Tue, Jul 29
|Rijeka
Sandtray Therapy Summer School (36 CE Hours) Online or in Rijeka, Croatia
Earn 36 Contact or Live Webinar CE Hours (APT #20-602 and APTI #15-001) by studying Sandtray Therapy, an extremely effective Play Therapy methodology, from the comfort of your home or by the fascinating Adriatic Sea!
Time & Location
Jul 29, 2025, 9:30 AM – Aug 03, 2025, 5:00 PM
Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
About the Event
Sandtray Therapy is “an expressive and projective psychotherapy involving the unfolding and processing of intra- and interpersonal issues through the use of specific sandtray material as a nonverbal medium of communication lead by the client(s) [across the life span] and facilitated by a trained therapist.” (Homeyer & Sweeney, 2011)
PROGRAM
You can attend 1 to 4 modules of your choice in-person or online!
Introduction to Play Therapy: When Play is Therapy
Claudio Mochi, MA, RP, RPT-S™ (Italy) and
Isabella Cassina, MA, TPS, CAGS, PhD Candidate (Switzerland)
July 29, 2025 • 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
Claudio Mochi, MA, RP, RPT-S™ (Italy) and
Isabella Cassina, MA, TPS, CAGS, PhD Candidate (Switzerland)
July 29, 2025 • 13.45-17.00 (3 hours)
July 30, 2025 • 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
Theresa Fraser, MA, CPT-S, CPT (Canada)
July 31-August 1, 2025 • 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
Isabella Cassina, MA, TPS, CAGS, PhD Candidate (Switzerland) and
Claudio Mochi, MA, RP, RPT-S™ (Italy)
August 2-3, 2025 • 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.
VENUE
Online or in Ruziceva ul. br. 14, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia (1st floor). The connection link to Zoom is sent 3 days before the start as well as the slides and the list of materials needed for the practical activities (start preparing miniatures and sand from now!).
CERTIFICATE
3 to 36 Contact CE Hours or Live Webinar CE Hours APT and APTI based on the amount provided for the module(s) attended. 100% class participation, completion of the evaluation, and passing the post-test (multiplechoice questions) are required for issuing the Certificate and CE Hours.
CALENDAR
July 29, 2025
“Introduction to Play Therapy” (3h)
July 29-30, 2025
“Sandtray Therapy: Origins, Tools and Activities” (9h)
July 31-August 1, 2025
“Sandtray Therapy: Clinical Application” (12h)
August 2-3, 2025
“Integrating Expressive Arts into the Sandtray Therapy Process” (12h)
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 Live Webinar 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:
-40% for enrollment by April 15, 2025 • € 499
-25% for enrollment by May 15, 2025 • € 629
CREDENTIALS
The number of Contact CE Hours or Live Webinar 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.
Complete the form and immediately receive an email from which to download a PDF of the brochure:
https://www.crisisplaytherapy.com/sandtray-therapy-summer-school-croatia
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In the picture, trainer Theresa Fraser conducts a mockup session during INA Sandtray Therapy training in Rome, Italy in 2019.