This 2 day in-person experiential training aims to provide qualified therapists and counsellors with the expertise to use sand, symbols and storytelling in their work with clients. SandStory Therapy® provides a safe and contained space for clients to work creatively and at their own pace to tell their story in the sand; It brings together the benefits of Sandplay. Sand Tray and Narrative Therapies to provide both a free and protected space to process thoughts and feelings. The 5 stages of SandStory Therapy® offer counsellors and therapists a clear structure so they can confidently hold the space for their client and be curious in a way which facilitates a deeper understanding and promotes self healing.

This training is open to qualified or nearly qualified therapists and counsellors.. Regular clinical supervision is essential so please check that your supervisor has relevant experience and is willing to support your SandStory Therapy® Practice.

SandStory Therapy® is a beautifully gentle yet powerful form of therapy which can meet and hold clients where they are at that moment. Therefore SandStory Therapy® is suitable for children over 7 years, teens, adults and senior adults alike. As a SandStory Therapist® you can offer SandStory Therapy® sessions as a stand-alone or integrate them into your talking or creative therapy practice. Often the presence of sand and symbols in your therapy space will be enough to spark interest and you will be fully equipped with a session structure to follow your client's creative lead!

During the 2 days you will experience -

- Connecting with sand and symbols
- Bringing presence to your practice
- The origins of SandStory Therapy®
- How SandStory Therapy® integrates other sand therapies
- The 5 Elements of SandStory Therapy®
- The history of storytelling Storytelling narratives in the sand
- The 5 Stages of SandStory Therapy®
- Introducing Gestalt techniques
- Case Studies, discussions and more

Taught in small groups of 4-6 participants through a combination of learning methods, there is something to suit every learning style. A combination of experiential activities, interactive discussions, presentations and a fully comprehensive workbook to take home and digest at your own pace. It doesn't end there either! I would love to keep in touch and offer support to you long after this training has ended by offering a private Facebook group for SandStory Therapists® and trainees to connect.

Level I training will be available in Holywood, County Down from January 2023. There are also dates available in various locations across the UK. You can check here for upcoming training in your area.

In order to qualify as a Registered SandStory Therapist you will be required to attend the 2 day in person training program followed by satisfactory completion of 2 short reflection assignments.

- 500 word training reflection based on your thoughts and feelings over the 2 days.
- 1000 word practice reflection based on an anonymised client you have used SandStory Therapy® with.

The cost of the training is £360 per individual (£300 if booked before the end of 2023). This includes all training materials and workbook. Tea, coffee and light refreshments are included. I can also bring SandStory Therapy® level 1 to your organisation across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Please contact me to discuss your training needs!