Dates (must attend all 6 meetings): 

February 3rd, 2026

February 17th, 2026

March 3rd, 2026

March 17th, 2026

March 31st, 2026

April 14th, 2026

Times: 9 am - 12 pm (all days-Central US time-presenter based in Austin, Texas, USA)

Hours: Making room at the table: Using sandtray therapy to safely recognize and care for dissociative parts has been approved by NBCC for NBCC credit. Marshall Lyles is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-5168

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

Description: Dissociation is a misunderstood and mistreated protector as clinicians are often taught to fear this nervous system adaptation. While dissociation does require special care, clients deserve to have these parts of self to be welcomed into their therapeutic work. Sandtray-based play therapy, when handled carefully, can be utilized in learning to recognize dissociative pockets in clients of all ages and provide these states the messages of support they deserve. This virtual workshop series will explore these concepts through lecture, case examples, group discussion, and experiential activities. 

​*As an added benefit, you have the option to sign up for a virtual 2-hour group consultation. 

Learning objectives:

1. Discuss dissociation from a nervous system point-of-view using anti-ableist language

2. Discuss honoring non-trauma aspects of altered states of consciousness

3. Describe multicultural perspectives that speak to non-clinical views of dissociation

4. Describe the various protective states engaged by body and mind when under threat

5. Explain the basic tenets of sandtray therapy

6. Discuss methods of assessing for and honoring dissociation in sandtray-based, relationally-sensitive interviews

7. Describe expressive arts tools that could support sandtray work when exploring clients' relationship with dissociation

8. Describe sandtray therapy adaptations when working with complex trauma and dissociation

9. Discuss sandtray therapy client behaviors that can reveal pockets of dissociation

10. Describe ways to use the sand tray for spontaneous brief moments of psychoeducation about dissociation

11. Discuss ways for effectively working with emergence of dissociation during sandtray therapy sessions

12. Discuss client-sensitive methods for closing a sandtray therapy session after working with dissociation

Registration information: The registration fee is $480. 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 via zoom and participants will need access to the internet as well as have some sandtray therapy materials available.

IMPORTANT: If you do not receive the zoom link within 24hrs of the event start time, please email marshall.lyles.assistant@gmail.com as soon as possible to ensure you are able to attend live.

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