COUN 5381

COUN 5381

Sandtray Therapy Methods

Course Description:

This course provides students with the philosophical basis for sandtray therapy as a therapeutic intervention for children and families, including a review of its history, applications, techniques, stages, and ethical issues. Didactic and experiential methods are used. Prerequisite: COUN 5369 or permission of instructor.

Course Objectives:

Through participation in this class the student is expected to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical foundations of sandtray and sandplay therapy

2. Demonstrate knowledge of materials needed: sandtray, categories of miniatures, etc.

3. Identify populations with which to use sandtray therapy

4. Discuss the importance of a “free and protected space”; “holding environment”; or “therapeutic space”

5. Discuss the difference between directed and nondirected sandtray sessions

6. Demonstrate knowledge of how to introduce a sandtray experience to a client

7. Demonstrate ability to process a sandtray with a client

8. Demonstrate the ability to document sessions

9. Articulate the ethical considerations unique to sandtray therapy

Identify special populations with which sandtray therapy can be used and variety of ways to use it
Discuss uses with groups and families
How to adapt talking techniques to sandtray therapy techniques
Summarize the brain research at may indicate how sandtray therapy works

Required Texts:

Homeyer, L., & Sweeney, D. (2011). Sandtray: A practical manual (2^nd ed). NY: Rutledge.

Additional Readings: Will be posted on the TRACS site.

Methods of Instruction:

Methods of instruction include (not exclusively) lecture with PowerPoint, in-class experiential activities, group work (large and small), student presentation, audio-visual aids including videos, student research activities, and outside reading. It is expected that students be prepared for each class by reading required assignments prior to class; students will use knowledge from reading for in-class discussions (including questions) and assignments.

Sample Course Requirements and Grading:

1. In-class presentation on sandtray/sandplay research	100 points
a. Research dissertations will be posted on TRACS

2. Practice as Sandtray Therapy Counselor (Individual):
a. Participate in 5 sandtray sessions as the counselor	50 points
b. Journal regarding each session	50 points
c. Record session FOR YOUR REVIEW ONLY, critiquing
i. your skills in each session	50 points
d. Complete session forms for each session	50 points
i. and final case conceptualization	15 points

Experience as Sandplayer/Client:

a. Individual sandtray sessions:
b. Participate in 5 individual sandtray sessions as the client	50 points
c. Journal regarding this experience; each session	50 points
d. Do a reflective summary of your work (all 5 sessions)	15 points

e. Group sandtray experience:
f. Participate in two group sandtray experiences	20 points
g. Journal regarding this experience (each session)	20 points
h. As a group, conceptualize your work, turning in one document	20 points

Class Participation and Preparation 60 points

1. Total possible points: 550 points

Grading:

A = 495-550 points

B = 440-494 points

C = 385-439 points

Texas State University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. This university will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to register with Disability Support Services and to contact the faculty member in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodation.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Dept of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education & School Psychology

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COUN 5381