Sandtray 101 in Play Therapy

Live/Virtual Training

DATES


January 23, 2026

August 14, 2026

TIME


1:00 P.M. - 4:15 P.M. CST

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, 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 develolapmentally 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 pm – 

1:45 pm – 

2:30 pm – Break

2:45 pm – 

 

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 Alvarez

LPC, EMDR Trained, 
Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist

 

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.

 

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.

 

PRIVACY POLICIES

 

 

Play Therapy Training Resources' Privacy Policy can be found here.

Play Therapy Training Resources uses Zoom for live streaming to participants who are not attending in-person. You can find the Zoom Privacy Policy here.