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.
Sandtray Process
It’s a process difficult to fully comprehend in exclusively verbal, or even visual means; its power is revealed in the 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. I began studying Jungian Sandplay in 1989 and continued in that theoretical model for a few years before expanding into various sandtray approaches taught by play therapists integrating sand and play. These modes were often more directive and verbal by nature, with varying levels of emphasis on interpretation and interaction throughout the process. I am especially indebted to Vivian Thomson, Eliana Gil and Linda Homeyer for their influences on integrating sand and play therapy.
In April of 2016 I went back to beginner mind with Theresa Kestly, founder of the New Mexico Sandtray Institute, completing her 10 levels of sandtray training and then returning to go back through them as a co-facilitator in order to teach this approach. The Kestlian approach deepened my understanding and shifted my teaching profoundly. Theresa provided the resources necessary to be rooted in the foundations, while gracefully encouraging me to bring the fullness of myself to teaching.
Kestlian Sandtray is a relationally based approach utilizing Interpersonal Neurobiology, which I view 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.
Over the past 8 years in addition to studying with Dr. Kestly, I found my way back to sandplay and a smattering of other approaches, such as narrative, cultural, and humanistic. Linda Cunningham has played an important role in confirming the relational aspects of sand work. Donna Hanna-Chase, an art therapist and sandplay therapist, who studied with Dora Kalff, has guided me in my own process which has been invaluable in developing the self of the teacher.
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: a 20-hour foundations course and an advanced 20-hour foundations course. with 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.
