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Our Training Philosophy: Learn the "Why" Behind the Sand
Many clinicians are introduced to sandtray as simply another expressive intervention. We believe it deserves much more than that.
Our Humanistic Sandtray Therapy training is grounded in the belief that healing occurs through authentic relationship, present-moment awareness, and the client's innate capacity for growth. Rather than teaching clinicians to interpret symbols or rely on predetermined meanings, we emphasize creating the therapeutic conditions that allow clients to discover their own meaning and move toward change.
This training is highly experiential because we believe clinicians learn best by engaging in the process themselves. You'll experience sandtray as both learner and practitioner, strengthening not only your clinical competence but also your therapeutic presence.
Every concept is intentionally connected to real clinical practice so that you leave with interventions, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how sandtray facilitates transformation.
Who This Training Is For: Supporting Clinicians Across Texas and Beyond
Our Humanistic Sandtray Therapy trainings are offered both in person throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and virtually for clinicians across the United States.
This training is designed for:
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
- LPC Associates
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Psychologists
- Registered Play Therapists
- School Counselors
- Graduate Counseling Students
- Clinical Supervisors
Whether you're just beginning to explore expressive therapies or you're an experienced clinician seeking to deepen your experiential work, this training provides practical skills that can immediately enhance your practice.
What You'll Learn: A Comprehensive Humanistic Approach
- Humanistic Foundations: Understand the philosophy and theoretical foundations that distinguish Humanistic Sandtray Therapy from directive and interpretive approaches.
- Therapeutic Presence: Develop the facilitative skills necessary to remain fully present with clients while fostering curiosity, emotional safety, and authentic exploration.
- The Power of the Here-and-Now: Learn how present-moment awareness creates opportunities for deeper processing and meaningful therapeutic change.
- Clinical Application Across Populations: Discover how Humanistic Sandtray Therapy can be adapted for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and diverse client populations.
- Ethical & Trauma-Informed Practice: Integrate Humanistic Sandtray Therapy within ethical, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed clinical care.
- Experiential Learning:** Participate in hands-on sandtray experiences that allow you to embody the work rather than simply learning about it.
Why Clinicians Choose This Training
Unlike traditional CE trainings that rely on lengthy lectures, this course is designed to be engaging, practical, and immediately applicable.
You'll receive:
- Self-paced learning with lifetime access
- High-quality instructional videos
- Clinical demonstrations
- Downloadable resources and handouts
- Real-world case applications
- Practical interventions you can implement immediately
- The flexibility to revisit lessons whenever you need them
Our goal is for you to leave feeling confident—not overwhelmed.
Training Format & Details
Format
- On-Demand Learning: Access the course anytime, anywhere, and complete each module on your own schedule.
- Self-Paced: Move through the content at a pace that fits your professional and personal commitments.
- Lifetime Access: Return to the material whenever you need a refresher or want to continue developing your skills.
- Learn From Anywhere: All course materials are delivered online, making professional development accessible no matter where you practice.
Is This Training Right for You?
This training is ideal if you want to:
- Move beyond traditional talk therapy.
- Incorporate experiential interventions with confidence.
- Strengthen your therapeutic presence.
- Deepen your understanding of humanistic counseling.
- Expand your clinical toolbox with ethical, evidence-informed practice.
- Experience personal and professional growth alongside skill development.
Begin Your Sandtray Journey
Great Therapy Begins with Great Training. The most impactful clinicians never stop learning.
Humanistic Sandtray Therapy offers more than a new intervention—it offers a new way of being with clients. Whether you're taking your first step into experiential therapies or expanding an established practice, we'd be honored to be part of your professional journey.
Dr. Desiree’ L. Stephens, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, TLHL LMHC, Certified-CCPT, ACS, is the founder and lead clinician at The Desired Journey Counseling. As a licensed supervisor and experienced mental health professional, she specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity support (ASD/ADHD), and Child-Centered Play Therapy, alongside providing clinical supervision and continuing education for mental health professionals. Her humanistic and relational approach focuses on meeting clients where they are, creating a supportive space for experiential growth, authentic connection, and long-term healing for individuals, children, and families.
Founder & Clinical Supervisor
Questions You Might Be Carrying
