Sandtray 101 in Play Therapy
Live/Virtual Training
DATES
November 6, 2026
TIME
1:00 P.M. – 4:15 P.M. CDT
Location
4500 Mercantile Plaza Dr., Ste 307
Fort Worth, TX 76137
or
ZOOM VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
CE
APT – IN PERSON –
3 Contact hours
Ethics, Social & Cultural Diversity
APT – VIA ZOOM –
3 NON-CONTACT HOURS
Ethics, Social & Cultural Diversity
NBCC HOURS: 3
Ethics or 3 Social & Cultural Diversity
Cost
$105.00 ( Non-Refundable)
APT APPROVED PROVIDER #22-656
NBCC ACEP NO. 7206
TRAINING DESCRIPTION
This play therapy training is offered Live In-Person for contact hours and Virtual via Zoom Platform for non-contact hours.
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
SCHEDULE
1:00 – 2:30 pm – Foundations of sandtray in play therapy, including theoretical alignment, developmental benefits, and the therapists’ role.
2:30 – 2:40 pm – Break
2:40 – 4:00 pm – Practical application of sandtray, including environment setup, symbolic expression using miniatures, and trauma informed, strengths-based integration across developmental stages.
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 we will send you a link at least 24 hours before the start of 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.
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 Reynolds
LPC, EMDR Trained,
Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist
Cristina Reynolds 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.
NBCC- APPROVED CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER
Play Therapy Training Resources has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7206. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Play Therapy Training Resources is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
APT- APPROVED CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER
Play Therapy Training Resources has been approved by APT as an Approved Continuing Education Provider #22-656. Programs that do not qualify for APT credit are clearly identified. Play Therapy Training Resources is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Allocation of Training Hours
Per the RPT Standards set by the Association of Play Therapy:
Participants are responsible for determining how each training aligns with their required primary areas.
“Please review the training materials for each workshop and use your best clinical judgment to allocate hours across the various primary areas. Often, a single training will address multiple primary areas.”
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
This training is non-refundable, unless cancelled by training provider. Event will be cancelled if fewer than 6 participants.
TRAINING CLASS SIZE
Per APT guidelines, all Live/Virtual trainings are limited to 50 total participants. The number of participants both in-person and virtual combined cannot exceed this amount.