global connection | clinical certification

We forge pathways for the success of sandtray therapists

About Clinical Sandtray Therapy

A Therapeutic Approach Built on Evidence-Based Research

Understanding what clinical sandtray therapy is, who it serves, and the standards that guide our work.

The Modality

What is Clinical Sandtray Therapy?

  • Respectful of the client
  • Evidence-based
  • Safety for the client
  • Client-led
  • Fun
  • Creative
  • Symbolic
Learn more about the approach
Clinical Sandtray Therapy - The Modality

Our Community

Who We Serve

Licensed Mental Health Professionals

LPCs, LCSWs, Psychologists, MFTs, Psychiatrists

School Counselors & Social Workers

Certified school mental health professionals

Interns & Associates

Post-graduate professionals working toward licensure

International Therapists

Mental health professionals seeking global certification

Explore membership options
Clinical Sandtray Therapy — Our Community

Our Standards

Credibility and Standards

  • Evidence-based training built on research
  • Best Practices provided to guide therapists through each level
  • Clinical certification identifies therapists who completed rigorous training
  • Commitment to ethical practices in sandtray therapy
View Certification Pathways
Our Mission — overview
Expand Your Skills

Ways to Get Involved

Access exclusive member benefits, networking opportunities, and professional development resources. Build connections with peers who share your commitment to excellence.

Membership

Membership

Become a Member

Join a global community of clinical sandtray therapists. Access exclusive resources, networking, and professional development tools.

Join Now
Training

Certification

Explore Certifications

Advance your clinical skills with our professionally curated training programs designed for therapists at every level.

Get Certified
Events

Training

Find Training

Connect with fellow professionals as you network, complete trainings, and join us on social media.

Start Your Search
Not sure where to start? Take our Pathway Quiz
Meet Our Leadership

Experienced & Dedicated

Our leadership brings decades of combined experience in clinical sandtray therapy, training, and professional development.

Karen Burke

Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™
Advanced Certified Clinical Sandtray Therapist-Trainer

Sheri Shulenberger

Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™
Advanced Certified Clinical Sandtray Therapist-Trainer
Supported by our Global Advisory Committee

What Are Professionals Saying About Clinical Sandtray Therapy?

FAQ

Frequently Asked
Questions

Discover solutions to your most pressing questions about membership and career growth.

We are so excited you are asking this question! Welcome to an organization committed to the advancement of the ethical use of sandtray. We are committed to supporting the sandtray community and are so glad you will be joining us. You can get started HERE

Have you ever read the profile of a mental health professional and saw a list of 15 areas that they are willing to work with? Certification helps go beyond that list by identifying the focused effort they have put forth to gain knowledge and skills in that particular area. Certification indicates the ongoing commitment to keeping current and involved with improving the modality. Professionals often seek out certifications when referring to others and may advise clients to do the same.

Clinical Sandtray Therapy heavily leans into the following: Non-directive (uses Bridging instead), Symbolic, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Implicit & Explicit Memory & Representations, Neural Integration, & Neurosequential Development

This is a great question! We are rising up from Texas SandTray Association. That means that many of our trainers are from Texas. We do have trainers in other places like Washington. We also have trainers moving to other areas. We are actively looking for new trainers in other areas. Good news…if you have a group of professionals who would like to be trained, we can work to get training out to you!

What a perfect time to get involved! Learning how to hold space for a client is an important skill for any therapist. Yes, our focus is on clinical sandtray, but there is so much more that is happening in these trainings. The experiential piece of this system allows you to start to understand what you would want if you were the client. This is highly informative to how therapists choose what they do with our own clients.