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11242NAT - Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy

Guided Learning
Become a Qualified Sandtray Therapist

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

Enrol Now for Early Bird Rates – 2nd July $1,500.00 discount (Grad. Dip)
Semester 2, starts July 21, 2025.

5 Day Intensive Classroom Start Date – 29th September End Date 3rd October

Payment Plans – Pay per unit – 8 x instalment payments

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 
21 Jul 2025 – 17 Dec 2026Opengate Institute Western Sydney Richmond NSWRegister
18 Sep 2025 – 30 Sep 2025Opengate 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 modules 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 – 20 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

Duration

Full Time – 12 – 18 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.

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 a Bachelor degree in an area of Behavioural Science or Education, and,
– have a level of language proficiency (written and oral), that demonstrates their potential to undertake study at AQF level 8.

If you have completed previous training in Sand Therapy you may be eligible for RPL. See our RPL kit on the website or contact us.

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. This process is transpersonal and will bring up unresolved issues held in your deep unconscious. Therefore as a trauma-informed training program the intensive face to face classroom training supports you through your own personal process. Please be aware that if you have unresolved emotional issues the sand will reveal. You are encouraged to see a Sandtray Therapist before you begin your training, this will be in your own best personal wellbeing interest and allow you to better cope with your own unresolved issues that come up in the sandtray therapy process.

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)
  • Module 1/Unit 1 – Research: $1175.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Module 2/Unit 2 – NAT11242004 Apply Symbol work in Sandtray Therapy: $1175.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Module 3/Unit 3 – NAT11242001 Conduct Sandtray Therapy Sessions: $1175.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Module 3/Unit 4 – NAT1124002 Conclude and Monitor Sessions: $1175.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Module 4/Unit 5 – NAT 11242003 Plan and Provide Sandtray Therapy in a Group Setting: $1175.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Module 5/Unit 6 – NAT11242005 Apply Advanced Clinical Sandtray Therapy: $1450.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Module 6/Unit 7 – CHCPRP007 Work Within a Clinical Supervision Framework: $875.00 AUD paid by Student
  • Module 7/Unit 8 – CHCPRP003 Reflect and Improve Own Professional Practice: $775.00 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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