Title:
Sandplay Therapy with Children Webinar Series 2025
Webinar 1: The Beginning: Creating the Free and Protected Space
Format:
Online
Dates and Times:
Monday 13th October 2025
5pm – 7pm AEST
7pm – 9pm NZ
Description:
In this webinar we cover the complexities to be considered when beginning sandplay therapy with children. How do we cultivate and maintain a Free and Protected space? We will cover working with separated parents; clarifying parental expectations of treatment using sandplay; setting limits; considerations about whose needs are being met and the interplay between directive and non-directive approaches in the sandplay therapy consulting room.
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
Presenter’s Details
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.