Lara Kasza

Role: Founder and Creatrix of SandStory.

Hello!

I am the creator of SandStory Therapy® and a Creative Psychotherapist using the medium of sand and symbols. I work with amazing Therapists and Counsellors seeking a safe space for personal development.

I have a beautiful and spacious SandStory Centre in North West London [Stanmore] where I also offer Training, Supervision and Coaching in SandStory Therapy®, SandStory Skills®, SandStory Supervision® and SandStory Circles®.

However, before all of this, I had several careers which - looking back - I can see a 'golden thread' leading to who I am now and what I love to do,

My first career in my 20's after graduating with a distinction was to explore a deepening atraction to the contemplative life. After much searching - and researching [it was the subject of my dissertation] - I followed my drawing into the monastic community of the Discalced Carmelite nuns in Notting Hill, London,

It is a wonderful community and my time there was grace-filled and empowering!

My second career, however, was waiting for me in 2000 and I became Assistant and then Director of the Westminster Diocesan Deaf Service near Westminster Cathedral in Victoria.

I learned British Sign Language [BSL] up to Level 2 and loved communicating in sign the beauty of the Mass and other services to the Catholic Deaf community.

My third career began when I became a mother to my best-beloved son and recognised the power of a secure attachment. I became eager to learn about childhood psychological development and wellbeing and, in time, qualified as an Accredited Play & Creative Arts Therapist [PTUK].

I worked in both hearing and Deaf primary schools using the BSL I knew and completed a Masters researching the effectiveness of Play Therapy with Deaf Children from an attachment perspective - for which I was awarded a distinction, much to my joy!

I went on to qualify as a Senior Clinical Supervisor and thoroughly enjoyed supporting the growth of extraordinary Play Therapists.

I also undertook teaching through APAC, PTUK's teaching body, offering the Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills in London, Manchester and Cambridge, validated by Canterbury ChristChurch University and Leeds Beckett University.

I also spent 3 years teaching a blended online Masters in Play Therapy as the Course Director and Academic Supervisor, liaising with the various Universities and the Exam Boards as well as supporting the team of Academic Supervisors.

Qualifications & Registration

I am a member of BACP [the British Association Of Counselling and Psychotherapy] and am on the BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists [registration number 174056] accredited by the Professional Standards Authority [PSA] for Health and Social Care, an independent body accountable to Government.

The BACP Register of Counsellors & Psychotherapists is a public record of therapists who have met BACP's standards for registration. These standards cover training, supervision, continuing professional development and a commitment to BACP's Ethical Framework.

Along with other professionals also on the PSA Register, I was invited to be in their film which explains in a clear and succinct way what the Register means - please take a look by clicking: