Integrating Sand, Symbol, & Self
Sandtray is an expressive modality for all ages that uses sensory and symbolic means to safely explore the full range of self and experience.
The small size of our intensive workshops allows for hands-on experiential exercises and in-depth discussions related to each activity. The material shared in the group process means that every training has an uncharted aspect to be discovered, in addition to the core objectives.
Even if you have had extensive training in other sand therapy approaches, you are welcome here and will glean something new even at the initial foundational level.
Consultation and personal practice are key components for learning this complex modality.
Our Approach – Sand, Symbol, Self™
This approach integrates principles from: trauma & attachment informed practices; the mysteries of right brain to right brain process; the power of presence & witnessing; play; mindfulness; expressive arts & the creative process; culture; myth & metaphor; existentialism.
It is non-hurried, non-interpretative, and co-created based on the clinical relationship. There is no one way to sit with a tray, my teachings try to convey the range of possibility and provide guiding principles for the work rather than a series of directives.
It is my belief that sandtray is a process of integration and to that end, so is my approach. If you are interested in knowing more about my lineage with sandtray, I’m happy to share.
I call this work “Sandpray”, to reflect my belief in sand therapy as a spiritual process based on the following definition by Meyers & Williams:
Sandpray
The capacity and tendency present in all human beings to find and construct meaning about life and existence and to move toward personal growth, responsibility, and relationships with others.
The spiritual experience is any experience or process in the life of an individual that creates new meaning and fosters personal growth as exhibited by the capacity to move beyond former frames of reference and risk change.
This definition of spirituality is broad enough to include religious beliefs and secular ideologies.
Meyers & Williams
The Program
Sand, Symbol, Self™
Inner Resources Training Institute offers a layered approach for developing a solid foundation in sandtray theory and process: two 20-hour foundational courses and opportunities for additional learning through consultation, immersion practice days, periodic topical workshops, retreats, and one’s own individual or group sandtray process.
In exploring the wide variety of approaches to sand therapies, we enjoy connecting people to other teachers, approaches and experiences that will best meet their areas of interest and stage of development.
Sand therapy training requires on-going engagement to become proficient. After over 30 years of study I am continually discovering new aspects of sand therapy, new ways of facilitating and understanding.
Certificates & Competency
This program provides therapists a method for integrating sandtray training within their current clinical practice. We recommend both foundation courses, consultation, and attendance at skill development days to practice facilitation and deepen personal understanding. This is not a modality that can be mastered in one or two training weekends. Working with adults in sandtray requires significantly more training than working with children.
Inner Resources does not offer a certification in sandtray. If you are interested in pursuing certification we are happy to help you find the right program for you.
Integrating Sand, Symbol, & Self
These workshops integrate explorations with:
Sand
connection to the natural world, a sensory experience that anchors the work
Symbol
understanding the function of symbols in the creation of meaning and understanding, exploring both their universal and idiosyncratic nature
Self
through the experiential process participants come to deeper self-awareness, encountering insight.
This program is not one of passive learning, many participants find this learning therapeutic while acknowledging that it is not therapy. The integration of sand, symbol, self is powerful.
