own transformational process.”

Lisa M. Smith-Inman, MA, LPCC, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, the Associate Clinical Director of a group private practice and owner of Midwest Center for Sandtray Therapy. Lisa provides clinical supervision to interns and clinicians working toward licensure and combines Sand Therapy and somatic therapy in her work with clients.

“The sand therapy experience is pure magic; it’s where the heart, soul, and senses come together to heal in a special therapeutic relationship.”

Sabrina Thakur, MS, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor practicing in Southern California. She maintains a private practice, specializing in working with preschool age children. Sabrina enjoys providing clinical and play therapy supervision and sharing her love of sand therapy with the community.

“Sand work is like a gentle hug for the soul where healing can flow in the sacred world of the tray. It is a true privilege to witness and participate in the sand tray journey. Sand tray play is not always a gentle hug but it is the safe and protective space we provide to allow the healing to happen.”

Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S, is the owner of Main Line Play Therapy in Bryn Mawr, PA. Tammi’s work and creative interventions in the field of play therapy have been published and internationally recognized. She's the author Casey’s Greatness Wings and she is a sought-after expert for speaking engagements, podcasts and webinars.