ENGAGING THE WHOLE BRAIN IN THE SAND: INTEGRATING A MULTI-MODAL APPROACH TO SANDTRAY PLAY THERAPY Presented by Renee Turner, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S

9AM-12PM

3 CEU

Sandtray play therapy facilitates communication by offering an externalized method for

self-expression and access to the unconscious. Multi-modal approaches to sandtray

integrate multiple modalities into a single intervention or session. For some clients,

utilizing multi-modal approaches in the sandtray play therapy process may enhance the

therapeutic powers of play of resiliency and self-regulation. In this workshop, we will

discuss methods of integrating modalities into the sandtray process to engage the whole-

brain with consideration for bottom-up and top-down processes. Mindfulness and

movement, music, writing, art, and symbolic play will be addressed. Attendees will

identify methods for engaging children, adolescents, and adults in the multi-modal

sandtray play process.

​

Educational Objectives:

1. Define multi-modal therapy from an expressive arts perspective to include play

and sandtray

2. Describe how multi-modal methods may be employed in sandtray play therapy

session to increase emotional and physical regulation

3. Identify methods for integrating the whole brain into the sandtray play therapy

process

Teaching Methods:

Lecture, experiential activities, small group work

Practitioners of sandtray herald the therapeutic gain and insight derived from the sandtray

process, and while theoretical orientation influences the degree of directive interventions,

many clients may benefit from integrating multi-modal techniques.

HONORING THROUGH SANDTRAY PLAY THERAPY PROCESS: A MINDFULNESS EXPERIENCE Presented by Melissa Dilworth, MA, LPC-AT-S, ATR-BC, RPT-S, CCST Trainer & Vicki Williams=Patterson, MCAT, LPC-AT, ATR-BC, CCST Trainer

1PM-4PM

3 CEU

Throughout this workshop, the basic principles of SandTray Play Therapy process will be

shared in the context of honoring a person, concept, or resource through the SandTray

Play Therapy. First, participants will explore the concept of honoring, also known as

memorializing or “making-special”. Both the social and individual benefits will be

discussed. Next, working in pairs, the participants will choose a miniature that expresses

a personal quality that they feel comfortable sharing. Then, working in small groups (4 or

5 people), participants will build individual SandTray worlds designed to honor a person,

concept, or resource that is important to them. After the individual building process, the

presenters will describe and demonstrate both the silent and reflective witnessing

perspective as embodying attunement and co-regulation. This discussion will also include

the neurobiological aspects of play therapy such as reflection, nonverbal process, and free

expression. The builder will choose the witnessing process, silent or reflective, that is the

most comfortable, for him or her. Finally, each member of the entire group will choose an

object to honor, either from his or her tray, or from the collection, and will place it in a

large group tray. A general group discussion of the workshop will follow, including

personal reactions, possible applications in clinical practice, and overall social benefit of honoring. 

​

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will discuss and demonstrate the psychotherapeutic process

incorporating mindfulness, self-awareness, and social bonding when utilizing

sandtray in a play therapy environment.

2. Participants will discuss and apply the building and witnessing aspects of the

sandtray play therapy process.

3. Participants will identify personal benefits of building an “Honoring” sandtray,

the clinical applications of the activity, and the overall social aspects of the

honoring process in groups.

TRAUMA, BODY, & BRAIN, AND THE HEALING POWER OF SANDTRAY PLAY THERAPY Presented by Sheri Shulenberger, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, RPT, CCST

1PM-2:30PM

1.5 CEU

This workshop will focus on trauma and how it can impact the body and brain.

We will explore the modality of Sandtray as an intervention of treatment.

​

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe three key aspects of trauma

2. Explain two changes in the brain due to trauma

3. Apply Sandtray Play Therapy theory to facilitate healing

PLAY THERAPY ADVENTURE: SANDTRAY, SUPERHEROES, & THE HEALING JOURNEY Presented by Yvonne Garza-Chaves, PhD, LPC-S, RPT, CHST

2:30PM-4PM

1.5 CEU

Metaphors are often used in play therapy and sandtray by children to create a bridge

between fantasy and real life events. Fantasy play takes on a number of beneficial

functions that support shifting wounds into wisdom. Miniatures can embody aspects of a

child’s personality and/or

life events that are often complex, unacceptable or anxiety provoking for them to

understand. The superhero (extraordinary or fallible) steps in to offer emotional release,

instillation of hope, redemption, and/or a temporary sense of power. Participants will

experience their own tray work, expose the characteristics of their metaphoric superhero

within and discuss the heroe’s journey.

Learning Objectives:

1) demonstrate active witnessing when the client’s inner conflict calls a superhero to the

play therapy adventure

2) prepare to use empathy and validation as the hero exposes its fallibility in sandtray and

the play therapy adventure

3) identify and discuss steps for staying in the metaphor as the client finds themselves in

the belly of the whale.