Program Proposal Guidelines

The following proposal guidelines and application have been updated for the annual Sandtray Summit that will be in person.

We are accepting proposals for the IAST Sandtray Summit 2024.

Persons in all areas of the mental health profession are invited to submit a program proposal.

Please note that sessions will be 2 hour Experiential Sessions that should provide a brief overview of a Sandtray Therapy theory, activity, or intervention followed by a participatory demonstration of Sandtray Therapy.



Theme: Keep Sandtray Weird

The Unique Ways That Sandtray Can Be Used


*ALL SUBMISSONS MUST CONTAIN THEME-RELATED INFORMATION*


Some examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Unique populations
  • Unique ways sandtray is used in schools
  • Unique ways sandtray is used in groups
  • Sandtray with LGBTQIA
  • Share your knowledge about the ways sandtray is unique
  • Using telehealth with sandtray
  • Taking sandtray to court
  • Documenting sandtray sessions



Submissions should address at least one of the conference content areas listed below.

Summit Content Areas:

  1. Counseling theory, practice and the counseling relationship
  2. Human growth and development
  3. Social and cultural foundations
  4. Helping relationship
  5. Group dynamics
  6. Lifestyle and career development
  7. Assessment and appraisal of individuals
  8. Diagnosis and treatment planning
  9. Research and program evaluation
  10. Counselor professional orientation, identity and practice issues
  11. Wellness and Prevention
  12. Ethics
  13. Other

Proposals will be peer reviewed in a blind review by the Summit Proposal Committee.

Reviewers will use the following rubric items to review proposals:

  • Presenter's qualifications and experience;
  • Relevance of topic to Summit theme or needs of the particular audience;
  • Relevance to ethics, supervision, diagnosis or school counselor related issues;
  • Clear and attainable workshop objects;
  • Evidence-based practices;
  • Relevance of topic to current sandtray therapy themes (for example: mindfulness); topic appeals to a variety of audiences.

Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, January 15, 2024

  1. Submissions must be submitted electronically using this form no later than 11:59 PM, JANUARY 15, 2024.
  2. A presenter may not participate in more than two presentations, excluding invited sessions.
  3. The presenter must be a current IAST member in good standing. In special situations, this requirement may be waived by the IAST leadership.
  4. The primary presenter is the contact person and is responsible for notifying all co-presenters of acceptance, rejection, scheduling and any other information provided by IAST. The primary presenter's email address is the primary form of communication.
  5. Presenters must hold an advanced degree (masters or higher) in a mental health field, or demonstrate completion of appropriate education and training with regard to the topic presented.
  6. Presenters are responsible for all travel expenses including, but not limited to, lodging, transportation, and meals.
  7. Presenters may not charge a separate attendance fee.
  8. Presenters may not submit presentations that are in nature promoting a product or service, or sell any products or services during the session. Presenters who wish to sell products or services must purchase exhibit space.
  9. Presenters must be able to attend the IAST Sandtray Summit 2024 and be available to present any time during the summit (April 6-7, 2024).
  10. Presenters must register for the Conference by February 28, 2024. Presenters who do not register by February 28, 2024 will not be listed in the Summit Program Guide or be allowed to present.
  11. Presenters are responsible for preparing all materials to be distributed to attendees. Presenters grant IAST the right to use these materials in any manner consistent with professional development.
  12. Presenters must submit handout(s) electronically by MARCH 16, 2024 to be posted online for attendees to access. If materials are not submitted by MARCH 16, 2024 the presenter will be responsible for the duplication and distribution of the materials at the time of the Session at the presenter's expense: 100 handout copies for a Session.
  13. Presenters attest to the fact that the information provided (including literature reviews and statements about data collected by proposal presenters) is true and accurate.
  14. Recording of sessions is prohibited without written consent from IAST.

If you have read and agree to all of the rules and instructions above, click "Create New" below to begin your Conference Session submission.

This year, the ultimate sandtray therapy event designed to not just deepen your sandtray therapy skills, but also refresh your spirit is going VIRTUAL for the first time ever!

Spend two days immersed in the world of sandtray. Learn new skills from a diverse group of instructors and have the most sandtray fun you've ever experienced!

Unfortunately, we can't join each other in-person because of COVID-19, but we (IAST) are giving you a first-rate, hands-on, interactive virtual experience!

Everything is designed to help you remember why you love sandtray therapy and being a therapist, all while you earn CE's.

We know you're exhausted....

Just like last year's Sandtray Summit, our virtual summit is designed to be a place of rest and to rejuvenate your passion for therapy.

The Sandtray Virtual Summit is not just going to be you sitting in front of a computer for 2-days....

It's a LIVE, interactive, life changing experience that will have you walking away with increased confidence in your sandtray skills and connections to like-minded sandtray enthusiasts - all without wearing a mask!


Not only will his virtual event renew and refresh you as a therapist, you'll also experience new and exciting ways to combat Zoom Fatigue for yourself and clients in your individual therapy sessions.

So you get amazing sandtray training + the experience of creative ways of interacting with your clients virtually.

We know you're exhausted....

Just like last year's Sandtray Summit, our virtual summit is designed to be a place of rest and to rejuvenate your passion for therapy.

The Sandtray Virtual Summit is not just going to be you sitting in front of a computer for 2-days....

It's a LIVE, interactive, life changing experience that will have you walking away with increased confidence in your sandtray skills and connections to like-minded sandtray enthusiasts - all without wearing a mask!


Not only will his virtual event renew and refresh you as a therapist, you'll also experience new and exciting ways to combat Zoom Fatigue for yourself and clients in your individual therapy sessions.

So you get amazing sandtray training + the experience of creative ways of interacting with your clients virtually.

The Sandtray Summit Virtual Event

is more than your average conference experience

We know that you miss going to events right now ... and we do too!

That's why we decided to go all-in on this year's Sandtray Summit Virtual Event and pack in as much inspiration, connection, and mind-blowing knowledge as possible (and of course, there will be a few surprises along the way)!

The best part?

This years virtual event means no long flights, no travel arrangements, no forgetting things at home, no rental cars, no waiting in line at customs or at the hotel coffee shop.

Roll out of bed and join us ... even in your PJ's if you want!

Just set aside two days to be with us and this will be an online event experience we think will top most of the in-person events you've attended.

Best of all, you'll get all the knowledge, know-how, and inspiration to make massive progress in your sandtray journey!

Shauna Young, LMFT, RIST, CDWF- Candidate 

Sabra Starnes, LICSW, LCSW-C, RPT-S

Ashley Garrett, LPC-S, RPT-S, Ed.S.

Nidhi Kirpalani, MSc, ICST-P

Shauna Young, LMFT, RIST, CDWF- Candidate 

Sabra Starnes, LICSW, LCSW-C, RPT-S

Nidhi Kirpalani, MSc, ICST-P

Ashley Garrett, LPC-S, RPT-S, Ed.S.

Get ready for special guests and diverse instructors that only come together during the Sandtray Summit

We have 15+ breakout sessions featuring sandtray therapists from varaious backgrounds. They will teach you all about the most important topics you need to know to reach your clients, across all presenting issues such as using sandtray with

  • telehealth,
  • trauma,
  • abuse,
  • diversity,
  • EMDR,
  • Daring greatly 

PLUS MANY MORE SPECIAL TOPICS!!

Check Out The Schedule Below!

Day 1: November 6th 2021

Day 2: November 7th 2021

Do You Want More? Become a VIP!


We have a couple of VIP spots remaining. Don't miss out, purchase your VIP pass today, we really do only have a couple spots left!

Shauna Young, LMFT, RIST, CDWF- Candidate 

Sabra Starnes, LICSW, LCSW-C, RPT-S

Ashley Garrett, LPC-S, RPT-S, Ed.S.

Nidhi Kirpalani, MSc, ICST-P

Meet our Keynote speakers!

Amy Flaherty


Amy is a Licensed Professional Examiner. She is also a RPT, Registered Play Therapist; ICST-P, Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist-Provider; President of IAST, International Association for Sandtray Therapy and a Certified Daring Way Facilitator.

Lisa Dion


Lisa is an international teacher, author, coach and entrepreneur. She is a LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor; RPT-S, Registered Play Therapy Supervisor and is at the cutting edge of her field creating new and innovative models of therapy with children and adults.

SPECIAL BONUS FOR THE SANDTRAY SUMMIT VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE

All attendees will receive recordings of all of the breakouts.

What this means for you: You don't have to pick and choose between amazing breakouts - you can watch them ALL.

This BONUS has never been offered before but we're providing this to enhance your  Sandtray Summit Virtual experience.

It's Like Four Events in One!

We listened to your feedback from last year and we have implemented many more breakouts and a wide variety of options so you can choose your own adventure to suit where you are on your sandtray journey.

Basics

Adults

Children

Special Populations

No matter where you are on your sandtray journey, you'll be able to hop in and connect with like-minded therapists within each breakout session.

But wait there's more ...

Because we're dedicated to making this virtual event a true experience ...

we're sending out a special swag box to the first 200 people who register!

Although all the Swag Boxes have been reserved, you will still receive everything available digitally and have an AMAZING experience at the Sandtray Summit

Although we can't be together in person, we can still connect and enjoy the power of sandtray therapy together.  The swag box contains a ton of surprises that will enhance your Sandtray Summit Virtual Experience.

We're also going to send you a small sandtray and 30+ miniatures so you have everything you need to do your own sandtrays and process them with your partners during each breakout session.

AND! We've included

4 GOLDEN TICKETS

Across the 200 boxes that will lead to extra experiences and prizes for those lucky enough to get the golden ticket in their box!

The bottom line


If you're a sandtray lover, or even just interested in learning more about sandtray ... you DO NOT want to miss the first ever Sandtray Summit Virtual Experience.

There's nothing than getting together, LIVE, with other sandtray nerds. You'll get more motivation, inspiration, and ideas to expand your sandtray practice. What you learn at this event, will spark something that could change your therapy life forever.

We are better together.

The Sandtray Summit Experience is the ultimate, interactive virtual experience that's been designed to help you go deeper and learn more about sandtray therapy.

Remember the power of sandtray therapy for all ages.

The bottom line


If you're a sandtray lover, or even just interested in learning more about sandtray ... you DO NOT want to miss the first ever Sandtray Summit Virtual Experience.

There's nothing than getting together, LIVE, with other sandtray nerds. You'll get more motivation, inspiration, and ideas to expand your sandtray practice. What you learn at this event, will spark something that could change your therapy life forever.

We are better together.

The Sandtray Summit Experience is the ultimate, interactive virtual experience that's been designed to help you go deeper and learn more about sandtray therapy.

Remember the power of sandtray therapy for all ages.

Here's what you'll get at the Sandtray Summit Virtual Event

  • Speakers, surprises, and an experience that will knock your socks off. This event will beat out many IN-PERSON events you've attended. 
  • Access to various vendors and sponsors who feature what you want and need - ALL THINGS SANDTRAY. You'll have chances at special discounts and never before seen miniatures that are only available through the Sandtray Summit.
  • Interaction and REAL FRIENDSHIPS made virtually. Within each breakout session, you'll get the chance to build your own trays and partner with a fellow sandtray therapist to actually process and witness sandtrays.
  • Earn up to 12 CE's - NASW and IAST approved.  International Association of Sandtray Therapy is seeking approval to offer other continuing education credit. Please check our website for updates 
  • Practical advice and proven strategies from various sandtray specialists, allowing you to learn the basics and go deeper than you've ever gone before with different populations and techniques.
  • A surprise swag box for the first 200 registrations, you know already that there is a tray with 30+ miniatures, but we're staying quiet about all the other surprises in store for you - mailed right to your door.
  • Inspiration and unstoppable motivation from the best sandtray therapists around.

With your chance to find one of
FOUR GOLDEN TICKETS

Confirm you're coming and register for your Sandtray Summit swag box before the deadline, and you could find one of FOUR GOLDEN TICKETS in your box!

Yup ... your know that we LOVE surprises. That's why when you register for your swaf box, you have the opportunity to find a golden ticket and win an amazing experience.

If you're lucky enough to find a golden ticker ... put it somewhere safe and hang onto it.

We'll reveal the awesomeness at the Sandtray Summit Virtual Experience.

IMPORTANT! Only the first 200 therapists to register will receive the swag box. If you are number 201+ you'll still get access to many of the surprises in virtual form, but don't delay - you're going to WANT THIS BOX.

Do you have more questions?
Good news! We have answers!

Will there be a replay for the Sandtray Summit?

Can I receive CE’s?

I’m not tech savvy. Can I still attend?

Can I earn APT CE’s?

When do I have to decide?

Can I get a refund?

Can I attend just for one day?

Who is presenting?

What is the schedule?