Working creatively with Sand
Course Length:
2 days
Course Price:
£180 per person
Course Timing:
9:30am to 4:30pm
Course Location:
Basingstoke
Date:
See below
Certification:
12hr CPD Certificate
Essential Course Information:
Course Summary
This two–day CPD workshop, 'Working with Sand – using the SandStory approach', is aimed at both trainee and qualified counsellors who wish to deepen their understanding and confidence in working therapeutically with sand. Rooted in the SandStory approach, the workshop introduces participants to a structured yet flexible way of using sand, symbols and story to support clients in accessing their inner world safely and creatively.
Across the two days, you’ll explore the theory and ethos underpinning SandStory work, observe demonstrations, and take part in experiential exercises in both the therapist and client role. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on your own process, learn how to pace and contain sand work, and think about how to integrate the SandStory approach into your existing therapeutic model.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have:
Across the two days, you’ll explore the theory and ethos underpinning SandStory work, observe demonstrations, and take part in experiential exercises in both the therapist and client role. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on your own process, learn how to pace and contain sand work, and think about how to integrate the SandStory approach into your existing therapeutic model.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have:
- A grounded understanding of the SandStory approach and its core principles
- Greater confidence in setting up and facilitating sand tray sessions
- Practical frameworks for witnessing, tracking and reflecting client process in the sand
- An awareness of ethical and clinical considerations in sand work
Topics Covered
By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a clear understanding of the SandStory approach to working creatively with sand. Topics covered include:
1. Introducing SandStory and the therapeutic use of sand
1. Introducing SandStory and the therapeutic use of sand
- Core principles of SandStory
- How sand work integrates within talking therapy
- The role of story, symbol and image in accessing the unconscious
- Creating a safe, boundaried and invitational frame for using sand
- The role of story, symbol and image in accessing the unconscious
- How sand work integrates within talking therapy
- Practical considerations: trays, symbols, storage
- The therapeutic position - witnessing not directing
- Introducing Sand work to clients and psychoeducation
- Introducing Sand work to clients and psychoeducation
- The therapeutic position - witnessing not directing
- Ways of inviting clients into the tray (language and pacing)
- Observing the unfolding of the 'story in the sand'
- Attuning to movement in the tray
- Supporting clients to tell, feel and re-author their story
- Techniques for gentle deepening without intrusion
- Supporting clients to tell, feel and re-author their story
- Attuning to movement in the tray
- Observing the unfolding of the 'story in the sand'
Entry Requirements
This course is open to both trainee (level 4 diploma and above) and qualified counsellors, seeking to deepen their understanding and practical knowledge around working creatively using sand with their clients.
Workshop Dates
We are running multiple intakes of this two day workshop, these are as follows:
- January 2026 - Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th - Click here to book
- March 2026 - Monday 23rd & Tuesday 24th - Click here to book
Further Training
We deliver a range of CPD workshops throughout the year, for more details please visit our workshops page by clicking here.
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Register your interest in this course by completing the application form available via the button below.
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