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11242NAT - Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy

Guided Learning
Qualify as a Sandtray Psychotherapist

Guided Learning
Enjoy a well supported online community with
Live online weekly lectures with your trainer, not pre-recorded materials
Ongoing clinical group supervision and case study conceptualisations
Small class size so you can join in the conversation and participate
Meet and interact with your fellow villagers on-campus with our 5 day intensives

Course Start Date – 2nd February 2026
5 Day Intensive Classroom Practical Date – 13th – 17th April 2026

This course is accredited with Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as recognised training

Payment Plans – Pay per unit – 8 x instalment payments
see below for details

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Course Description

Learning Outcomes Overview
11242NAT Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy – Upon successful completion of the 11242NAT Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy, graduates will be able to apply:

Theoretical Mastery
– Critically analyse the historical development, theoretical underpinnings, and contemporary models of Sandtray Therapy.
– Integrate theories of symbolic meaning, developmental psychology, and trauma-informed practice into Sandtray Therapy processes.

Advanced Clinical Skills
– Demonstrate proficiency in conducting Sandtray Therapy sessions across a range of client presentations, including trauma, grief, developmental issues, and mental health conditions.
– Adapt Sandtray interventions appropriately for diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and culturally diverse clients.

Ethical and Reflective Practice
– Apply ethical decision-making frameworks specific to Sandtray Therapy practice.
– Engage in critical self-reflection to enhance therapeutic presence, manage transference/countertransference, and maintain professional boundaries.

Research and Evidence-Based Practice
– Critically evaluate current research in Sandtray Therapy and related fields.
– Design and implement evidence-informed Sandtray interventions, demonstrating an understanding of outcome measurement and client progress evaluation.

Professional Communication
– Maintain comprehensive and ethical client documentation specific to Sandtray processes.
– Articulate the rationale for Sandtray interventions to clients, families, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.

Supervision and Practice Development
– Participate effectively in professional supervision specific to Sandtray Therapy practice.
– Apply principles of self-care, reflective practice, and continuing professional development to ensure sustained ethical practice.

Integration into Clinical Contexts
– Integrate Sandtray Therapy within broader therapeutic frameworks, such as psychotherapy, counselling, and trauma recovery models.
– Demonstrate the ability to establish, deliver, and evaluate Sandtray Therapy programs within private practice, agencies, educational settings, and community organisations.

Course dates

DateLocation 
2 Feb 2026 – 11 Dec 2026Opengate Institute Western Sydney Richmond NSWRegister

Delivery mode

Guided Learning with classroom intensive – written learning and assessments modules are interactive; including videos, readings and activities supported by your user friendly Student Portal.

Guided Learning
Enjoy a well supported online community with:
* Live online weekly lectures with your trainer, not pre-recorded materials
* Ongoing clinical group supervision and case study conceptualisations specific to sandtray therapy
* Small class size, allowing you to join in the conversation and participate
* Meet and interact with your fellow villagers on-campus with our 5 day intensive class

Online Learning and Assessment
Includes:
* Library with research resources, Readings, Assessment Documents, Supporting Documents
* Online learning materials including: videos, articles and research
* Tutorials – weekly 1 hour online (min. 75% attendance per unit)
* Sandtray therapy pre-post test questionaires
* Sandtray Therapy Clinical Assessment Mapping Document (ST_CAMD) only available to graduate students
* Assessments are a combination of written, presentation, role play, projects and log books
* Log Books for client contact hours for units NAT11242001 60 hours and NAT11242005 60 hours.
* Sandtray Therapy Case Conceptualisations – Learn to apply the ST_CAMD/Theoretical Framework/Case notes
* Sandtray Therapy Supervision Log Book – 15 hours
* One on one with your trainer to support your needs

Classroom Based Learning
On-campus 5 Day Intensive training where students gain skills and knowledge in applications in the diverse ways of using the sand includes:
* Transpersonal psychotherapy – any underlying issues you have not resolved may come up in training at this advanced level
* Symbol Work, self-trays and working in pairs
* Role Plays to integrate theory to practise

**Please note: you cannot learn sandtray therapy online only, you need to experience the role of the therapist in a group setting with an experienced sandtray therapist/trainer.

Duration

Full Time – 12 months.

12 months of Guided Learning and assessments with an additional 6 months to complete Log Book Hours and Project Work.
One on one sessions are available with your trainer as required in the additional 6 month period.

Overview
Learn theories as related to sandtray therapy and how to identify unmet needs
Transpersonal Psychotherapy – any underlying issues you have not resolved may come up in the 5 day training at this advanced level
Symbol Work in sandtray the role of the unspoken or methaphorical language
Role Plays – during in-person practical training
Supervision – Case Conceptualisations (15 – 20 hours group/online)
Tutorials are held weekly during the scheduled term period, 1 hour per week online (min. 75% attendance)

120 hours client contact hours in a workplace setting – This can be in your current workplace or a setting such as community service centre.

You may be eligible for Abstudy
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/approved-courses-and-institutions-for-abstudy

Entry requirements

Entrants into the qualification must:
– meet any regulatory requirements for working with children and satisfy police checks in the relevant Australian State/Territory;
AND have successfully completed:
– Bachelor degree in an area of Behavioural Science, Counselling or Education; OR completed
– Diploma of Counselling or Community Services (or its equivalent); AND
– have a minimum of 3 years relevant vocational experience; AND
– have a level of language (written and oral), that demonstrates their potential to undertake study at AQF level 8.

Assessment requirements

Assessments in these units of competency are designed so you can deep dive into how sandtray therapy can be used for assessing your clients, various client presenting issues and to consolidate your learning, but we are with you every step of the way, so don’t worry about not being able to complete the assessments.

Students will complete a combination of written activities, case studies, role plays, presentations, projects, log books and Sandtray Therapy Supervision.

Career pathways

Graduates of Sandtray Therapy can be found working in private practice, community services, youth work, Indigenous support, education, early intervention, schools, and other therapeutic spaces.

Upon completion of this course Graduates can apply for membership with the Sandtray Therapy Assocication of Australia (STTAA).
Membership allows you to promote your business on the STTAA webiste directory. See their website for pricing and details.

International Institute of Complimentary Therapies (IICT) student membership can be accessed for $30 for student insurance cover.
Graduates can apply to Psychology Today to promote their Sandtray Therapy practice.

Course fees

  • Enrolment Fee: $50.00 AUD paid by Student (upfront payment)
  • Unit 1 – NAT11242001 Conduct Sandtray: $1175.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Unit 2- NAT11242002 Conclude and Monitor Sessions: $1175.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Unit 3 – CHCCSL004 Research & Theories: $1175.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Unit 4 – NAT 11242004 Apply symbol work in Sandtray Therapy: $1175.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Unit 5 – NAT 11242003 Plan and Provide Sandtray Therapy in a Group Setting: $1175.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Unit 6 – NAT11242005 Apply Advanced Clinical Sandtray Therapy: $1025.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Unit 7 – CHCPRP007 Work Within a Clinical Supervision Framework: $1025.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Unit 8 – CHCPRP003 Reflect and Improve Own Professional Practice: $1025.00 AUD paid by Student

Payment Options

Debit/Credit card payment via secure system (Stripe) as well as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

Qualification

Qualification 11242NAT Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy.

Units of competency

Core Units

  • CHCCSL004 – Research and apply personality and development theories
  • CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice
  • CHCPRP007 – Work within a clinical supervision framework
  • NAT11242001 – Conduct Sandtray Therapy sessions
  • NAT11242002 – Conclude and monitor sessions
  • NAT11242003 – Plan and provide Sandtray Therapy in a group setting
  • NAT11242004 – Apply symbol work in Sandtray Therapy
  • NAT11242005 – Apply advanced clinical Sandtray Therapy

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