Sandtray 101 – September 17, 2026 – Live/Virtual

DESCRIPTION

This introductory training offers play therapists a hands-on exploration of Sandtray Therapy, a developmentally appropriate, expressive modality that supports children and adolescents in safely accessing and processing their inner worlds. Rooted in the principles of play therapy, sand tray work allows clients to use miniatures and sand to create symbolic scenes that reflect their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, often without needing words.  

In this experiential workshop, participants will learn the foundational principles of Sandtray therapy, rooted in a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, from setting up your space to guiding clients through transformative, nonverbal expression. Whether you’re new to sand tray or looking to deepen your understanding, this training will provide the tools to begin incorporating sand tray into play therapy.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Describe how Sandtray Therapy aligns with the core principles of play therapy.  
2. Identify the developmental benefits of sand tray work for children in play therapy.  
3. Set up a sand tray environment that supports child-centered, experiential play therapy.  
4. Use miniatures and sand to support symbolic expression in play therapy.  
5. Explain the therapist’s role in observing and responding while using sand tray in play therapy.  
6. Demonstrate strategies for integrating sand tray into play therapy sessions across different stages of development, from a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

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, and I will send you a link by Tuesday evening the week before the training.
• You will need to download the Zoom program to be able to use the link.
• Please note that during the training there will be one 15-minute break.

CRISTINA ALVAREZ

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.