The Hero's Journey: Using Sand Tray and Narrative Techniques in Play Therapy
| Course code: | 27-SS-010 |
|---|---|
| Dates: | October 9-10, 2026 Alternate Course Dates |
| Meets: | F and Sa from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 2 sessions |
| Hours: | 16.00 |
| Location: | ChildSavers |
| Instructor: | Instructor Information |
| Fee: | $349.00 |
Description
Prerequisite: Principles of Play Therapy or a previous workshop or course specifically covering the principles and foundational theories of play therapy.
In this workshop, participants will explore the history of sand in play therapy and compare different sand tray and Sandplay approaches. The training examines the theories of Jungian Play Therapy and humanistic psychology that contributed to the development of sand tray use in contemporary play therapy practice. Participants will also explore narrative work and its role within sand tray interventions in play therapy.
Participants will learn how to use the sand tray within the play therapy room for sensory work, directive work, non-directive work, and as a medium for constructing therapeutic narratives with children. Through play therapy case presentations, participants will identify the stages of sand tray work and apply clinical decision-making within the play therapy process. The workshop includes guidance on selecting and organizing miniatures and practicing interventions using the sand tray in play therapy sessions with children and adolescents.
This workshop is designed to help participants:- Describe the characteristics of play therapists and the role of the sand tray in play therapy with children and adolescents within the therapeutic process.
- Discuss the role of sand-based work in the history of play therapy and the development of Jungian Play Therapy.
- Identify and select miniatures needed to conduct play therapy using the sand tray and outline practical steps for setting up the sand tray within the play therapy room.
- Differentiate between sensory work, directive work, non-directive work, and narrative work with a sand tray from a play therapy perspective.
- Communicate with parents about the purpose and importance of play therapy and the use of sand tray within play therapy treatment.
- Identify and explain the phases of sand tray work and recognize these phases in play therapy clients.
- Apply the “Hero’s Journey” narrative framework and Jungian symbolic theory to play therapy case conceptualization and treatment planning.
- Analyze and interpret children’s sand trays through a play therapy lens, identifying symbolic meanings and recurring themes.
Notes
Instructor(s)
Robert Nickles, LCSW, RPT-S
Zachary Gibson, MA, LPC-S
APT Continuing Education Information
VCU Continuing and Professional Education is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider 15-397.
This program offers 16 APT contact continuing education hours. Instructional time does not include breaks, meals, or other non-instructional activities.
Effective April 1, 2025, APT requires a minimum of 75 contact (in-person) training hours toward the 150 total play therapy training hours required for credentialing. Up to 75 hours may be earned through non-contact formats (e.g., live webinars). For complete credentialing standards and definitions, please visit https://www.a4pt.org.
Training Format
This program is delivered in person and is typically held at ChildSavers in Richmond, Virginia, unless otherwise noted on the registration page.
A one-hour lunch break is scheduled each day. Breaks and meals are not included in the calculation of APT contact continuing education hours. Participants are responsible for providing their own lunch.
Attendance, Assessments, and Awarding of CE Hours
Participants must attend the entire program and meet attendance requirements to be eligible for APT contact continuing education hours.
To receive 16 APT contact continuing education hours, participants must:
1. Attend the full program
2. Successfully complete both required assessments
APT contact continuing education hours are awarded only after full attendance and successful completion of both assessments. Partial credit will not be awarded.
Required Assessments
VCU conducts a two-part assessment for each workshop.
Assessment 1: Activity Assessment (Scored Rubric)
Completed during the workshop through participation in small- and large-group activities and discussion.
Assessment 2: Online Multiple-Choice Test
A post-training multiple-choice test completed online. Participants who meet full attendance and participation requirements will receive access to the post-training online assessment.
APT continuing education hours are awarded only after successful completion of both required assessments. A passing score of 80% or higher on the online assessment is required to receive APT continuing education hours. Both assessments must be successfully completed within 30 days of the workshop date.
Creative Materials
ChildSavers staff will provide all creative materials required for experiential activities during this workshop.
Health & Attendance
To maintain a healthy learning environment, participants who are ill (e.g., fever or new/worsening respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms) should not attend in-person training.
If you become ill prior to the workshop, please notify the CPE Program Manager as soon as possible to discuss transfer options. Requests made after the workshop has begun will not be accommodated.
Program Format Changes
If circumstances require the training to transition from in-person delivery to a live synchronous online format (live webinar), participants will be notified at least 48 hours prior to the start date.
In the event of a format change, the program will be delivered as non-contact (live webinar) training, and participants who successfully complete the program will receive 16 APT non-contact continuing education hours (Live Webinar).
All attendance and assessment requirements remain in effect.
Questions?
For questions regarding the workshop, please contact:
Shelly Schuetz, Program Manager & School Liaison, ssschuetz@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322.
Cancellation and Refund Policies:
You may cancel your registration up until two weeks before the workshop start date, and receive a full refund minus a $35 credit card processing fee. After that date, no refunds will be given. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this workshop is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Transfer Policy:
Workshop registrations may be transferred to a different workshop or person if requested in writing via email at ocpe@vcu.edu by the cancellation deadline. The participant must meet all prerequisites or qualifications required by the program.
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Interim Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.
