Virtual Sand Tray Therapy Ethics and Practice

About This Event

We are excited to offer this 1-day Online Course.

Online therapy is an incredible tool that is now a staple in many practices because of its accessibility. Virtual tools for experiential-relational therapies such as Sand Tray can allow us to connect to clients in new and dynamic ways beyond the physical constraints of traditional sand tray approaches.

This day will focus on exploring emerging considerations in virtual play therapy and the ethical use of AI-assisted tools for clinical practice, with attention to how these technologies can extend accessibility, creativity, and co-regulation in online/digital settings while maintaining therapeutic relational integrity. Through interactive discussions, demonstrations, and guided exercises, students will explore how to:

• Adapt physical Sand Tray work to digital platforms or home-based trays.
• Ensure client safety, emotional regulation, and session integrity remotely.
• Navigate legal, regulatory, and professional requirements in BC (including BCACC standards, PIPEDA, and telepsychology guidelines) for AI and digital therapy.
• Integrate culturally safe, accessible, and client-centered approaches.
• Apply ethical and practical strategies for using digital Sand Tray tools, capturing documentation pictures securely, and managing technical challenges.

Trainers:

Patricia Felzien MACP, C.C.C., R.C.C.

As a registered clinical counsellor, I specialize in working with children, youth, and their caregivers, focusing on trauma through somatic and experiential therapies, including Neuro-Science Satir Sand Tray Therapy (NSST) and more. I have facilitated numerous educational and therapeutic groups over the past 15 years. I discovered Sand Tray Therapy in 2017, became certified in NSST in 2022, and also have a Level 1 NSST Trainer certification. For more information visit thrivewellbc.com/meet-the-team

Beth Scholes MACP, R.C.C.

As a family systems therapist, I specialize in developmental relational trauma, including anxiety and complex chronic shame. In my private practice, I work with families, children, and individual adults. I’ve been using Sand Tray Therapy since 2017 with clients for trauma intervention, play therapy, families, and so much more. I am excited to share this powerful tool! I bring to this training both Jungian and NSST approaches. Additionally, I am certified in adult education, which I deeply love, with 20+ year of experience. For more information visit bethscholes.com

Friday, June 26: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Course Content

• Understanding modality-specific considerations for virtual experiential play therapies
• Incorporating digital tools into Sand Tray therapy
• Ethical considerations of virtual therapy and AI
• Physical Sand Tray done virtually
• Sand Tray and virtual parent support

Who This Course Is For

• Master’s level counselling students
• Therapists working with children and families
• Clinicians wanting to deepen experiential and relational practice
• Experience with sand tray is recommended

You will leave with practical tools you can apply immediately.

In order to facilitate group learning, there is a limited number of seats available. Early bird discounts and a waitlist are available.