Professional development
Sand Play Therapy Course
When words are difficult, a new way of expression can begin.
Expand your professional toolkit with a gentle, creative approach that allows clients to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences through sand, miniature figures, and symbols.
5 weeks
On-site training
Small supportive groups
KHDA APPROVED
The learning roadmap
What will you learn?
Understand the foundations
Explore the history, theoretical principles, and development of sand play therapy, including the role of symbols and creative expression.
Create a safe, welcoming space
Learn how to prepare an environment that supports trust, respect, and client-led exploration.
Set up and facilitate sessions
Develop practical skills in preparing materials, introducing the process, and supporting clients without directing their creations.
Observe with sensitivity
Explore ways to notice symbols, themes, and patterns while respecting each client’s personal meaning and avoiding assumptions.
Connect learning with practice
Use supervised exercises and peer discussion to consider how sand play may complement your existing work.
Recognise professional boundaries
Consider when the approach may be appropriate, the limits of your role, and when further training, supervision, or referral may be needed.
Who is this course for?
Counsellors, psychologists, and therapists
Seeking to broaden their therapeutic toolkit.
Educators and learning-support professionals
Interested in supporting emotional expression within their professional role.
Healthcare and allied health practitioners
Looking to complement their existing approach.
Practitioners working with children, adolescents, or adults
Supporting people who may find verbal expression challenging.
This course is designed for professionals who want to bring a creative, non-verbal approach into their work.
Whether you work in private practice, education, or healthcare, this course offers an opportunity to develop additional skills within your professional scope.
Practical skills begin with hands-on learning
This course is delivered exclusively on campus because working with sand, miniature figures, and the session environment is central to the learning experience.
Enquire About Next Intake →You will move beyond reading about the approach to exploring it through guided practice, observation, and reflection.
Your learning experience includes:
Hands-on training with experienced instructors.
Supervised practice and collaborative peer learning.
Video tutorials, readings, and case studies.
Comprehensive materials to support your studies.
Connection with a supportive community of professionals.
The five-week format offers a focused opportunity for professional development alongside your existing commitments.
Recognition
Your Certification
This is an additional professional development course for people with a relevant qualification or professional background in counselling, psychology, therapy, education, healthcare, or a related helping field.
Participants should apply their learning within their existing qualifications and professional responsibilities.
If you are unsure whether your background is suitable, our team can help you explore your eligibility before you enrol.
Ask About Your Eligibility →
Certificate of Attendance
Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance from The Holistic Academy. This course is KHDA approved.
KHDA permit number 630742
The certificate recognises your participation in the course. It does not confer a professional therapy licence or replace the qualifications required to practise as a therapist.
What makes this approach different?
Sandplay offers a non-verbal space where clients can explore and express their inner worlds through miniature figures and sand, at their own pace.
Expression beyond words
Sand play offers another avenue for clients who struggle to describe their experiences verbally.
A process led by the client
Clients choose their figures and create their own scenes. The practitioner supports the process with attentive presence and curiosity.
Creativity with purpose
Sand and miniatures provide tangible materials for exploring experiences that may feel difficult to approach directly.
A complementary professional tool
The approach can sit alongside your existing methods, giving you greater flexibility in how you support clients.
Duration
5 weeks
Classes
Once a week
Class length
Four hours
Format
In-person training in Dubai
Materials
All course materials provided
Next intake
Ask admissions for the next date
Student stories
Hear it from the people who trained here
Real students Real experiences Real transformation
Choosing professional training is a big decision. Hear directly from students and graduates about their experience of the programme, what changed for them personally, and where their training has taken them.
Najiah
Laila
Sura
Cali
Debbie
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous experience in sand play?
Previous experience in sand play is not required. The course introduces the foundations and builds towards practical application. A relevant professional background is expected.
Is the approach only for children?
No. Sand play can be used with children, adolescents, and adults, subject to the practitioner’s training, scope, and the individual’s needs.
Can educators take this course?
Yes. Educators are among the intended participants. They should apply their learning within their educational role; providing clinical therapy requires appropriate professional qualifications.
Is this course available online?
No. This is a practical course delivered on campus at The Holistic Academy in Dubai. In-person participation allows you to work directly with the materials and take part in supervised exercises.
What certificate will I receive?
You will receive a Certificate of Attendance from The Holistic Academy for this KHDA-approved course.
Can I practise as a therapist after completing this course?
This course provides additional skills for an existing professional role. It does not confer a therapy licence or replace a qualifying professional programme.
How much does the course cost?
The course fee is AED 5,250.
When does the next course begin?
The start date is to be confirmed. Register your interest to receive the schedule and enrolment details when they become available.
Create more possibilities for connection
When you offer another way of expression, you create space for experiences that may otherwise remain difficult to share.
Join The Holistic Academy’s Sand Play Therapy Course and expand your professional toolkit with care, creativity, and respect.
Five weeks | On campus in Dubai | AED 5,250
Unsure whether this course is right for you?
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