SANDTRAY THERAPY SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM 2026

You can attend 1 to 4 modules of your choice in-person or online!

Early bird discount for registrations by March 15, 2026!

Introduction to Play Therapy: When Play is Therapy

August 04, 2026 • 09.30-12.45 (3 hours)

The module introduces the field of Play Therapy. An overview of major international institutions will be provided, emphasis on the difference between Play Therapy and Play-Based Therapy, and the various types and areas of intervention. Trainers will present the therapeutic powers of play, notions of neuroscience, a selection of major Play Therapy models, and provide a reference to research. Videos of play sessions will be shown and participants will have the opportunity to experience creative and fun activities.

Sandtray Therapy: Origins, Tools and Activities

August 04, 2026 • 13.45-17.00 (3 hours)

August 05, 2026 • 09.30-12.45 e 13.45-17.00 (6 hours)

The module allows participants to enter the world of sandtray and miniatures by offering a variety of activities and techniques applicable in individual and group work in multiple intervention settings: private practice, educational and school settings, hospital and rehabilitation centers, etc. The origins and history of Sandtray Therapy, relevant neuroscientific principles, information on how to select tools for the session and set up the space or room will be introduced.

Sandtray Therapy: Clinical Application

August 06-07, 2026 • 13.45-17.00 e 18.00-21.15 (12 hours)

The trainer will be connected online but the module can be attended in person. The module delves into the Sandtray Therapy methodology and its application in the clinical setting. The “seven step protocol” will be described, the role and skills of the professional during the session analyzed, information provided on how to prepare the session and process the necessary documentation. Participants will practice setting up sand trays themselves and witnessing the creation of trays of others. Case studies will be presented.

Integrating Expressive Arts into the Sandtray Therapy Process

August 08-09, 2026 • 09.30-12.45 e 13.45-17.00 (12 hours)

The module encourages the understanding and application of a variety of creative and expressive techniques and activities in the Sandtray Therapy process for the purpose of strengthening and expanding the mechanisms underlying the process of overcoming difficulties. Participants will have the opportunity to learn by experimenting firsthand in drawing, painting and collage, use of modeling materials, costumes, writing, poetry, movement and more.

PARTICIPANTS

Mental health, educational, rehabilitation, health and social work professionals working with people of all ages. All modules are in English.

ACADEMY & TRAINERS

The International Academy for Play Therapy (INA) is a recognized nonprofit association located in Lugano, Switzerland (DDC No. 71055) and an Approved Provider of Continuing Education in Play Therapy by the Association for Play Therapy APT of the United States (#20-602) and the Association for Play Therapy Italy APTI (#15-001).

Isabella Cassina is a University Lecturer in Switzerland and Italy, Doctoral candidate in Expressive Arts Therapy, registered Therapeutic Play Specialist (APTI), Social Worker expert in International Cooperation (University of Geneva) with over 12 years of experience in developing and managing projects for vulnerable populations. She is an international speaker on the topics Play Therapy and Expressive Arts and author of several publications including: The magic home (Cassina, 2020) and Introduction to Play Therapy (Mochi & Cassina, 2021). Director of Project Management for INA, Editor-in-chief of the APTI Play Therapy magazine and Founding Member of IC-PTA.

Theresa Fraser is Director of the Maritime Play Therapy Centre in Pictou, Canada, a Certified Psychotherapist and Play Therapist Supervisor (CAPT) and a lecturer in Child and Youth Care at Sheridan College. Expert in Sandtray Therapy, she studied the Sandtray Worldplay© protocol for six years with Gisela De Domenico. Author of numerous publications including: The embodied brain and sandtray therapy: Stories of healing and transformation (Grayson & Fraser, 2021). In 2009 she was named Trauma Specialist of the Year by the National Institute of Trauma and Loss. Former president of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT).

Claudio Mochi is Director of the University Master's Program in Play Therapy, Psychologist and Psychotherapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™ (APT United States), expert in Emergency Intervention with over 25 years of international experience in trauma management. He has presented and trained in Play Therapy on 6 Continents totaling over 20 countries. Author of several publications including: Beyond the Clouds (Mochi, 2022) and Play therapy and expressive arts in a complex and dynamic world (Cassina, Mochi & Stagnitti, 2023). Founder and President of the Association for Play Therapy Italy (APTI).

COSTS & DISCOUNTS

Includes in-person or online lectures, slides and articles, certificate, post-tests and related credits (Contact or Non-Contact CE Hours).

Module 1. “Introduction to Play Therapy” (3h) • € 69

Module 2. “Sandtray Therapy: Origins, Tools and Activities” (9h) • € 209

Module 3. “Sandtray Therapy: Clinical Application” (12h) • € 279

Module 4. “Integrating Expressive Arts into the Sandtray Therapy Process” (12h) • € 279

Attend 36 hours of classes (4 modules) in person or online:

Save 40% for enrollment by April 15, 2026 • € 499

Save 25% for enrollment by May 15, 2026 • € 629

CREDENTIALS

The number of Contact CE Hours or Non-Contact CE Hours (3 hours to a maximum of 36 hours = 3 to 36 CE Hours) contributes to obtaining or renewing Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credentials. APT credits are awarded to mental health professionals only; APTI credits are awarded to both mental health (Play Therapy) and educational, rehabilitation, health and social work (Therapeutic Play) professionals.