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Opengate
Institute

Opengate Institute is a registered training organisation (RTO 45703) specialising in Integrative Sand Therapy training. We are also Advocates for the Sand Therapy Industry in Australia as well as delivering courses, personal development PD and workshops.

Workshops are an important ‘hands on’ element of sandtray and are targeted for PD Counselling, Psychotherapy, Education, Social Work, Psychology, Indigenous, Youth Work and Disabilities or tailored to suit stakeholder/organisation or individual training needs.

We unite the Sand Therapy industry and therapists current and emerging, who serve in this area following the evidence-informed research developed by Dr Margaret Lowenfeld & Dora Kalff.


CEO Trainer & Supervisor

Supervisor & Trainer - Fiona Werle CEO & Founder Opengate Institute

Fiona is one of Australia’s leading clinical Sandtray therapists and Professional trainers who’s passion for Sand therapies is contagious.

Fiona is the lead trainer at Opengate Institute delivering a high level of sand therapy training. Fiona began her career in mental health as a registered Counsellor after completing her Bachelor degree of Social Science. Fiona trained as a Sandplay therapist, her trainers included many highly esteemed international and local Sandplay trainers.

Fiona has also written two books – A Parents Guide to Psychological Well-being for Children, A Therapists & Teachers Guide to Psychological Wellbeing for the Inner Child. (Volume 2).

Contact Fiona for Private Supervision Sessions.

Join Hundreds of
Satisfied Students

Read Testimonials

“I loved the experiential learning. Fiona is an excellent teacher.”

“The Sandtray Course was Transformative, insightful and life changing.”

“Thank you very much For such an amazing and eye-opening course.”

“Thank you very much Fiona. It has been a treat for the mind and the soul.”

RTO 45703

Australia’s only Registered Training Organisation (RTO) accredited to deliver the nationally recognised course 11242NAT Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy.

 

The Story Of How We Came Up With The Name Opengate Institute

 

As we were driving home along a country road, we were looking about us being a bit silly about names to call the company. Things like ‘flying bird’, ‘tree leaves’ and the like. Then it was said ‘Opengate’, this triggered a series of thoughts and deep impressions of the metaphorical meanings. Think about the gates of Heaven or Hell, standing there as your fate is decided. The image portrayed of being welcomed with the gate wide open into the training centre. An Opengate as a portal to the collective consciousness where knowledge and wisdom is abound!