A warm welcome as you explore whether this training in SandStory Therapy® [Level 1] resonates within you and not only 'fits' with you but that you can see your Clients responding to.
I love the word 'Sandology' which the Urban dictionary defines as:
"The study of sand, surf, beaches, waves, water, shells, flotsam, jetsam, dunes, the coast, and the seaside. A never-ending course in the University of Life."
I've adopted the word purely because of the deliciousness of it for referencing the 'ology-ness' - the theory, philosophy, ethos - and applied it to SandStory Therapy®.
The creation of SandStory Therapy® is the story of a love-child - born from the narrative tradition of Storytelling, Sandplay [Kalff] and Sandtray [Lowenfeld] Therapy - and like all children, whilst resembling their parents, have their own unique characteristics.
In SandStory Therapy®, these are: the container of a 5 Stage model; a grounding focus on therapeutic presence; an awareness and facilitation of the organic story within each person; and a gentle, warm and safe graceful passage between the unconscious and the conscious, thereby allowing the Client to 'tell their story in the sand.'
The Sandology of
SandStory Therapy®
Level 1
SandStory Therapy®
Level 1
Online
Online training
For 2026, the course is offered exclusively as a self-paced online programme.
You’ll receive immediate access to all modules upon enrolment, allowing you to work through the material in your own time and at a pace that suits you.
All participants receive lifetime access for the duration of the training, and you’re warmly invited to connect with other SandStory Therapists in the official SandStory Facebook community:
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSandStory
Cost:
£400 per person.
In-person training
In-person training at the SandStory Centre in London is available with Shana Laffy, an amazing Certified SandStory Therapy® Trainer.
Her next course dates are:
For further information, cost and to book, go to:
https://heartfultherapy.co.uk/training/
Other incredible Certified SandStory Therapy® Trainers offer training in and around the UK and abroad:
For information andf location click HERE.
2026 in-person dates:
Friday 5 and Saturday 6 February
Course Contents:
Level 1
Online
Further information
What criteria is required to apply? Four things are needed to be eligible to enrol in this training: [1] To be qualified as a Therapist or Counsellor [Level 4 or above] or very close to gaining your qualification. [2] Have a current Clinical Supervisor. [3] Be a member of a Psychotherapy or Counselling Organisation and adhere to their Ethical Framework. [4] Hold all the necessary paperwork to practice safely such as an updated DBS and Insurance etc. Please note that all bookings are subject to an application process through which the SandStory Trainer reserves the right not to accept applicants wthout explanation. Any unsuccesful applicant will be automatically refunded. Should you have an interest in SandStory but do not have clinical training or experience, please look at the SandStory Skills® Programme.
What assignments are required to qualify? Once you have completed the training online, there are 2 forms to complete: [1] The Training Reflection form which captures your experience, reflections and learning of the course material; and [2] The Practice Reflection Form which offers a structure for an annonymised case study exploration from your practice. Please note the Practice Reflection may be submitted a scond time following a supervision session if the first submission is unsuccessful. For full Terms and Conditions, please read the Introduction page at the start of the training. On successful completion you will be crowned as a 'Registered SandStory Therapist' with the invitation to join the others on a Register of all SandStory Therapists.
What resources are offered in the training? Participants are welcome to download the free PDF Workbook and print it themselves if they'd like to use it.
What happens if I want a refund? If, within 14 days of purchase, you would like a refund, please email me at larakora@sandstory.org. Refunds are made minus a £50 admin fee.
I have some questions and need further information, who do I contact? That's great - and I do love responding to questions. So please contact me - either by filling out the enquiry form below or emailing me at larakora@sandstory.org.
Participant reviews
Nicola Sneddon
"I have always loved delving into the sand; therefore it felt like a natural step to do this course.
I wondered how it would be, attending online, given that sand therapies are so sensory, experiential and deep.
It was clear from the outset that Lara had given the whole process a great amount of thought, love and attention.
I appreciated that I had access to replay any Chapter in the future."
Shireen Green
"I believed that my Play Therapy training gave me a good understanding of sand and how to incorporate it within my therapy room until I enrolled on Lara's course.
This course was like opening a present at Christmas!"
Lynn Hollingshead
"I thought I knew a lot about sandtray since I have had many trainings in this. I was blown away by the use of SandStory and how it integrates well with other sand therapies and modalities.
This course has given me a more thorough understanding of using metaphor, symbols, and story telling and listening (presence) in my sand work."
Jacqui Cain
Sandstory Therapy® makes total sense! I love that it is a fusion of the three main sand therapies.
Lara delivers a thorough weekend of training, with time for questions and talking, in a completely safe and non-judgemental environment.
She is clearly passionate and it is infectious! Thank you Lara.