Webinar 2: Clinical issues

Title:

Sandplay Therapy with Children Webinar Series 2025
Webinar 2: Clinical issues

Format:

Online

Dates and Times:

Monday 10th November 2025

5pm – 7pm AEST
7pm – 9pm NZ

Description:

In this webinar we will reflect and discuss clinical issues that often emerge in the sandplay therapy consulting room. What might certain sandplay/play behaviours suggest? What do you do when these occur? Some examples are: When sand is spilt outside the sand tray; Or when water floods a scene. Do you limit water use? Why or why not? We will also reflect on our own practice and our own limits.

STANZA Certification hours:

2

Cost:

AUD$180

CPD Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives of the Sandplay Therapy with Children Webinar Series 2025. At the end of these three webinars, participants will be able to:

• Set the clinical frame for use of Sandplay Therapy with children
• Understand and apply the concept of the ‘Free and Protected’ Space
• Deepen their understanding about the symbolic meaning of commonly seen sandplay/play therapy behaviours in the consulting room
• Apply limit setting whilst maintaining the integrity of the Free and Protected space
• Deepen reflection of their own practice and own limits in the consulting room
• Explain the sandplay therapy process to other professionals in the child’s life
• Understand some of the reasons why children insist on having parents/carers in the consulting room

Presented by:

Dr Mary Raftopoulos and Jean Parkinson

Professional Qualifications:

Certified Sandplay Therapists – Teachers (STANZA/ISST)

Presenter/s Bio:

Mary Raftopoulos, PhD, is a registered Psychologist/Supervisor (AHPRA), Play Therapist & Approved Supervisor (APPTA) and the first Internationally Certified Sandplay Therapist-Teacher (ISST CST-T) in Victoria. Mary’s work spans over 20 years across a range of settings in Melbourne, London and Vancouver in public health, education, the non-profit sector and private practice. For over 10 years, Mary worked as a Senior Psychologist at the Royal Children’s Hospital, specialising in the treatment of childhood trauma and abuse. She is now in full time private practice offering psychotherapy, supervision and consultation to agencies and schools.

Jean Parkinson is a Registered Art Psychotherapist in private practice in Auckland, NZ . Now working primarily with adults in Sandplay Therapy; until recently with children and families. Specific interest in attachment, trauma, neuro-development. Experience in child protection, education, clinical supervision and natural disaster response. Founder of Sandplay Aotearoa.