I offer introductory training weekends on working with sand in an integrative way. It is open to trained counsellors and therapists working with adults and/or children, also to teachers, youth workers and other professionals and trainees who wish to explore the transformational healing power of archetypes and symbols through the extraordinary medium of sand.
This is not a qualification but a CPD opportunity offering you some foundational skills to begin to incorporate therapeutic work with sand into your practice. Whilst we will cover some theory during this integrative sandplay training, these are predominantly experiential workshops and you will be creating your own sandtrays as well as learning from witnessing other participants' sandtrays.
Please note that Integrative Sandplay is different from the classic Jungian Sandplay, in that it incorporates many Jungian principles but also borrows from other models and perspectives. If you are interested in classic Jungian/Kalffian Sandplay, visit the website of the Association for Sandplay Therapy.
2026 Introduction to Integrative Sandplay Therapy
2027 Introduction to Integrative Sandplay Therapy
Training times:
Training Location:
The Sand & Sound Centre, Office 1 (ground floor), Digital House, 35 Ridling Lane, HYDE, Tameside, Greater Manchester SK14 1NP
CPD Certificates:
CPD Certificates (12 hours) will be issued in electronic format after the workshop.
Feedback from participants:
'This has been one of the best training courses I have done in a long time. I genuinely didn't want it to end (and I am often someone who wants to move on) - it was like being at home with the group and with Masha. Warm, engaging, insightful, moving, powerful...I could go on. If you want some experience and understanding of sand tray work - and even if you already do it but would like a different perspective - book on this training. It was a real privilege.'
'I attended a 2 day Integrative sand tray therapy course run by Masha Bennett this week, and wow! Amazing. Such powerful work that I can't wait to offer in my practice. Already collecting symbols and eyeing up trays! Thanks so much, Masha, totally recommend her training.'
'After day 2 of the Integrative Sandplay workshop I went away with so much knowledge and understanding. I cant wait to start sharing my new skills with my clients... i loved it.'
'What a really wonderful introduction to sandplay therapy this week. It was quite moving and thought provoking. I have already made a start working with some young people in the sandtray, and the results have helped them connect on a totally different level. Thank you, Masha, for your amazing training.'
'I recently completed the integrative sandplay therapy course with Masha and found it to be a wonderful experience. Masha is so nurturing and held the space so well. We were even treated to the gongs which was fantastic. I would definitely recommended her courses and look forward to hopefully attending more in the future.'
'I have sincerely loved your training as it has continued to re-energise my passion for the sand as a sand therapist!.. You have led us through this training with such skill, sensitivity and humour, I have loved every minute of it.'
Course fees 2026:
Standard fee £265, early bird £225 if booking with deposit paid at least three months in advance. Early bird discount is only offered to self-funding individuals - not if paid for by the employer. Some discounts may be available for candidates on low income. Deposit of £55 reserves your place. The deposit is not refundable but may be partially transferrable to a future workshop, minus £25 admin fee. The balance is payable one month before the course via bank transfer, after which there will be no refunds in case of cancellations for any reason. Please see our general cancellation policy HERE.
Included in the cost of the workshop:
* use of the Centre's extensive sandplay symbol collection
* light refreshments throughout two days (not lunch)
* course manual (delivered in electronic format)
* CPD certificate in electronic format
* email or phone support from the tutor in the month following the course (if needed)
Specialist Sand Therapy Courses
If you have completed Masha's 2-day Introduction to Integrative Sandplay (or equivalent) you are eligible to join one of the specialist sand therapy workshops - see below.
If you already have some experience/ training in working with sand (minimum 2 day training or equivalent) you are eligible to join the specialist Trauma in the Sand workshops
Two specialist 2-day courses taught by Masha Bennett, to support experienced counsellors, psychotherapists and play therapists in safely working with Trauma in Sand Therapy. Dates are 13-14th June 2026 for Part 1, 18-19th July 2026 for Part 2. Full details and booking HERE.
NEW 2-day course on working with Inner Child and other "parts" of personality, taught by Masha Bennett on 31st October-1st November 2026. Full details to be confirmed but you can book HERE with deposit now, as this is likely to be very popular.
This unique 1-day workshop taught by Masha Bennett explores the symbolism of Sound in Sand Therapy work as well as its practical applications as a healing agent in the sandtray. Full details HERE, 2027 date to be confirmed.
A unique opportunity to join this specialist 1-day workshop with Ann O'Sullivan on using Sand Therapy in working with clients with mild to moderate dementia. Please note this workshop is postponed till 2027, date to be confirmed. Full details HERE.
NEW 1-day course for clinical supervisors, trainee supervisors and experienced counsellors/therapists, with Masha Bennett, on practical applications of sandtray work in supervision. Please note this workshop is postponed till 2027, date to be confirmed.
Coming soon - details to be confirmed. To express your interest, please email Masha at admin@sandsoundcentre.co.uk
The 6-month online Sand Therapy Journeys is a personal and professional development programme for therapists and counsellors. You can put your name on the waitlist to receive the information about autumn 2026 intake HERE.
The 3-unit Introduction to Sand Therapy Journeys is open to all. It covers equipment, creation and witnessing of sandtray (including my own material unavailable elsewhere), history and clinical applications of sand therapy. To receive free access to this course please sign up for the waitlist for the full Sand Therapy Journeys programme HERE.
In sand therapy disclosure of difficult personal information is not required
You are in control of what you do in the sand therapy session
Sand therapy helps to enhance creativity and intuition
Sand therapy works mostly on unconscious level and does not demand conscious effort
Sand therapy can help promotes sense of play and fun, and reconnect us with creativity
Sand therapy is safe and powerful at the same time
Sand therapy can help enhance spiritual connection and growth
There is no requirement for home tasks to be completed between sessions
Sessions can take place at longer intervals than with traditional talking therapies
One-off or occasional sessions can be very powerful in their own right