DATES
May 8, 2026
September 17, 2026
Time
1:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. CST
CE
NBCC Hours: 3
ACEP NO. 7105
Cost
$105.00 (NON-REFUNDABLE)
Description
Sandtray 101 is an introductory training designed for therapists who are new to Sandtray Therapy and want to explore its impactful, nonverbal, and experiential approach to healing. Rooted in a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, this training introduces the essentials of Sandtray Therapy, from setting up your space to guiding clients through transformative, nonverbal expression.
Participants will gain hands-on experience creating trays, learn how to guide clients through the process, and explore how sand tray can be used with various age groups in a range of clinical settings.
This training will equip you with the tools to begin incorporating sand tray into your practice with creativity.
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the foundational principles and theoretical basis of Sandtray Therapy
2. Describe the basic setup of a Sandtray Therapy space, including sand types and miniature selection
3. Explain the role of symbolism and metaphor in Sandtray Therapy
4. Demonstrate beginning-level facilitation skills for non-directive Sandtray sessions from a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach
5. Discuss the therapist’s role as a witness and the importance of holding a safe, nonjudgmental space
6. Recognize how Sandtray can be used with various populations, including children, adolescents, and adults
Live/Virtual Training Information
• If you register for the Virtual Classroom training, make sure you have a good WIFI connection.
• Your computer will need a camera for you to be visible throughout the entire training to receive the certificate.
• We will be using Zoom for the training; therefore, you will need to download the Zoom program to be able to use the link.
• You will receive three emails from us before the training. The first email will be sent out the week before the training and will include the zoom link, time of the training, and our address. The second email will be sent the beginning of the week in which the training is being held and will include all the information included in the first email plus the materials for the course. The third email will be sent the morning of the training and will include the Zoom link, the posttest (if needed) and the evaluation for the course.
• Your certificate will be emailed after the training, within 5-7 business days upon receiving your evaluation and posttest (if needed).
• While it is rare, there are occasions when we must cancel a training due to low registration. If this occurs, we will notify registered participants by Tuesday evening of the week of the scheduled training. We appreciate your understanding and will provide alternative options at that time.
• Our Live/Virtual trainings are offered in a hybrid format—held live at a physical location and streamed via Zoom at the same time. In-person attendees join the presenter on-site, while virtual participants watch the live training in real time and can fully participate through Zoom.
Why Come In Person?
• Receive in-person contact CE hours
• Enjoy staying in Fort Worth, Texas with hotels within walking distance
• Tour our 7500 square foot counseling practice and continuing education facility
• Build relationships with other participants
• Informal conversations during breaks and lunch with our trainer
Cristina Alvarez
LPC, EMDR TRAINED
INTERNATIONALLY CREDENTIALED SANDTRAY THERAPIST
Cristina Alvarez joined the Center for Counseling and Family Relationships in 2018. She earned her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Cristina became Licensed as a Professional Counselor in 2018. Cristina is EMDR Trained and is an Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist. Her background includes counseling in a private university setting where she helped college students cope and adapt with life transitions and as a crisis counselor for children in schools. She works with adolescents, parents, and adults, specializing in trauma work.
Approved Continuing Education Provider
CCFAM Training has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7105. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CCFAM Training is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
This training is non-refundable, unless cancelled by training provider. Event will be cancelled if fewer than 6 participants.
