Providing EMDR through Sandtray Therapy​

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

Date: January 30-31, 2026 (9a - 4:45pm CST for both days)

Hours: 12 EMDRIA CEs (EC Program Approval Number: #18012-32)

Description: EMDR provides a solid platform for conceptualizing and treating trauma in an efficient and client-sensitive manner. Supported by empirical data and becoming a mainstay in the clinical community, clients of all ages can find relief by integrating memory networks impacted by trauma through the use of EMDR’S eight phased-approach. However, some clients benefit from the utilization of a metaphor-led process that allows the right brain time to become more involved in the therapeutic work. Regardless of age, sandtray therapy provides such an opportunity. This 2 day, 12 CE workshop will highlight the relevant neuroscience informing EMDR and sandtray therapy before walking through each of EMDR’s eight phases with sandtray integration.

Objectives:

1. Identify the basic tenets of EMDR and how it is applied to sandtray therapy

2. Discuss the intersection of historically significant sandtray therapy clinical theories and EMDR’S AIP model

3. Discuss key concepts from relational neuroscience shared by both sandtray therapy and EMDR clinical work

4. Apply sandtray therapy techniques to EMDR history taking

5. Evaluate the timing of EMDR resourcing in sandtray therapy treatment planning

6. Process methods for executing different EMDR preparation and resourcing skills using sandtray therapy

7. Evaluate trauma reprocessing (EMDR phases 3-7) using sandtray therapy

8. Describe different BLS/DAS techniques conducive to sandtray therapy EMDR sessions

9. Evaluate the integration of EMDR and sandtray therapy through an extensive case study

10. Exhibit session skills by practicing and receiving coaching during mock EMDR sessions using sandtray therapy methods

11. Recognize the limitations for populations not suited for sandtray therapy and EMDR12. Develop a sample treatment plan for a mock client using sandtray therapy/EMDR

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Registration information: Participants will need to attend both days. The total cost is $420 and payment is due at registration.

Location: The training will occur at The Workshop, 300 Allen St., Austin, TX, 78702

Cancellation policy: Registration is non-refundable; any participant who needs to cancel is welcome to find someone to fill their spot. To address any concerns or to resolve any disputes regarding this event, email marshall.lyles.assistant@gmail.com.