Integrating sandtray therapy and expressive writing in the treatment of attachment trauma

Integrating sandtray therapy and expressive writing in the treatment of attachment trauma (plus 2 bonus days of a sandtray/writing retreat for all who attend!)

Description: Sand-based creations and poetic practices have been healing agents across cultures and for generations. Both sand and poetry offer space within a therapeutic context where time can momentarily pause as different inner voices receive the attention they need to feel empowered. When empowered, these different co-created wounded parts share their perspectives on pain and how they need repair. In this workshop, participants will enhance their work as clinicians by hearing about how the expressive arts of sandtray and poetry can be embraced by trauma clinicians in the healing of attachment wounds. No sandtray or poetry experience is needed for this highly experiential workshop.

After the two days of CE content, the event will transition to a retreat-style setting. Participants will be led through sandtray and writing activities that focus on personal development and empowerment. There will be additional elements that offer self-care and community building. We would love to welcome you to The Workshop!

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss overlapping histories of attachment theory and sandtray/poetry therapies

2. Describe methodology of attachment-based therapy through use of sandtray materials and techniques

3. Discuss how to offer therapy reflections with reflective functioning in mind

4. Apply attachment-aware reflection skills to the modalities of sandtray therapy and poetry therapy

5. Apply attachment-based and intermodal therapy interventions using sandtray and expressive writing

6. Identify 3 healing outcomes of expressive writing

7. Apply attachment-aware sandtray and poetry tools to resourcing for attachment-wounded clients

8. Describe at least 2 poetry-focused therapeutic interweaves for addressing blocked processing

Hours: Integrating sandtray therapy and expressive writing in the treatment of attachment trauma has been approved by NBCC for NBCC credit. Marshall Lyles is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-5176.

Presenter: Marshall Lyles, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S, EMDRIA Approved Consultant

Dates/Times: February 5-8, 2026, 9 am - 4:45 pm daily (Central time), except last retreat day that ends at 4 pm

Registration information: The registration fee is $600. If a payment plan or support is needed, put that in the questions section of the registration form and you will be contacted with details about how to proceed. The training will occur at The Workshop (300 Allen St., Austin TX 78702). Participants will secure their own lodging and meals (many AirBNBs are in the neighborhood), but light breakfast and snacks are provided.

Cancellation policy: Registration is non-refundable, but registrants can secure their own replacement.