COUN 5381:

Sandtray Therapy Methods

Fall 2006

Instructor: Linda E. Homeyer, PhD, LPC, RPT-S                                              Office: ED 4015

Phone: (512) 245-3757                                                                                           Office Hours: Appt. Recommended

E-mail : LHomeyer@txstate.edu                                                                           M 3:00 – 5:00, T 1:00 – 3:00

                                                                                                                                W 1:00 – 3:00

Course Description:

This course provides students with the philosophical basis for sandtray therapy as a therapeutic intervention for children and families, including a review of its history, applications, techniques, stages, and ethical issues. Didactic and experiential methods are used.

Prerequisites: COUN 5369 or permission of instructor.

Course Objectives:

Through participation in this class the student is expected to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical foundations of sandtray and sandplay therapy
• Demonstrate knowledge of materials needed: sandtray, categories of miniatures, etc.
• Identify populations with which to use sandtray
• Discuss the importance of a “free and protected space”
• Discuss the difference between directed and nondirected sandtrays
• Demonstrate knowledge of how to introduce sandtray to a client
• Demonstrate ability to process a sandtray
• Demonstrate the ability to document sessions
• Articulate the ethical considerations unique to sandtray

1. Identify special populations with which sandtray can be used and variety of ways to use sandtray

Required Texts:

Mitchell, R. R., & Friedman, H.S. (1994). Sandplay: Past, present & future. NY: Routledge.

Homeyer, L., & Sweeney, D. (1998). Sandtray: A practical manual. Canyon Lake, TX: Lindan

Press.

Optional Text:

Bradway, K., Signell, K. A., Spare, G. H., Stewart, C T., Stewart, Lk. H., & Thompson, C. (1990).

                Sandplay Studies: Origins, theory and practice. Boston: Sigo Press.

Methods of Instruction :

Methods of instruction include (not exclusively) lecture with PowerPoint, in-class experiential activities, group work (large and small), student presentation, audio-visual aids including videos, student research activities, and outside reading. It is expected that students be prepared for each class by reading required assignments prior to class; students will use knowledge from reading for in-class discussions (including questions) and assignments.

Course Requirements and Grading:

• Annotated Bibliography:                                                                              50 points
• Case Conceptualization:                                                                              100 points

                Practice as Sandtray Counselor:

                Participate in 5 sandtray sessions as the counselor.                     50 points

                Journal regarding this experience.                                                     50 points

                Complete session forms for each session                                         50 points

                                and case conceptualization                                                                25 points

• Experience as Sandplayer:

                Participate in 5 sandtray sessions as the client                               50 points

                Journal regarding this experience                                                       50 points

                Do your own case conceptualization of your work                        50 points

• Class Participation and Preparation                                                           25 points

                                                                                Total possible points:          500 points

No Tentative Course Schedule

Texas State University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. This university will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to register with Disability Support Services and to contact the faculty member in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations.