professional training
Certificate in sandplay therapy & symbol Work
Sage Counselling proudly presents the Expressive Therapies Australia Certificate in Sandplay Therapy and Symbol Work, 2027.
This is a twelve-day, in-person program of experiential training and supervision that equips you with practical skills to help clients build resilience and emotional confidence. The Expressive Therapies approach to sandplay was developed by Jungian psychotherapist Dora Kalff in Switzerland in the 1950s. Kalff's technique was based on a combination of Margaret Lowenfeld's World Technique, Jung's Analytic Psychology, and Eastern mindfulness practice.
Andrea has been assisting Dr. Helen Wilson in training emerging Sandplay Therapists for over 7 years, and is passionate about sharing this subtle yet powerful way of working with clients. Please feel free to download the information flyer here and see further information on the 2027 trainings.
2027 courses:
Fees:
2027 Intake 2
Workshop 1: 20-22 October 2027
Workshop 2: 24-26 November 2027
Workshop 3: 2-4 February 2028
Workshop 4: 15-17 March 2028
2027 Fee Options
Bulk workshop price: $3800 ($950 × 4 workshops)
INTAKE 1 PAYMENT DUE IN FULL BY 17 FEBRUARY 2027
INTAKE 2 PAYMENT DUE IN FULL BY 22 SEPTEMBER 2027
Early bird price: $1050 per workshop
INTAKE 1 PAYMENT DUE IN FULL BY 17 FEBRUARY 2027
INTAKE 2 PAYMENT DUE IN FULL BY 22 SEPTEMBER 2027
Standard price: $1200 per workshop
Deposit option: 50% non-refundable deposit can hold a space
INTAKE 1 BALANCE PAYMENT DUE IN FULL BY 17 FEBRUARY 2027
INTAKE 2 BALANCE PAYMENT DUE IN FULL BY 22 SEPTEMBER 2027
Cancellation/Refund Policy
If the program must be postponed by Sage Counselling for any reason: Full refund
Participant provides notice within 72 hours or more: Full refund less $50 administration fee
Participant provides notice within 24 hours or less or does not complete the workshop: No refund
If paying the 50% non-refundable deposit, the remaining 50% is due by 17 February 2027 (for Intake 1) and 22 September 2027 (for Intake 2). If the balance is not received by this date, Sage Counselling Services may cancel your booking, offer your place to another participant and retain your deposit, subject to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.e
includes:
12 Days in-person training (four × 3 day workshops over six months.
92 hours (four x 21hrs PD learning + 8 hours group supervision)
now including 8 hours online group supervision.
Extensive workshop manuals.
An electronic ‘book of readings’.
PDF version of the course text book ‘Sandplay and symbol work’ by Mark Pearson & Helen Wilson.
Morning & afternoon tea.
Certificate requirements:
This professional training program is designed for qualified practitioners in the mental health and helping professions who wish to integrate sandplay therapy skills into their existing professional practice. Previous participants have included, but are not limited to, counsellors, psychologists, social workers, guidance officers, teachers, and occupational therapists. The program is also open to students and practitioners currently undertaking training in these fields who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills in sandplay therapy.
The Certificate in Expressive Sandplay Therapy and Symbol Work is awarded to participants who:
Complete the course assignments in a timely manner to the required standard;
Hold a professional qualification that allows them to use the techniques taught on this course with a specific population; and
Miss no more than 7 hours of class time across the 12 days.
For those not meeting the above criteria, a Certificate of Attendance will be given.
To complete the Certificate, participants are expected to submit three assignments:
Multiple choice quiz after workshops 1-3
Critical reflection (1,500 words)
Case presentation delivered online during one of the scheduled group supervision sessions.
While the course supports professional and personal development, it does not qualify participants to practice with clients without prior training in a professional field of work. Participants must already hold a relevant qualification allowing them to practice in their chosen field.
This training can be used to move you to towards accreditation through joining the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals .
registration:
This course is highly experiential and provides participants with hands-on opportunities to engage in sandplay therapy exercises and symbolic work. The experiential nature of the program may involve personal reflection, processing, and opportunities for personal insight and growth.
However, this is a professional learning and skills-development program, not personal or group therapy. The primary focus is on developing participants’ practical understanding and application of sandplay therapy and symbol work within a professional context.
2027 Intake 1
Workshop 1: 17-19 March 2027
Workshop 2: 12-14 May 2027
Workshop 3: 16-18 June 2027
Workshop 4: 28-30 July 2027
Workshop Reviews
“The Sandplay and Symbol Work training was a truly memorable experience. It felt more like a retreat than a series of workshops. Being welcomed into Andrea's home created a relaxed, warm, and enjoyable learning environment.
Andrea and the facilitators were incredibly supportive, respectful, and responsive to each person's questions, learning needs, and reflections. A strong sense of safety developed within the group, allowing genuine connection and personal growth.
The balance of theory and hands-on practice was engaging and insightful. The opportunity to work in pairs and explore my own experiences through Sand Play was transformative, deepening both my self-awareness and my understanding of its therapeutic value. Since completing the training, I have incorporated Sandplay therapy into my work with clients who have experienced complex trauma and have witnessed some wonderful outcomes.”
-LL
“My experience with Andrea at Sage Counselling and Expressive Therapies was such an incredibly transformative one.
It was a comprehensive, sacred and in-depth training, and I loved the way the learning was woven through both knowledge and experience in the tray. Andrea created such a safe and supportive space to learn, and being part of such a small, intimate group made the whole experience feel really special.
This is a training I am incredibly proud and grateful to have been part of, and I know it will stay with me forever.”
-MP
“Completing the Sandplay Therapy and Symbol Work Certificate was an incredibly valuable experience, both professionally and personally. The training was exceptionally well organised, engaging and thoughtfully delivered, with a wonderful balance of theory, experiential learning and practical application.
What stood out most was the genuine warmth, compassion and support of the facilitators. I was navigating an extremely difficult period personally, and they went above and beyond to support and accommodate me with kindness and understanding. That care reflected the values of the training itself.”
-TB
“The course has a relaxed approach, allowing those stepping away from work to enjoy some time out while still maintaining professionalism. The conversations keep you engaged and build upon the foundation of knowledge you already hold.
Andrea is incredibly generous in sharing her years of experience and the wealth of knowledge she has gained throughout her career in the Sandplay and expressive therapies. Her broader knowledge and experience within the psychology field allow her to connect with each person and contribute valuable insights to the conversations and learning.
Andrea is a wealth of knowledge—real, down-to-earth, and bringing the wicked sense of humour that is threaded throughout these courses. I could not recommend Andrea or this course highly enough.”
-YP