Connecting Sandplay

Connecting
National Conference
Sandplay Therapists of America
Affiliate, International Society for Sandplay Therapy / ISST
Body, Mind, and Spirit
through
Sandplay
Thursday, June 2 - sunday, June 5, 2016
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Skokie Doubletree Hotel
9599 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL
Pre-conference WorkshoPs
Thursday , June 2
conference opens Thursday
evening, June 2 with the dora kalff
honorary Lecture, delivered by
Martin kalff, and ends at noon,
Sunday, June 5.
• Presenters from Australia,
Brazil, Canada, England, Hong
Kong, Israel, Italy, South Africa,
Switzerland, and the United
States.
• National vendors. Silent auction.
feaTuring:
• Martin kalff, PhD, ISST/ SGSST-T,
Swiss Society for Sandplay Therapy
• denise ramos, PhD, JA, ISST/ ibts-T,
Brazil Institute of Sandplay Therapy
• Lorraine freedle, PhD, ABPdN,
ISST/CST-T, Sandplay Therapists of
America
• Judy Zappacosta, MA, ISST/ CST-T,
Sandplay Therapists of America
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT for psychologists,
professional counselors, social workers, marriage and family
therapists, as well as Association for Play Therapy (APT) credits
REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE!
Beginning January 15, 2016, CLICK HERE
TO REGISTER:www.regonline/sta2016

ConferenCe DesCription
Connecting Body, Mind, and Spirit
through Sandplay
The secret is hidden not in the top, but in the roots of the tree...
In psychological terms, this would mean that the self has its
roots in the body ... C. G. Jung, CW 13,242
Sandplay therapy is a non-verbal, expressive therapeutic method
developed by Dora M. Kalff, drawing upon the works of Swiss
psychiatrist C.G. Jung and the pioneering English pediatrician and play
therapist Margaret Lowenfeld. At this national conference, we wish to
explore sandplay as an embodied, symbolic approach to healing.
Both Jung and Lowenfeld focused on the healing aspects of play. We
know that Jung created structures on the shore of the Lake Zurich as a way
of working out inner conflict. In London, Margaret Lowenfeld observed
the change that occurred in traumatized children as they played and told
their stories. Jung’s life work centered on images of transformation in
which “the psyche tells its own story.” Kalff incorporated these ideas
in developing her approach, enriched by her personal connection with
Tibetan and Zen Buddhism.
Keynote and plenary sessions will focus on integration of the roots
of sandplay with findings from neuroscience, a Jungian emphasis on
psyche as embodied, and experiential approaches that complement the
sandplay process.
Workshop presentations will include Jungian topics, advances in
neuroscience that elucidate what we see in the sandplay room, the
therapeutic relationship, encounters with Self, the bridge between
sandplay and play therapy, applications of spiritual traditions and
mindfulness, and clinical presentations.
There will be vendors onsite, as well as a silent auction and book sale
on behalf of the Journal of Sandplay Therapy.

about...
Sandplay Therapists of America
Sandplay Therapists of America (STA) is a non-profit professional
organization established in 1987 to promote education, training, and
research in sandplay therapy. STA is the US affiliate of the International
Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST), which promotes professional
development in sandplay in the tradition of the Swiss analyst Dora
M. Kalff, based on the theories of C.G. Jung. STA sponsors a national
conference alternating yearly with a national assembly.
Sandplay Therapists of America publishes the peer-reviewed
Journal of Sandplay Therapy, offers a two-year training through the
Sandplay Therapy Institute, and supports regional groups and trainings
throughout the US.
STA members contribute to the field of sandplay therapy through
casework, writing, research, and mentoring trainees to become Sandplay
Practitioners (SP), Certified Sandplay Therapists (CST), and Teaching
Members (CST-T).
To learn more about Sandplay Therapists of America, visit our
website at www.sandplay.org.
Invitation and Acknowledgements
The Board of Trustees of STA and the 2016 Conference Committee
are pleased to invite you to join us for Connecting Body, Mind, and
Spirit through Sandplay, with Keynote Speaker Martin Kalff, PhD,
(Switzerland) and Special Plenary Speakers Denise Ramos, PhD
(Brazil), Lorraine Freedle, PhD (Hawaii) and Judy Zappacosta, MA
(California)
Program Committee: Marion Anderson, Antoinette Eimers, Lorraine
Freedle, Jill Kaplan, Dyane Sherwood
Operations Committee: Juanita McCabe (Chair), Heather Cody, Jennifer
Fendya, Kelly Finch, Christine Ford, Lisa Fowler, Pam Gottschalk,
Barb Hodum
Auction Co-Chairs: Anne Webb and Roger Higginbotham
Continuing Education and APT Credits: Geri Grubbs, Caroline Isaacs
Vendors: Leslie Field
Brochure Design: Dyane Sherwood

LearninG obJeCtiVes
Connecting Body, Mind, and Spirit through Sandplay
1. You will be able to apply sandplay
as an approach to psychological
healing and growth that takes into
account body, mind, and spirit.
2. You will deepen your clinical and
play therapy skills from hearing case
presentations and the application of
Jungian and Kalffian viewpoints on
healing and individuation.
3. You will incorporate practices of
active imagination, movement, and
mindfulness into the clinical work of
sandplay and play therapy.
4. You will become familiar with the
process of sandplay therapy and the
way it facilitates symbol formation.
5. You will learn from case
presentations how sandplay therapy
can establish a re-connection with
lost parts of the Self, with the natural
world, and with relationships to others.
6. You will be able to apply knowledge
from contemporary neuroscience and
research in sandplay to the treatment
of somatic and emotional disturbances.

thursday
June 2
MORNING
pre-conference workshops
An additional fee applies for the day.
8:00 AM
9:00 - 12:15
(includes 15
minute break)
REGISTRATION: 8:00 AM
Mind, Body, and Spirit in the Sand: Fundamentals of Sandplay, Part I
Stephen Olmsted, PhD, ISST/CST-T (Duluth, MN) and Ellen Saul, MS, LP, ISST/CST-T
(Faribault, MN)
Through this introductory overview of the basics of sandplay therapy, participants will
gain an understanding of the therapeutic use of symbolic expression as well as personal
experience with symbolic imagery. You will learn how to use sandplay from theoretical
and practical applications in sandplay practice. The workshop will explore the history of
sandplay therapy, the Jungian foundation of Kalffian play therapy, and the basic aspects
of a sandplay process. The presentation will view the similarities and differences among
sandplay and other play therapy modalities using sand. Presenters will offer perspectives
in viewing sandplay creations.
Level: IntrO 3 HOURS CE, APT credit approved
At Play in the Relational Field: Complexes, Developmental Trauma,
and Integration in Sandplay Therapy, Part I
Linda Cunningham, PhD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (San Francisco, CA)
Complexes are frozen traumatic memories that emerge as images loaded with raw emotions
and powerful psychic energies. When they are triggered in everyday life, complexes
seize us like inner demons and take over consciousness. Beginning with an exploration
of Jung’s discovery and theory of this foundational structure in the psyche, we will then
examine similar ideas in contemporary psychoanalysis. Through interpersonal neurobiology
we will discover the body-mind basis of complexes. We will befriend the complex by
exploring its hidden healing potential through written exercises and artistic expression that
can be used in play therapy. The role of complexes in developmental trauma will be experienced
through a dream series and sandplay and play therapy case material and discussion.
LEVELS: ALL 3 hours CE, APT credit approved
Dancing Between Heaven and Earth: Embodied Active Imagination
in Sandplay and Play Therapy
Ellen Searle LeBel, MS, LMFT, BC-DMT, ISST/CST-T (Arcata, CA)
Symbolic play engages the body, mind and spirit. The axis mundi is a symbol of totality,
physically and spiritually connecting earth and sky. Kalffian and Jungian concepts of the
psyche, illness, and transformation had sources in Asian as well as Western philosophy
Axis mundi symbols are found in sandtrays and across cultures. In many cultures one axis
mundi, the world tree, embodies the energetic polarities of rooting and rising. Centering on
the image of this archetypal tree, we experience how symbols of the Self arise in the body
in sandplay, play therapy and active imagination through movement, art, and voice.
LEVELS: ALL 3 HOURS CE, APT APPROVED

thursday
June 2
morning
9:00 -1 2:15 PM
(includes 15
minute break)
pre-conference workshops
An additional fee applies for the day.
Finding Hope in the Darkness: Healing Attachment Trauma through
Sandplay and EMDR
Shannon Yockey, LCSW, ISST/CST (Ft. Collins, CO) Sponsor: Lorraine Freedle, PhD,
ABPdN, ISST/CST-T (Hilo, Hawaii)
Working with our most traumatized and resistant child clients poses unique play therapy
challenges in holding and containing the “free and protected” space. These children often
resist any attempts at relationships and put up barriers in the therapeutic process out of fear
and mistrust. We may doubt, feel lost, and wonder if we can make a difference at all. We will
explore the harmful impacts of attachment trauma on the child’s developing sense of self and
learn strategies to foster trust. We will gain insight into our negative transference reactions
and its effects on our ability to build connections and hold the sacred space. This will be done
through an experiential exercise, small group discussion, and witnessing a complex sandplay
journey of a heroic and “treatment resistant” eleven-year-old. Participants will also learn
how to integrate EMDR’s Early Trauma Protocol for children into the sandplay/play therapy
process through a written narrative with parents and/or guardians.
LEVELS: ALL 3 hours CE, APT credit approved
12:15 - 1:30
LUNCH BREAK
THURSDAY
JUNE 2
AFTERNOON
1:30 – 4:45
(includes 15
minute break)
12:15–1:30 Lunch on Your Own
Mind, Body, and Spirit in the Sand: Fundamentals of Sandplay, Part II
Stephen Olmsted, PhD, ISST/CST-T (Duluth, MN) and Ellen Saul, MS, LP, ISST/CST-T
(Faribault, MN)
Level: Intro
3 HOURS CE, APT credit approved
At Play in the Relational Field: Complexes, Developmental Trauma,
and Integration in Sandplay Therapy, Part II
Linda Cunningham, PhD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (San Francisco, CA)
LEVELS: ALL
3 hours CE, APT credit approved
(cont’d on
next page)
Teaching Sandplay Fundamentals
Olivia Heathcote, EdD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (Los Gatos, CA), Sally Sugatt, MSW, MPA,
LICSW, ISST/CST-T (Exeter, NH), Antoinette Eimers, PsyD, ISST/CST-T (Tustin, CA)
This workshop is designed for certified sandplay therapists (CST’s) and sandplay practitioners
(SP’s) of STA, who wish to explore, learn and practice skills involved when teaching
a sandplay therapy fundamentals class in the tradition of Dora Kalff. Certified sandplay
therapists who are teaching members certified by STA and/or ISST, as well as other advanced
students who wish to hone their skills in teaching sandplay fundamentals are welcome
to attend.
Level: Advanced 3 hours CE

THUrSDAY
JUNE 2
AFTErNOON
1:30 – 4:45
(includes 15
minute break)
pre-ConferenCe worksHops
An additional fee applies for the day.
Sandplay and the Alchemical Imagination
Laurel Howe, JA, ISST/CST-T (Denver, CO)
We look closely at sandplay and play therapy as forms of alchemy, in the sense that they
transform the player (the operator) through engagement in the imaginal realm. The alchemists
purposely evoke the imaginatio, a meditative state of mind; sandplayers enter the
realm spontaneously through the physical act of witnessed play, joining body, mind, spirit
(and soul) in a healing change. We explore how sandplay is psychological alchemy, looking
directly at case material, and learn about projection, transference, and the alchemical
stages of transformation as aspects of Kalffian sandplay therapy. Participants may engage
in an experiential encounter with this realm.
LEvELS: ALL 3 HOUrS CE, APT CrEDIT APPrOvED

tHursDay
June 2
afternoon
STA CONFErENCE PrOGrAM
3:00
3:00 pM ConferenCe reGistration
6:00 - 7:00
reCeption
6:00–7:00 assoCiates and MeMbers reCeption
tHursDay
June 2
eVeninG
7:00
Dora kaLff Honorary LeCture
7:00 introductions and acknowledgements
7:30–9:00
individuation and neural integration
Martin Kalff, PhD, ISST-T (Switzerland)
Martin Kalff will explore his evolutionary perspective on Jung’s individuation journey as a process
of continuous integration of our animal and human aspects with an emphasis on how the world of
instincts connects us with our body. He will also explore individuation, neural integration, and the
role of mindfulness in understanding these processes in the training and supervision of sandplay
therapy. This will be deepened by a follow-up plenary Saturday morning on the neuropsychology
of sandplay and demonstration of methods.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE

friDay
June 3
MorninG
STA CONFErENCE PrOGrAM
6:45 - 7:45
6:45- 7:45 yoGa - Gentle easy flow for all Levels
Sally Sugatt, ISST/CST-T, rYT500, and Comprehensive Yoga Therapist, YogaLife
Institute (Exeter, NH)
8:30-10:00
pLenary
kay braDway Honorary LeCture
Can the Mind Heal?
Denise ramos, PhD, JA, ISST-T (Sằo Paolo, Brazil)
Can the mind promote healing? This lecture
will focus on Jungian psychosomatic
theory and the efficiency of sandplay therapy
in the treatment of organic symptoms,
enabling the audience to begin to develop
a theoretical rationale and practical approach
to work with patients with organic
symptoms. We will examine the interrelationship
between psychological complex
and somatic symptoms, and how sandplay
technique can promote healing by the
transduction of a symptom from the signal
to the symbol.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE
10:00-10:30
break
10:30-12:00
worksHops/
presentations
(cont’d on
next page)
10:00–10:30 MiDMorninG break
where elephants Hide and become Masters of wisdom and integration
Braam Beetge, ISST-C (South Africa). Sponsor: Lorraine Freedle, PhD, ABPdN, ISST/
CST-T (Hawaii)
Dan, a ten-year-old boy in South Africa, invites us to cast a glance into the infinitely varied
world of the psyche as he follows his call to connect inner and outer nature through the
integration of body, mind and spirit. Within the silent temenos, Dan expressed his dysphoric
mood and deep struggle with loneliness. Working with African elephants allowed him to
make contact with an important, lost aspect of his psyche. As he connects his inner and
outer natures, Dan starts to process his internalized anger and unites conscious man with
primitive man in what C.G, Jung called "connecting with one’s bush soul." His joyful and
liberating acceptance of his creations in the sand, especially near the end of his sandplay
process, mark the acceptance of his own creative potential and more importantly, himself.
Through the therapeutic process, he is moved to seek opportunities to bring more awareness
to others regarding the role of elephants and nature in inner healing and the healing of
mother earth.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE

FRIDAY
JUNE 3
MORNING
10:30 -12:00
WORKSHOPS/
PRESENTATIONS
STA CONFERENCE PROgRAM
The Serpent in Sandplay: Symbol of the Process of Redemption
Janet Blaser, MFT, SP, JA (San Pedro, CA)
Placing or sculpting a snake in the sand, one
connects in a most profound way with her
body and her own nature. In both its light
and dark aspects the snake is related to the
instincts farthest from human consciousness.
The serpent sometimes appears in play
therapy and sandplay as the initiator of a
process of restoration of the healthy instincts.
The process will be amplified through the
relationship of good and evil, as illustrated
in serpent symbolism using examples from
sandplay and play therapy, story, and film.
This presentation will provide an experience
of the redeeming aspect of the serpent in both
the patient and in the play/sandplay therapist.
LEVELS: ALL 1.5 hOuRS CE, APT
Sandplay Therapy: A temenos for Uniting Mind and Spirit to Body
Luana Rowland, LMFT, ISST/CST-T (Mountain View, CA)
We will follow the sandplay therapy of a sixty-year-old woman betrayed as a young child
by her own mother, at mid-life by her husband, and at a mature stage of life by her spouse.
Through the images of her sand trays we witness the healing, transformation, and reclaiming
of lost parts of the personality and psyche as they become embodied in the sand. Traumatic
experiences caught in the mind, body, and psyche can create discord and disconnection.
Once the symbolic representations are manifested in the sand they become part of
new body memory. A sense of wholeness is then possible.
LEVELS: ALL 1.5 hOuRS CE
(cont’d on
next page)
The Triple Spiral in Sandplay: Dynamic Journey Within
Margaret humphris, MFA, LCSW-BACS, CST (Baton Rouge, LA). Sponsor: Judy
Zappacosta, MA, LMFT, ISST/CST-T (Capitola, CA)
A unique and complex symbol, the triple spiral also contains the single spiral and the number
three as essential components. The spiral speaks of natural dynamic movement and
development, both without (in nature) and within (the psyche). Jung saw the unconscious
process as moving “spiral-wise round a centre.” Three conjures triads of equilibrium, of
balance, such as Body/Mind/Spirit, Ego/Self/Ego-Self Axis, and the transferential concept
of the transcendent “third thing” emerging from duality. Associations with each symbol
will be explored. Examples of the triple spiral utilized in the sandplay therapy creations of
several adult women will be discussed.
LEVEL: ALL 1.5 hOuRS CE

friDay
June 3
MorninG
10:30-12:00
worksHops/
presentations
(cont’d)
STA CONFErENCE PrOGrAM
Dance of Death in the service of Life
Lynne Ehlers, PhD, ISST/CST-T (Albany & San Francisco, CA)
Kali, the fierce Hindu warrior-goddess, is the
dark and terrible death-mother, who destroys
demons on the battlefield. These demons, both
inner and outer, threaten the very matrix of life.
As we experience the story and images of Kali,
we come to realize that this goddess of death is,
paradoxically, a servant of life who offers fierce
protection when it is most needed in the therapy
process. To the accompaniment of Indian music,
participants will be invited to embody Kali in her
dance. Finally, we will examine and discuss the
sandplay of two women who engaged with Kali
during the course of ultimately healing therapeutic
processes.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE
sandplay Case Consultation 1
Antoinette Eimers, PsyD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (Tustin, CA), Consult Group Coordinator
Pre-registration required. Minimum of four participants. Limited to 10 participants.
LEvEL: INTErMEDIATE, ADvANCED. NO CE CrEDITS.
1.5 HOUrS STA/ISST GrOUP CONSULTATION CrEDITS
12:00 - 1:30
LunCH break
12:00–1:30 LunCH on your own
1.5 anD 3-Hour worksHops
Three-hour workshops are listed first.
friDay
June 3
afternoon
1:30 - 4:45
worksHops/
presentations
(includes 15
minute break)
(cont’d on
next page)
active imagination for sandplay therapists
Mary Dougherty, MFA, ATr, JA (Chicago, IL)
Active imagination is an imaginal method used within the play therapy process in which
one intentionally engages images, figures, and emotions in order to establish a dialogue
with the unconscious. It is an active attempt to come to terms with aspects of our selves
beyond our conscious ego identity. The capacity for imaginal perception depends on the
quality of attention and the willingness to participate with unconscious contents. We will
explore the theoretical and experiential aspects of active imagination as it is used in sandplay
and play therapy generally, in order to increase one’s capacity to recognize and to be
in relationship to unconscious contents. Participants will make use of journal writing and
image making exercises as the means through which to engage active imagination.
LEvELS: ALL 3 HOUrS CE, APT APPrOvED

FRIDAY
JUNE 3
AFTERNOON
1:30-4:45
WORKSHOPS/
PRESENTATIONS
(includes 15
minute break)
1:30-3:00
WORKSHOPS/
PRESENTATIONS
The Angelic Hidden Inside the Beast, Revealed and Released
through Sandplay and Play Therapy
LaVon Bobo, MS, LMFT, ISST/CST-T (Mountain View, CA)
Seven years old when we meet, this child is expelled from three schools during our
four years together, leaving the therapist feeling hopeless at times. In the process of
sandplay and play therapy, he regains his authentic connection to body, mind and spirit
as his creations depict the stages noted by Kalff and Neumann. As the child releases
the beast he has embodied, he gradually reveals the remarkable, if not angelic, human
being who has been locked inside. The opportunity to witness this boy’s traumatic
childhood through his own adult perceptions and deep awareness adds to the impact
of the case.
LEVELS: ALL 3 HOURS CE, APT APPROVED
Research Roundtable
STA CONFERENCE program
1.5 HOUR WORKSHOPS: 1:30-3:00 and 3:15-4:45
Lorraine Freedle, PhD, ABPdN, ISST/CST-T, STA Research Chair (Hilo, HI), Gita
Morena, PhD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (San Diego, CA), Denise Ramos, PhD, JA, ISST-T,
ISST research Chair (Sao Paolo, Brazil)
With growing attention to evidence based practice, conducting research in sandplay
therapy is a critical, yet challenging endeavor. This interactive seminar will explore
research methods and current developments in sandplay research, and provide
participants an opportunity to share research projects and ideas. Guest presenters will
include Dr. Eric Green of Purdue University, Dr. Jacquelyn Wiersma of St. Mary's University,
Minneapolis, and Dr. Johannna Beyers of the University of BC, Okanagan.
.
LEVELS: ALL 1.5 hours CE
Pachamama: The Great Mother and Elements of Earth
Sonia Lucana, LCSW, RPT-S, SP (San Mateo, CA). Sponsor: Linda
Cunningham, PhD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (San Francisco, CA)
Pachamama and the earth elements evoke images of rebirth and transformation,
fostering self-regulation skills when working with children
with trauma and experiencing somatic symptoms. We will explore and
understand mother earth’s symbolism and her protective living spirit and
energy in a multicultural and clinical play therapy context.
LEVELS: ALL 1.5 hours CE, APT APPROVED
Writing Preliminary Papers and Final Case for Certifcation
Audrey Punnett, PhD, JA, ISST/CST-T (Fresno, CA) and Maria Chiaia, PhD, JA, ISST/
CST-T (Berkeley & San Rafael, CA)
This session will cover: 1) the steps in selecting a subject for the preliminary papers, deciding
on a final case and identifying an advisor and readers; 2) criteria for papers and case
study; and 3) the approval process. Opportunity to discuss specific issues in small groups
with Teaching Members of STA will be provided.
LEVELS: ALL 1.5 hours CE

friDay
afternoon
June 3
3:00 - 3:15
break
3:15-4:45
worksHops/
presentations
STA CONFErENCE PrOGrAM
3:00-3:15 break
technology support for the sandplay therapist
Dori Pelz-Sherman, PhD, ISST/CST-T (raleigh, NC)
This hands on ‘Tech-Fair’ offers the opportunity for both Mac and PC users to get answers
to their questions regarding the most frequently utilized tools by sandplay therapists, presenters
and teachers. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their laptop computers
or other portable devices along with specific questions.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE
Could oedipus Have been Cured? a Jungian approach to treating
early trauma
Mark Bortz, PhD, ISTA (Kfar Saba, Israel). Sponsor: Lorraine Freedle, PhD, ABPdN,
ISST/CST-T (Hilo, HI)
The oedipus myth will be viewed as an example of early trauma with a brief exploration
of Freud’s misinterpretation of this myth. Erich neumann’s concept of the emergency ego
and Donald Kalsched’s concept of archetypal defenses will be reviewed as a way of understanding
the psyche’s response to early trauma. Both these theories will be compared with
neuropsychological research. We will then explore why sandplay therapy is particularly effective
in treating early trauma. Finally we will look at a clinical vignette focusing on two
early sandworlds that graphically capture Kalsched’s conceptualizations, and a later sand
world that illustrates psycho-spiritual development.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE
wonder woman: Healing of the body-Mind split through sandplay
Britt Finley, MEd, rN-BC, LAC, SP (Missoula, MT). Sponsor: Maria Chiaia, PhD, JA,
ISST/CST-T (Berkeley & San rafael, CA)
The trays of sand players, ages 18 to 74 years, using Wonder Woman will be reviewed.
Each client had a psyche-mind split with body discomfort. Four distinctive evolutionary
stages will be outlined. The first phase sees Wonder Woman as a powerful protector. In the
second phase, Wonder Woman’s Golden Lasso allows Truth to be revealed and the body
fatigue and spiritual dryness appears. In the third phase, Wonder Woman figure is buried
and from this incubation period a variety of the expressive feminine is rebirthed. In the
fourth phase, the transcendent ego-self axis is celebrated and the sandplayer’s creative
reconstruction is visible.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE
sandplay Case Consultation 2
Antoinette Eimers, PsyD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (Tustin, CA), Consult Group Coordinator
Pre-registration required. Minimum of four participants. Limited to 10 participants.
LEvEL: INTErMEDIATE, ADvANCED. NO CE CrEDITS.
1.5 HOUrS STA/ISST GrOUP CONSULTATION CrEDITS
4:45-7:30
Dinner break
4:45–7:30 Dinner on your own
pre-Dinner reception: Caring for the soul, sandplay in switzerland alumni

friDay
eVeninG
June 3
7:30 - 9:00
worksHops/
presentations
STA CONFErENCE PrOGrAM
sitting with the tray
Harriet Friedman, MA, MFCC, JA, ISST/CST-T (Los Angeles, CA) and Jill Kaplan, MA,
MFT, ISST/CST-T (San Jose, CA)
Come join us as we muse together on the symbolic content of the tray and how we hold
the ongoing process. We will be in dialogue around an image or a few images from a case
presented by a ISST/CST-T. This session is intended to model the holding of the free and
protected space in sandplay therapy, play therapy generally and consultation sessions. The
seminar also has the dual purpose of affirming connections among the sandplay and play
therapy community. Everyone is invited to attend and participate.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE, APT APPrOvED
sandplay therapist as instrument: Limbic resonance in sandplay
therapy
Heather Lesley-Swan, CAPA, PACFA, ArCAP, ISST-T (Sydney, Australia)
This session will enhance sandplay therapists’ sensory acuity and knowledge of embodiment
of Dora Kalff’s concept of the ‘safe protected space’ as a component of sandplay
therapy. The session explores how the therapist self-cares, hears and holds transference,
and mindfully attunes to embody the ‘safe and protected space’ in service of the sandplay
client. Recent neuroscience research concepts will be reviewed in terms of client needs,
including the brain’s defined default system as impacted by trauma, and therapist required
responses. Experiential attunement processes will be included and the concept underpinned
with photographs of sandtrays evidencing unconscious inclusion of the sandplay
therapist as part of the client’s recovery of Self. The session connects the sandplay therapist
as an individual and unique person to the theme of the conference.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE
archetypal imagery and amplification
Janet Tatum, MSW, LICSW, JA, ISST/CST-T (redmond, WA)
This will be an interactive presentation and discussion focusing on Jung's concept of the
archetype as a representation of the collective unconscious. Using imagery, we will trace a
theme from ancient times to the present. We will discuss how to amplify a symbolic image
in sandplay and play therapy in order to better understand clinical material in clients’ play,
sandplay or dreams. We will look at how a symbol, representing something previously unknown,
can be relevant to clinical work. Handouts of reference material will be available
along with books for review and information on the Archive for Research in Archetypal
Symbolism (ARAS) and the use of the Index of Jung’s Collected Works.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE, APT APPrOvED
sandplay Case Consultation 3
Antoinette Eimers, PsyD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (Tustin, CA), Consult Group Coordinator
Pre-registration required. Minimum of four participants. Limited to 10 participants.
LEvEL: INTErMEDIATE, ADvANCED. NO CE CrEDITS.
1.5 HOUrS STA/ISST GrOUP CONSULTATION CrEDITS

SATURDAY
JUNE 4
morning
STA CONFERENCE program
6:45 - 7:45
6:45- 7:45 YOGA - Gentle Easy Flow for all Levels
Sally Sugatt, ISST/CST-T, RYT500, and Comprehensive Yoga
Therapist, YogaLife Institute (Exeter, NH)
8:30 - 10:00
PLENARY
Making Connections: The Neuropsychology of
Sandplay Therapy and Experience-Related Case
Consultation
Lorraine R. Freedle, PhD, ABPdN, ISST/CST-T (Hilo, HI) and
Martin Kalff, PhD, ISST-T (Switzerland)
According to Jung, the psyche is the “source of life” and the
“prime mover” (CW 8, 666) connecting body, mind, and spirit.
The neuropsychology of sandplay and play therapy involves understanding
the dynamic interplay between the brain and psyche
that drives neurodevelopment and transformative change. Lorraine
Freedle will present a neuropsychological perspective on
how sandplay therapy works. Next, Martin Kalff will explore the
implications in the context of the cotransference relationship--
highlighting the importance of moment-to-moment mindfulness
practice by the therapist. He will also demonstrate his method of
“Experience-Related Case Study.”
Levels: All 1.5 hours CE, APT CREDIT APPROVED
10:00 - 10:30
Break
10:00–10:30 Midmorning Break

SATURDAY
JUNE 4
MORNING
STA CONFERENCE PROgRAM
10:30 - 12:00
WORKSHOPS/
PRESENTATIONS
(cont’d)
Creative Action to Language in Sandplay: An Hypothesis of the
Mirror System
Rosa Napoliello Balfour, MD, JA, ISST-T (Milan, Italy)
Spirit embodied by creative sandplay and words that reveal it to the world is part of a
mystery. The specific characteristics of the human genetic code, with respect to the mirror
neurons system of language and movement of the hands and their close interconnections,
can help us to formulate a first hypothesis about the path of the elaboration of emotional
content inexpressible in words through sandplay therapy. The elaborative process with
sandplay therapy and the new theories on the evolution of language in humans suggest
that the therapeutic process of sandplay may be an example of an ontogeny that traces a
phylogeny.
LEVEL: ALL 1.5 hOuRS CE
Ariel: Body and Soul in the Tray
Thais Maurmo (Brazil). Sponsor: Barbara Weller, ISST/CST-T (Duluth, MN)
Case presentation of a sixty-year-old woman who has felt overwhelmed and helpless since
her second husband left almost a year before. It appears that the separation triggered an
acute childhood trauma, which her initial constricted, self-protective body posture seems
to reflect. After a long process of Somatic Experiencing (SE) in conjunction with sandplay
therapy, she restores connections lost along the way with daughters, deceased father,
friends, and former husbands—and within herself: body, mind and spirit
LEVELS: ALL 1.5 hOuRS CE
Diabetes and the Soul: Manifestation of Symbols in Sandplay PIctures
Cheryle Van Scoy, RN, MN, MA, JA, SP (Santa Barbara, CA). Sponsor: Marion
Anderson, PhD, JA, ISST/CST-T (Santa Monica, CA)
(cont’d on
next page)
Research Findings of a pilot experiment utilizing classic Jungian Analytic Process
(incorporating sandplay therapy) exploring the phenomenon of Type 1 Diabetes as a
psychoid reality – the field wherein psyche and matter are united and undifferentiated.
The research was partially funded by the Susan Bach Foundation, Zürich, and established
in collaboration with the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, Santa Barbara, CA.
LEVEL: ALL
1.5 hOuRS CE

saturDay
June 4
10:30 - 12:00
(cont’d)
STA CONFErENCE PrOGrAM
by way of the serpent: the Chakras and kundalini in sandplay
Geri Grubbs, PhD, JA, ISST/CST-T (Woodinville, WA)
The seven chakras, spiritual vortexes of vibration and light along the central axis of our
bodies, are known to store information in the form of our psychological or mental tendencies,
habits, and desires. Come learn about the meaning and function of each chakra,
expressions of blockages, or vrittis, that may occur and be expressed in sandplay, and what
a release would look like. See images of the life force, or serpent energy that can rise up
and down the spine during a sandplay therapy process. Examples of chakra expressions, a
short process of a vritti and its opening, and a second short process of spiritual emergence,
also known as Kundalini, rising will also be seen.
LEvEL: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE
sandplay Case Consultation 4
Antoinette Eimers, PsyD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (Tustin, CA), Consult Group Coordinator
Pre-registration required. Minimum of four participants. Limited to 10 participants.
LEvEL: INTErMEDIATE, ADvANCED
1.5 HOUrS STA/ISST GrOUP CONSULTATION CrEDITS. NO CE CrEDITS.
12:00 - 1:30
LunCH break/
MentorinG
LunCHeon
12:00–1:30 LunCH on your own - or MentorinG LunCHeon
12:15-1:15 Mentoring Luncheon
Jackie Kelley, LCSW, ISST/CST-T (Plano, TX) and the Admissions Committee
prospective Members and associates at
all levels (certified, practitioner, teaching)
are invited to meet for a lunch to discuss
membership benefits and requirements
with Certified teaching Members in an
informal setting. the admissions Committee
will make a short presentation
and answer questions.
rEQUIrES ADvANCED SIGN UP ON
rEGISTrATON FOrM.
COST INCLUDED IN rEGISTrATION.
FrEE TO ASSOCIATES AND NON-
MEMBErS.

saturDay
June 4
afternoon
1:30 - 4:45
3-Hr
worksHops/
presentations
STA CONFErENCE PrOGrAM
3 and 1.5 Hour worksHops
Three-hour workshops are listed first
touching the Mystery: Mandorla as Crucible, womb, and Doorway
where spirit and Matter Meet
Lauren Cunningham, PhD, JA, ISST/CST-T (San Francisco, CA) and Maria Chiaia, PhD,
JA, ISST/CST-T (Berkeley & San rafael, CA)
experiential, clinical and theoretical material will focus on the unfolding mystery in
our work and how we may nurture its emergence through the psyche as the connecting
link between mind, body and the anima mundi. the image of the mandorla as
transcendent function, becomes the doorway/crucible/womb, where new connections
between matter and spirit are forged that deepen the relationship to the self. within
the relational field between the therapist and the sandplayer, the living presence of the
sacred is encouraged to enter to transform the prima materia of unmetabolized emotion
and dissociated thought as well as the non-verbal experience of the numinous.
LEvELS: ALL 3 HOUrS CE
Playing in the Dark: Humanizing the Dark Goddess
Tessamarie Capitolo, MFT, ISST/CST-T (San rafael, CA)
The Dark Goddesses as icons have been worshiped by ordinary folks for centuries.
As archetypal images in sandplay, she stands for our earthly bodies and human
relationships. Later she may be transformed into consciously felt embodied dark
feelings. This presentation will include images of the pantheon of dark goddesses,
their stories and their psychological meanings.
Several sandplay therapy cases in which dark goddesses are significant will be
shown. The meaning of these figures within the context of the trays will be
interpreted and discussed. Participants will be invited to create their individual
dark goddess figures out of clay.
LEvELS: ALL 3 HOUrS CE
wise body: understanding somatic Memory in sandplay
Linda Elaine Bath, MS, PhD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (vacaville, CA)
The Wise Body holds the memory of wholeness that becomes dismembered through traumatic
experiences. As somatic beings we carry knowledge of our mind, body and spiritual
wholeness at a cellular somatic memory level. When time is taken to attend and be
guided by somatic experiences, healing can be remembered and accessed. Case presentation,
breath, movement and imaginative play therapy techniques will be used to strengthen
awareness of body states. Participants are asked to bring a personal figure to be used as a
healing anchor from which they will be asked to monitor and gauge somatic memory as
it is evoked, integrated and accessed. Somatic awareness will be approached and encouraged
as a way to awaken the inner healer which guides right action in the play therapy
process.
LEvEL: ALL 3 HOUrS CE, APT CrEDIT APPrOvED

June 4
afternoon
STA CONFErENCE PrOGrAM
1.5 Hour worksHops 1:30-3:00 anD 3:15-4:45
1:30 - 3:00
worksHops/
presentations
Creating inner Harmony in the Midst of emotional tempests: the
Cadence of intentional practice
roz Heiko, PhD, ISST/CST-T (Cary, NC) and Shannon K. Yockey, LCSW, CST (Ft.
Collins, CO)
Attuned sandplay and play therapists enhance the rhythm of creating sand scenes, engaging
in symbolic play and gaining deeper insights by deliberately and respectfully inviting client
participation in mindfulness practice within current affective neurobiological and selfregulation
frameworks. Utilizing Buddhist, Jewish, and Christian meditational traditions,
we explore targeted therapeutic interventions that can be utilized in a play or sandplay
therapy session with traumatized children using mindfulness, guided visualization, and
EMDR techniques. Didactic presentation of mindful practices through three traditions will
be enhanced by experiential play therapy exercises. Poetry, storytelling, guided imagery,
simple movement, music, and spiritual meditation will offer workshop participants powerful
means to incorporate these forms of mindfulness in everyday personal and clinical
practice.
LEvEL: ALL
1.5 HOUrS CE, APT APPrOvED
wedding sandplay and Vocal psychotherapies: a new synergy
Sana Loue, PhD, MPH, MA, LISW, ISST/CST (Cleveland, OH). Sponsor: Jill Kaplan,
MFT, ISST/CST-T (San Jose, CA)
This session will explore the theoretical foundations of vocal psychotherapy and explain
how it can be utilized to augment sandplay therapy. Because vocal psychotherapy techniques
require the use of the body, participants will learn how the use of sandplay and
vocal psychotherapies together can enhance the connection between body, mind and spirit.
The session will include discussion of a case, including photos of sandtrays and recordings
from those sessions in which vocal psychotherapy techniques were also utilized. Participants
will have the opportunity to practice one of the techniques utilized in vocal psychotherapy.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 hours CE
sandplay Case Consultation 5
Antoinette Eimers, PsyD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (Tustin, CA), Consult Group Coordinator
Pre-registration required. Minimum of four participants. Limited to 10 participants.
LEvEL: INTErMEDIATE, ADvANCED
1.5 HOUrS STA/ISST GrOUP CONSULTATION CrEDITS. NO CE CrEDITS.
3:00-3:15
3:00-3:15 MiDafternoon break

SATURDAY
JUNE 4
AFTERNOON
STA CONFERENCE PROgRAM
1.5 HOUR WORKSHOPS 3:15-4:45
3:15 - 4:45
WORKSHOPS/
PRESENTATIONS
Influence of Chinese Culture on the Developing Individual
Consciousness of Young Boy
Xiuling Tang, PhD, IM (Kowloon, Hong Kong). Sponsor: Irmgard Else Thom, ISST-T
(Kailua Kona, HI)
Exploring the challenging influence of modern Chinese culture on the development of
individual consciousness in an eight-year-old boy diagnosed with borderline autism. His
psychological development aligns with what Erich Neumann called the three “mythological
stages in the evolution of consciousness”. The sandplay therapy process will be presented in
three stages: the mother-child relationship, the hero period, and the transformation period.
The pressures of Chinese collective culture for a modern Chinese child will be illustrated
through his journey of development and individuation.
LEVELS: ALL 1.5 HOURS CE
Into the Labyrinth: Reassembling Archetypal Roles in the Fluid Family
Dori Pelz-Sherman, PhD, ISST/CST-T (Raleigh,
NC) and Regina Driscoll, PhD, ISST/
CST-T (St. Paul, MN)
Anthony Stevens described archetypes as biological
entities. While biology has changed
little, our understanding of the direct connection
of sandplay to the body has grown exponentially.
Since the Jungian and Kalffian conceptualization
of the archetype– tremendous,
cultural, social and intellectual changes have
transpired to challenge and change family roles
and profoundly transform archetypal relationships
and the effect on our deeper resources of
body and mind. As the encounters with self are
shared and supported through sandplay therapy,
a re-conceptualization of familial archetypes
will provide therapists with an expanded and
enriched sense of the temenos.
LEVEL: ALL 1.5 HOURS CE
Sandplay Case Consultation 6
Antoinette Eimers, PsyD, MFT, ISST/CST-T (Tustin, CA), Consult group Coordinator
Pre-registration required. Minimum of four participants. Limited to 10 participants.
LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED
1.5 HOURS STA/ISST gROUP CONSULTATION CREDITS. NO CE CREDITS.

SATURDAY
JUNE 4
EVENING
5:30 - 6:30
snacks
STA CONFERENCE pROgRAM
5:30-6:30 bUFFET: hEARTY SNACKS
6:00 - 7:00
STORY TELLING
Our Stories: The Early Days of Sandplay Therapy
Kate Amatruda, Linda Elaine Bath, Lucia Chambers, Lauren Cunningham, Harriet
Friedman, Martin Kalff, Susan Macnofsky, and Barbara Weller
Moderated by Laura Soble
Join founding members of STA and Martin Kalff of ISST in recollections of the beginnings
of sandplay with Dora Kalff in Switzerland, and with Kay Bradway and Estelle Weinrib
in the United States. The Conference Program Committee offers this time for the sandplay
community to gather, to listen, and to share stories.
7:00 - 9:00
mEmbERShIp
mEETING
STA membership meeting for Certified members and Sandplay
practitioners - Everyone welcome!
Join our STA membership meeting with our traditional gathering and opening circle,
followed by a brief business meeting.

sunDay
June 5
MorninG
7:00 - 8:15
8:30 – 10:00
worksHops/
presentations
STA CONFErENCE PrOGrAM
regional networking breakfast
with Ellen Saul, MS, LP, ISST/CST-T (Faribault, MN)
Welcome to breakfast with your Regional group and Ellen Saul! Come and meet others
from your region - make yourself heard in STA with your area’s sandplay needs and requests.
Did you know you have a Regional Council with a representative from your area?
Let’s get acquainted, connect our resources, share our training opportunities, and have
some fun!
embracing the Dark Mystery of the black Madonna
Jacque Wiersma, PhD, STA Associate (Minneapolis, MN). Sponsor: regina Driscoll,
PhD, ISST/CST-T (roseville, MN)
The mysterious archetype of the Black Madonna will be explored to demonstrate how we
and our clients can connect to and experience within ourselves a sacred, powerful, earthy
and embodied feminine. With a profusion of images I will trace the history of the Black
Madonna from her pre-historic origins to her emergence in 11th and 12 century Europe
to modern appearances of the Black Madonna in dream, art, imagery and in the sandtray.
Case examples will be incorporated to show how this numinous archetype overcomes
alienation and broken attachments to re-connect us to earth, body, each other and Self.
LEvEL: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE
animal as symbol and instinct: embodied presence in sandplay
valeria Grishko, LCSW, ISST-T (London, UK)
Traditionally in Kalffian sandplay, animal symbols are considered from the point of view
of instinctual energy in the process of symbolic transformation. This presentation will
consider the use of animal symbolism in sandplay therapy as an embodied presence and
consciousness leaning on the writings of C.G. Jung, James Hillman, and neil Russack as
well as native American beliefs. Using two different cases I will focus on animal spirit and
presence, their embodied consciousness and how it facilitates psychological transformation
in sandplay therapy. Workshop participants will be invited to participate in experiential
exercises using animal symbols that would allow them to connect to that animal and to feel
its power through the body, mind and spirit.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE, APT
(cont’d on
next page)
Healing spirit, body and Mind Disjoined by immigration through
sandplay and play therapy
Olga Lipadatova, PhD, CrPO-T, CAST, ISST-T (Guelph, Canada)
Research involving the sandplay expressions of six immigrants will be presented, with a focus
on the case of one female participant. Through several immigrations she had experienced losses
of the people she loved, one of whom was her mother. This resulted in a state of fragmentation
manifesting in her soul, body, and mind. She felt deep transformation and healing as a result of her
sandplay process. Follow this participant’s journey, making use of Jung’s and neumann’s theories
and unfolding archetypal themes.
LEvELS: ALL 1.5 HOUrS CE

SUNDAY
JUNE 5
MORNING
8:30 – 10:00
WORKSHOPS/
PRESENTATIONS
(cont’d)
10:00 - 10:30
STA COnFerenCe PrOgrAm
Alchemy: Healing the Human Soul
Dyane Sherwood, PhD, JA, ISST/CST-T (Oberlin, OH)
C.G. Jung wrote:“Without the soul the body is dead, and without the body the soul is unreal.”
In a richly illustrated presentation, we will explore some of the evocative imagery
and symbolic language that the alchemists used to convey their probing of the mysteries
of matter and through it their quests for transformation of the human soul. Our focus will
be on images from a beautiful Renaissance illuminated alchemical manuscript, the Splendor
solis. Its images show us that the seeker of transformation of the human soul must go
beyond heroic values and enter into a new relationship to the world of nature. Its imagery
shows that patriarchal values had become too one-sided, and that there was a need for
redemption of the Feminine Principle of embodied relatedness. Both themes are found in
the sandplay of contemporary patients.
LeveL: InTermeDIATe, ADvAnCeD 1.5 HOurS Ce
10:00-10:30 MIDMORNING BREAK
10:30 - 12:00
PlENARY
ClOSING PRESENTATION
Embodied Consciousness
Judy Zappacosta, mA, LmFT, ISST/CST-T (Capitola, CA)
In ancient times, rhythms of the
earth offered resonance, symmetry
and unity to the universe. Paracelsus,
through alchemy, Jung, through his
explorations of the unconscious, and
quantum physicist Linus Pauli all
recognized that spirit lived in matter,
as the lumen naturae, or the light in
nature. This concept has grown over
time into a unifying principle within
the universe. Integrating spirit and
matter, in sandplay and with embodied
consciousness, brings contact
with this timeless aspect of transformation.
This closing session invites
the practice of bringing spiritual impulse
close to the body and exploring
its natural expression with heart and
meaning.
LeveLS: ALL 1.5 HOurS Ce

STA 2016 National Conference
Conference Faculty, Facilitators & Workshop Sponsors
k
e
y
STA Sandplay Therapists of America
CST-T STA Certified Sandplay Therapist—Teaching Member
CST STA Certified Sandplay Therapist
SP STA Sandplay Practitioner
ISST International Society for Sandplay Therapy
ISST-T International Society for Sandplay Therapy - Teaching Member
All STA CSTs and CST-Ts are members of ISST.
Katie Amatruda, PsyD, LMFT, EMT, BCETS is a Founding Member of STA and a former Teaching Member
of ISST/STA. Her focus now is on trauma, critical incident stress management, and disaster response as a member
of the Marin Medical Reserve Corps, of the Trauma Response Network, and of Disaster Medical Assistance Team
DMAT CA-6, where she applies everything she learned doing sandplay therapy. She has responded to bank robberies,
workplace murders, police shootings and natural disasters, including the earthquake in Haiti, tsunamis in Sri Lanka
and American Samoa, and numerous hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires.
Marion Anderson, JA, PhD, ISST/CST-T, is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and certified Jungian Analyst
working in private practice in Los Angeles/Santa Monica CA. She trained at the Brazilian Society for Analytical
Psychology and now is a member of the C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles. She is a published author in the Journal
of Sandplay Therapy.
Rosa Napoliello Balfour, MD, JA, ISST-T, specializes in Anesthesia- Intensive Care, and in Medical Toxicology.
She is a member of DEA Ecole Pratique en Hautes Etude- La Sorbonne Paris in History of Medicine; she is also a
Diplomat in Homeopathy DUMENAT in Paris Nord and an Analytical Psychologist CIPA-IAAP. She also has a
private practice in Milan, Italy.
Linda Elaine Bath, MS, PhD, MFT, ISST/CST-T, is a founding and teaching member of STA and CAST. As a
teaching member, she provides personal process, case consultation and Sandplay training in USA and Canada. Dr.
Bath has a private practice in Woodland, CA. As a Clinical Mental Health Supervisor and Registered Psychologist
in Solano County she does psychological assessments for children and adults and supervises mental health treatment
in an Adult Integrated Care Clinic.
Braam Beetge, ISST, is a Certified Psychologist in South Africa, a Certified EMDR Clinician and facilitator and
Sandplay Therapist, ISST (IM). In his private practice in the Cape Town area, he works with adults and children. He
is the ISST Representative for the South African Sandplay development group and coordinates intensive Sandplay
trainings with ISST teachers for South Africa. He also has done trauma trainings and clinical trauma work in Kenya
and in Ethiopia.
Johanna Beyers, R.P., PhD, is a registered psychotherapist. Currently living in Kelowna, BC, she is a student
in the Master of Social Work programme at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan. In private practice
with adults her focus is on anxiety, relationshiop issues, loss/grief, self-esteem, serious physical illness, end
of life. She is a Certified Sandplay Therapist, Level V (CAST) and Adler Trained Coach. She is the author of
Wearing my Feathered Hat: Engaging Change through Seven Dreams (WOD Press 2013). It is a reflective
exploration of how dreams and mythology can define one’s journey in life.

Janet Blaser, MA, MFT, SP, is a therapist working in private practice with children and adults in Los Angeles,
California, since 2008. She has worked with severely traumatized youth, and her area of focus is the development
of the individual through childhood trauma. Janet has presented at STA meetings, at the Jung Study Center and at the
Jung Institute of Los Angeles.
Regina Driscoll, PhD, ISST/CST-T, is a psychologist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She has been in
practice in St. Paul, MN for 30 years, and specializes in working with trauma. She has taught sandplay therapy at
regional, national and international teaching events and provides sandplay process and consultation. She is a founding
member of the Sandplay Therapy Institute of STA and a past president of STA.
Lynne Ehlers, PhD, ISST/CST-T, offers sandplay, dream work, case consultation and Jungian-oriented depth
psychotherapy for adults in Albany and San Francisco, CA. A lifelong fascination with art and symbol led her to
become a docent for the Asian Art Museum where she developed a familiarity with the sacred art emanating from
Asia’s religions. She has worked with sandplay since 1977, written numerous articles for the Journal of Sandplay
Therapy, and teaches classes on sandplay and dream symbolism in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Antoinette Eimers, Psy.D., MFT, ISST/CST-T, is a member of the Sandplay Community of the Greater Los
Angeles Area (SPCLA). Dr. Eimers has presented at the Sandplay National Conferences in Berkeley and in Seattle,
as well as at STA Assemblies. Internationally, she has presented at the CAST conference in Vancouver, British
Columbia and has been published in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy. She has a private practice in Tustin, CA where
she specializes in sandplay with children, adolescents and adults.
Britt Finley, MEd, RN-BC, LAC, SP, is a psychiatric-mental health nurse with a subspecialty in addictions
in Missoula, Montana. She has taught undergraduate and graduate nursing student for over thirty years and has
maintained a private practice since 1984. As a Sandplay Practitioner her practice has been deepening for over ten
years, and she feels a kinship with STA as “her people” that has sparked therapeutic creativity.
Lorraine R. Freedle, PhD, ABPdN, ISST/CST-T, is a board certified pediatric neuropsychologist, psychotherapist,
and trainer in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics®. Dr. Freedle is an award-winning researcher for her work
with sandplay therapy and individuals with traumatic brain injury. Dr. Freedle is an international presenter who
illuminates current theory, neuroscience and the principles of depth psychology with compelling case studies. Dr.
Freedle is the Clinical Director of Pacific Quest with a focus on holistic healing. Her private practice in Hilo, Hawaii
is Black Sand Neuropsychological Services. She has published numerous professional journal articles and currently
serves as Research Editor for the Journal of Sandplay Therapy.
Harriet S. Friedman, MA, MFCC, JA, ISST/CST-T, is a founding member of Sandplay Therapists of America
and a Jungian analyst practicing in Los Angeles, CA. She currently is on the teaching faculty of the Jung Institute of
Los Angeles, former director of the Hilde Kirsch Children’s Center, and co-author of Sandplay: Past, Present and
Future, and Supervision of Sandplay Therapy. For the last 25 years she has also lectured nationally and internationally
on integrating sandplay and Jungian psychology. She has been published numerous times in the Journal of Sandplay
Therapy.
Eric Green, PhD, is an Associate Professor of School Counseling at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN,
as well as a part-time faculty associate in the School of Education at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore,
MD. Dr. Green is the author or do-editor of serveral recent books, including, The Handbook of Jungian Play
Therapy, No Child Forgotten, and Integrating Expressive Arts and Play.
Geri Grubbs, PhD, JA, ISST/CST-T, practices in Woodinville, Washington, and is Vice President of the C. G.
Jung Institute of Seattle. In addition to her analytic work, teaching, and lecturing, she has published “The Sandplay
Categorical Checklist for Sandplay Analysis,” a research and training manual, and “Bereavement Dreaming and the
Individuating Soul.” Dr. Grubbs has published extensively in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy, is on the teaching
staff of STA’s Sandplay Therapy Institute, and is a certified meditation instructor.

Valeria Grishko, MSW, LCSW, ISST-T, is Chair of British and Irish Society for Sandplay Therapy (BISS), a
Member of The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP), a Member of the Association
for Family Therapy (AFT) and an Approved Supervisor for Play Therapy UK. She has published in the Journal of
Sandplay Therapy, and most recently she presented her work at the BISS National Conference in 2012 and the STA
Conference in Seattle in 2013. She is one of the teachers for the BISS Sandplay Training program, and has a private
practice in London, England.
Olivia Heathcote, EdD, MFT, ISST/CST-T, is an analytically oriented psychotherapist and has a particular interest
in how early life trauma affects psychological development. Olivia lectures and teaches sandplay nationally and
internationally. She serves on the STA board and is the current chair of STA’s Education Committee. She is a
contributing author of Pearls: Defining Moments in Our Lives (2014) and of Living the Tides of Uncertainty, 2006
and was published in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy, 2009. Dr. Heathcote maintains a private practice in Los
Gatos, California where she works with children, adolescents and adults.
Rosalind Heiko, PhD, ISST/CST-T, is the founder of NC Sandplay Training and a past Board Member of the
Sandplay Therapists of America. She is the Director of Pediatric & Family Psychology, P.A., in Cary, NC. She
has worked with children, adolescents and families professionally since 1983. Dr. Heiko is an Approved Teaching
Consultant in Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH); is certified in EMDR, and holds national certification in School Psychology
(NCSP). She has written a chapter for the book Counseling families: Play-based treatment and her own book, The
Heroine’s Journey in Sandplay, will be published in 2016. She has also published in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy.
Laurel Howe, JA, ISST/CST-T, has a private practice in Lakewood, Colorado, where she works with children and
adults and is a mentor for sandplay therapists in training. Laurel is deeply engaged in researching the history of Mary
Magdalene and her meaning in the Christian drama. She has lectured widely about alchemy and sandplay. Her book,
War of the Ancient Dragon, is about the alchemical sandplay process of a six-year-old bully.
Margaret Humphris, MFA, LCSW-BACS, ISST/CST, is an analytically oriented therapist and sandplay therapist
on the senior staff of the Mental Health Service at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She is a founding
member and past president of the C. G. Jung Society of Baton Rouge. Ms. Humphris is also a professional artist and
long standing member of Baton Rouge Gallery. Her paintings have shown throughout the southern United States and
in New Zealand, with several published in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy.
Martin Kalff, Ph.D., ISST-T, Martin Kalff (Ph.D.) is a founding and teaching member of ISST and the Swiss
Society of Sandplay Therapy. His studies include the study of religion as well as studies in Jungian psychology and
training in Sandplay Therapy. He has also studied mindfulness practices through the methods of Tibetan Buddhist
meditation since 1969. He works as a counsellor with Sandplay Therapy in Zollikon and teaches meditation. He has
taught Sandplay Therapy both in Switzerland and a variety of countries abroad.
Jill Kaplan, MA, MFT, ISST/CST-T, is a founding member and past president of the Northern California Regional
Sandplay Society. She is the Book Reviews Editor of the Journal of Sandplay Therapy and has published several
articles in the Journal. Jill has been on the Board of Trustees of STA since 2008, currently serving as President. She
has a private psychotherapy practice in San Jose, California where she specializes in child therapy and also sees
adults. Her Zen meditation practice of over 20 years informs and supports her sandplay work.
Jacquelyn Kelley, LCSW, ISST/CST-T, CT(Certified in Thanatology), completed her MSW degree at Jane
Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She has been doing sandplay therapy since
1983 and is currently in private practice in Plano, Texas. She is a founding member of Minnesota Sandplay Therapy
Group, past president of Texas Sandplay Society, and past president of the Jung Society of North Texas. She is
involved in the Sandplay Therapy Institute which is currently in Dallas, Texas and is also currently on the board of
trustees of Sandplay Therapists of America as Admissions Chair.

Ellen Searle LeBel, MS, LMFT, BC-DMT, ISST/CST-T, works in private practice in Arcata, CA. Her therapeutic
approach integrates sandplay therapy, dance/movement therapy and active imagination with individuals and couples.
She offers clinical consultation and is a CAMFT approved supervisor. Ellen teaches and presents at conferences and
workshops, has published in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy and elsewhere, and was on the faculty at Humboldt
State University. She volunteers as President of the Northern California Society for Sandplay Therapy and on the
Ethics Review Committee of STA.
Heather Lesley-Swan, CAPA, PACFA, ARCAP, ISST-T, is committed to positive client outcomes, working
with seniors, adults and young people in Sydney, Australia. Initially trained in Law, Heather holds a Masters in
Psychotherapy, Post-Graduate qualifications in Counseling and Communications Management and cites certification
as an Ethics Educator among her many qualifications. She is the first Australian member of the International Society
for Sandplay Therapy. Heather has presented public, in-house and University programs and professional papers in
Australia, Europe, UK, USA and Asia, and delights in contributing to professional development.
Olga Lipadatova, MA, PhD, CRPO-T, ISST/CAST-T, has worked as a psychotherapist, art therapist, and sandplay
therapist in the community and in private practice in Montreal, Quebec, since 2002, and has presented at national
and international conferences. She became a CAST/ISST certified member in 2010. After completing her PhD with a
focus in sandplay therapy Olga moved her practice to Guelph, Ontario in 2014. She joined the Board of the Canadian
Sandplay Association and is now serving as President of CAST.
Sana Loue, PhD, MPH, LISW, MA, ISST/CST, is a Professor in the Department of Bioethics and the Vice Dean
for Faculty Development and Diversity at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She also holds
appointments in the Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Psychiatry, and Global Health, and in the
Mandel School for Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University’s school for social work. She is an
author of more than 100 peer reviewed articles and 94 book chapters, has edited or authored 32 books. She presents
on sandplay and other topics both nationally and internationally. She serves on the editorial board of several social
work and public health journals.
Sonia Lucana, LCSW, RPT-S, SP, now lives and works in San Mateo, CA, but grew up in Peru where sand, stones,
and elements of the earth are ancestral modalities used for healing. She has been trained in Neurosequential Model
of Therapeutics, expressive arts such as dance movement (adults and children), music, Jungian play and sandplay,
hypnotherapy and past life regression therapy, studied and practiced Kundalini yoga meditation, Sanskrit chanting,
Afro-Caribbean dance for the Orishas (deities) and lucumi chanting. Her long-term commitment is to contribute
research to the field of sandplay, to promote, educate and integrate this modality into clinical settings.
Susan Macnofsky, LMFT, ISST/CST-T, Susan Macnofsky is a painter, and Sandplay and Art Therapist from
California who has practiced in New Mexico since 1989. She trained in Zurich with Jungian Sandplay founder Dora
Kalff and in California with Cecil Burney and is a certified teaching member and founding member of the Sandplay
Therapists of America. She taught widely for over 30 years, both in the United States and abroad. At 81 years of age
she continues to see a small number of clients as well as consulting and teaching sandplay in New Mexico.
Thais Maurmo, ISST Candidate, has been in private practice in Brasilia, Brazil, for about 12 years, working
with children, teenagers, and adults. She is especially drawn to those who have suffered acute or cumulative early
trauma were she finds using sandplay, sometimes in conjunction with Somatic Experiencing and talk therapy and/
or dreamwork, helpful. Before becoming a therapist, she taught English as a foreign language to children, teenagers,
adults and senior adults (over 70).
Gita Morena, PhD, is a teaching member of ISST/STA, and offers sandplay training, consultation and seminars
around the world. She is particularly interested in the mind-body-spirit connection, and integrates Jungian and
Buddhist perspectives to address issues of psychological and emotional healing. Currently she is a member of the
Research Committee, and on the Support Team for STA’s Sandplay Therapy Institute. In her book, The Wisdom of
Oz, Dr. Morena sheds light on The Wizard of Oz as a tale of individuation and spiritual awakening.

Stephen W. Olmsted, PhD, ISST/CST-T, is stresses a multi-modal therapeutic orientation in his practice in Duluth,
MN and has extensive training and experience in Jungian-based sandplay therapy. He currently serves on the STA
Board of Trustees as Secretary. Dr. Olmsted is also trained in EMDR and is a member of the EMDR International
Association. Dr. Olmsted has worked extensively with children, adolescents, and adults who have been separated
or estranged from their birth families. Dr. Olmsted recently retired from his general practice but he continues to be
available for consultation and for working with therapists desiring to complete their sandplay processes.
Dori Pelz-Sherman, PhD, ISST/CST-T, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at University of North Carolina Chapel
Hill. Her private practice in Raleigh, NC offers sandplay integrated with depth-oriented psychotherapy to children and
adults. She is trained in Jungian analytic psychology, psychological and cognitive assessment, and relationship-based
developmental psychotherapy. Her specializations include autism, Asperger’s, anxiety, depression, ADHD, parentinfant
mental health and working with artists and adult students. She is a published author, an experienced researcher,
and a frequent speaker.
Audrey Punnett, PhD, JA, RPT-S, ISST/CST-T, is the past President of the STA Board. She is a member of the
International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP) and served as secretary & vice-president on the board of
trustees of the Association of Graduates in Analytical Psychology (AGAP). She teaches nationally and internationally;
has published in peer-reviewed journals and recently published The Orphan: A Journey to Wholeness. Dr. Punnett is
an Associate Clinical Professor, UCSF-Fresno, Department of Psychiatry and maintains a private practice in Fresno,
California, USA.
Denise G. Ramos, PhD, JA, ISST-T, is the Chair of the Center of Jungian Studies at the Graduation Program in
Clinical Psychology (PUCSP) in Sao Paolo, Brazil and Vice-President for Americas of ISST. She is the author of
various articles and books on psychosomatics and she has been lecturing in Europe and USA on this subject. Her
book, The Psyche of the Body, is published in Portuguese, English, French, and Russian. Currently she is involved in
research on sandplay, psychosomatics, and trauma.
Luana Rowland, MA, LMFT, ISST/CST-T, is is Jungian trained. She was introduced to sandplay therapy in 1983
and began her association with Dora M Kalff in 1984. She completed the ISST requirements for teaching membership
in 1990 in Kyoto, Japan. She has been practicing and teaching sandplay therapy in California and Hawaii since that
time. Now practicing in Mountain View, CA, Luana has a deep appreciation for the spiritual and transformative
capacity of sandplay therapy.
Ellen H. Saul, MS, LP, ISST/CST-T, is a psychologist who works with children, families, individuals, and couples in
a private practice In Faribault, MN. She studied with Dr. Agnes Bayley and incorporates “In Touch Again” strategies
in her therapeutic work. Her interest in Body, Mind, and Spirit connections led her to complete studies as a Somatic
Experiencing Practitioner, in addition to her broad scope of multi-modal approaches to healing work. She has recently
accepted a position on the STA Board, after ten years of active participation (as secretary and president) on the Board
of the Minnesota Sandplay Therapy Group (MSTG).
Dyane Sherwood, PhD, JA, ISST/CST-T, began sandplay training in the early 1980’s, studying with June
Matthews, Kay Bradway, and Dora Kalff. She co-authored, with the late Joseph L. Henderson, MD, Transformation
of the Psyche: The Symbolic Alchemy of the Splendor Solis, which is widely used in analytic training and depth
psychotherapy programs. Her other interests include the neurobiology of implicit communication and affect regulation,
active imagination, shamanism, Native American wisdom, and the art of Wassily Kandinsky. She is an IAAP-certified
Child and Adolescent Analyst, as well as an Adult Analyst, and has a private practice in Oberlin, Ohio.
Laura Soble MFT, REAT, CST-T is a teaching member of Sandplay Therapists of America and the International
Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST), and an Advanced Analytic Candidate at the CG Jung Institute of San Francisco,
CA. She has published in the Arts in Psychotherapy Journal and the Journal of Sandplay Therapy. She is a founding
member and former board officer of the Northern California Regional Sandplay Society (NCRSS). Laura Soble
presents nationally and internationally on sandplay and the integration of the arts in therapy. She has a depth
psychotherapy practice in Oakland, CA.

Sally Sugatt, MSW, MPA, LICSW, ISST/CST-T, is a licensed (1993) social worker in private practice in Exeter,
New Hampshire. Sally presently serves on the Board of STA and has authored three articles for the Journal of Sandplay
Therapy. Sally has been practicing classical yoga since 1978 and is a registered yoga teacher and Comprehensive
Yoga Therapist (2012). In addition to these on-going studies, Sally finds inspiration walking the NH beaches in all
seasons, knitting, playing the mandolin, maintaining friendships, traveling, and being a grandmother.
Xiuling Tang, PhD, IM/ISST, works in Kowloon, Hong Kong and has been training for more than 11 years in
sandplay and Jungian Psychology. She is the first Chinese therapist to initiated and complete the two years infant
observation (with Dr. Brian Feldman, under Michael Fordham’s developmental framework). She has presented
numerous times internationally.
Janet Tatum, MSW, LICSW, JA, ISST/CST-T, works with adults, children and adolescents in Redmond, WA.
Having been an assistant to Dora Kalff in the 1980s through UCSC Extension programs, she was an STA founder
and is a current Assistant Editor for the Journal of Sandplay Therapy, a previous board member, membership and
conference chai, and is currently STA Past President. She has presented nationally and internationally. She is past
president of Seattle Child Therapy Association and Jungian Psychotherapists Association, and has been on the
executive board for Pacific Northwest Society of Jungian Analysts.
Cheryle Van Scoy, RN, MN, MA, JA, SP, is a sandplay advocate with a diverse professional background in
the medical sciences, art, design, and analytical psychology. Her private practice in Santa Barbara, CA is devoted
to psychological/ physical exploration and unveiling of soul meaning for individuals confronting somatic and/or
psychological symptoms, especially blocks in creative expression.
Barbara Weller, MSW, LICSW, ISST/CST-T, is a founding member of STA. A teaching member of STA,
she is in private practice in Duluth, MN. She has contributed interviews and articles to the Journal of Sandplay
Therapy.
Jacquelyn K. Wiersma, PhD, STA Associate has studied and practiced sandplay since 1987. She is a founding
and continuing member of MSTG, and she is currently a member of the STA Research Committee. In addition to
her private practice in Minneapolis, she has taught in doctoral psychology training programs at St. Mary’s University,
Minneapolis, the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, the University of Minnesota, and the University
of Michigan. She has also worked as a senior training psychologist at Hennepin County Medical Center and as the
Director of the Child Guidance Clinic at North Memorial Medical Center in Minneapolis.
Shannon Yockey, LCSW, ISST/CST, has over 20 years experience working with children and families in mental
health agencies, church communities, overseas military, and currently is in private practice. She works with teens and
adults using EMDR, sandplay therapy, and mindfulness practices in Fort Collins, CO. She is an EMDRIA approved
consultant and therapist. She has presented nationally on sandplay and EMDR and specializes in early attachment
trauma, relational trauma, anxiety and life transitions. ​She is also an analytic candidate in the Inter Regional Society
of Jungian Analysts.
Judy Zappacosta, MA, MFT, ISST/CST-T, has maintained a private practice in Santa Cruz, California for 31
years. She consults to and supervises therapists using sandplay, and she has published and taught both nationally and
internationally. She is Editor of the book, Pearls: Defining Moments in our Lives. She is co-founder of Caring for the
Soul, offering international trainings, and is Assistant Editor of the Journal of Sandplay Therapy.

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION
Conference Hotel
Doubletree by Hilton – Skokie
9599 Skokie blvd., Skokie, IL 60077
Call 1-800-222-8733. To reserve a room at the conference
rate, call the hotel directly by the May 10, 2016 cut-off date
and ask for the STA rate.
Conference rate: $124 single or double + $16.74 tax. (The rate
is good three days prior and post conference).
Airport & taxi service.
The closest airport to the hotel is O’Hare, and taxi is the
best option for transportation.
American taxi, 847-673-1000, is recommended by the
hotel; 303 taxi skokie: (847) 303-0303 or www.303taxi.
com/local/skokie.html is also an option. Both offer flat
rates of $28-29. You can also ride share on supershuttle,
rate is $138 for four people, roundtrip, www.
Supershuttle.com.
Case Consultation: Group & Individual
Be sure to sign up when you register.
Please contact Antoinette Eimers (eimers8@aol.com)
for additional information, to reserve a place, to present
a case in group consultation, or to arrange individual
consultation with a teaching member.
Group consultation with Certified Teaching Members
(10 participants per session). Gain practical skills
through casework examples of applied theory and
practice in Jungian-Kalffian sandplay therapy. Offered
for therapists who have begun or completed their own
sandplay process. This is an opportunity to acquire
hours toward the STA membership requirement for
group supervision, at no additional charge. Consider
arranging to present a case, which is another part of the
requirement.
Individual consultation is available by appointment at the
special rate of $75 hour. A list will be made available to
registrants prior to the Conference. This is an opportunity
to learn from teaching members who are not one of your
primary consultants, including ones with special skills and
interests.
! SILENT AUCTION !
The Silent Auction begins Thursday afternoon and
closes Saturday evening. Please be generous in donating
miniatures to benefit the Journal of Sandplay Therapy.
Pre-ship items to Lisa Fowler, 5229 E. Orchard Rd. Ste.
26B, Skokie, IL, 60077, no later than May 20, 2016.
Carry-in items: please log them in at the Registration or
Auction desk. Thanks!
REGISTRATION
Please register online at:
www.regonline/sta2016
Questions about registration: Shannon Kilkenny:
Shannonkilkenny@gmail.com.
All other questions: sta@sandplay.org
STA Member or Associate - full conference
Through February 29 - $450.00
March 1 - March 31 - $500.00
April 1 - April 30 - $550.00
After May 1 - $600.00
Non Member Or Associate - Full Conference
Through February 29 - $500.00
March 1 - March 31 - $550.00
April 1 - April 30 - $600.00
After May 1 - $650.00
Student Member Or Associate - Full Conference
Through February 29 - $375.00
March 1 - March 31 - $385.00
April 1 - April 30 - $395.00
After May 1 - $425.00
Student Non-Member Or Associate - Full Conference
Through February 29 - $425.00
March 1 - March 31 - $435.00
April 1 - April 30 - $445.00
After May 1 - $475.00
Single Day (Friday Or Saturday)
Member Or Associate $175
Non-Member Or Associate - $200.00
Student Member Or Associate - $135.00
Student Non-Member Or Associate - $165.00
Pre-conference workshop only - full day or two half-days
Member or associate $120.00
Non-member or associate $150.00
Student member or associate $100.00
Pre-Conference Half Day Only
Member or Associate $60.00
Non Associate $75.00
Student $50.00
INDIVIDUALS NEEDING ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
Please inform STA and receive confirmation at least three weeks prior to the conference.

Continuing Education and Scholarship Information
CE Processing fee: $22 for PreConference, $25 for Conference.
Sign up for CE’s when you register.
CE’S AVAILABLE THROUGH AMEDCO
Satisfactory completion. Participants must complete an attendance/evaluation form in
order to receive a certificate of completion/attendance. Your chosen sessions must be
attended in their entirety. Partial credit for individual sessions is not available.
Psychologists. This course is co-sponsored by Amedco and Sandplay Therapists of
America. Amedco is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor
continuing education for psychologists. Amedco maintains responsibility for this program
and its content.
Professional and National Certified Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists (NBCC).
This course has been submitted for review.
Social Workers. Social workers participating in this course may receive up to 24 clinical
continuing education clock hours. Amedco #1346 is approved as a provider for social
work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.
org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Amedco maintains
responsibility for the program. ASWB Approval Period: 06/24/2015 – 06/24/2016.
Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval for
continuing education credits.
APT CREDITS FOR PLAY THERAPISTS AVAILABLE THROUGH APT
Association for Play Therapy, Approved Provider 13-343.
STA Diversity Training Scholarship
Sandplay Therapists of America is actively working to encourage and support the cultural,
racial, gender, sexual orientation, and economic diversity of our community.
Financial Aid is available to attend the Pre-Conference Fundamentals of Sandplay Course.
If you are interested in obtaining an application, please contact: STA Training Scholarship
application: sta@sandplay.org. Send completed scholarship applications to Sana.Loue@
case.edu. Work study opportunities are not available.