Sandtray Process
Sandtray is an expressive modality for all ages that uses sensory and symbolic means to safely explore the full range of self and experience. It’s a process difficult to fully comprehend in exclusively verbal, or even visual means; its power is revealed in the experiencing.
Our Approach
We are honored to be part of the The Presence and Play Network, developed by Theresa Kestly, PhD, RPT-S, founder of New Mexico Sandtray Training Institute and to follow the Kestlian approach to teaching sandtray. Theresa generously provided Heather the resources necessary to be rooted in the foundations of this approach, while gracefully encouraging Heather to bring the fullness of herself to teaching.
Kestlian Sandtray is a relationally based approach utilizing Interpersonal Neurobiology, which Heather views as the intersection of science & spirituality, and develops from the teachings of Margaret Lowenfeld, Dora Kalff, contemporary neuroscientists, and a variety of leaders from broad complementary creative and cultural studies.
We integrate principles from: trauma & attachment informed practices; polyvagal theory; 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.
Additionally, Heather has been trained and supervised extensively in sandplay, a Jungian approach to sand therapy, as well as various other sandtray approaches.
Sandpray
Heather calls this work “Sandpray”, to reflect her belief in sand therapy as a spiritual process based on the following definition by Meyers & Williams:
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.
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In-depth Program
Inner Resources Training Institute offers a layered approach for developing a solid foundation in sandtray theory and process: 4 foundational courses and a variety of topical workshops. Consultation, reading groups, and advanced facilitation skills retreats are available to secure deeper engagement. We are a collaborative training institute and enjoy connecting participants to other resources that meet your specific learning goals.
This is not a linear path, many of the layers can be taken in the sequence that makes sense for your individual journey, prerequisites are listed on each workshop page. Some participants repeat workshops simply for the nurturing of self.
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 group process means that every training has an uncharted aspect to be discovered, in addition to the core objectives.
