ICST Training

Do You Want to Expand Your Mental Health Expertise, Improve Your Clinical Skills, AND Level Up Your Practice?

Do you have a sandtray over in the corner of your room

and cringe when kids go near it?


Do you find yourself stuck with how to work with certain clients on your caseload?


Do you struggle to communicate the value of sandtray to parents?


Do you want to add more sandtray therapy to your practice and are unsure where to start?


Do you find yourself on the edge of burnout from all the trauma on your caseload?


Are you looking for a marketable niche for your growing play therapy practice?


Have you read the books, collected the miniatures, bought the cool sand and are asking yourself, now what?

Become a Sandtray Superstar

With

Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist (ICST) Training

  • Learn the what, why and how behind sandtray therapy so that you can communicate it to anyone


  • Gain confidence and capability in knowing the steps to facilitating sandtray in your practice so that you know what to say and when to say it


  • Add a marketable niche to your practice that reduces overwhelm on the therapist

Monarch Mastery Consulting and Training provides sandtray training toward the ICST credential. This experiential training is rooted in neuroscience and play therapy theory. We will form connections with a community of therapists while playfully mastering the therapeutic skills of sandtray.


ICST Training is a 6 month certification program taught in an experiential, didactic, & playful group setting.

Maybe you’re tired of working in a bubble and not having anyone to bounce ideas off of, or you’re looking to add a powerful evidence-based technique to your toolbox.


I know in my own practice, having sandtray in my therapy room has improved my confidence because I know a technique that speaks to my younger population of clients. Those clients and their parents experience faster and more effective results.


That’s why I’m so excited you’re here! As a fellow mental health professional I’m thrilled you want to add sandtray training to your current practice.


What is ICST?

The ICST training is a complete system to provide you the training needed to facilitate sandtray therapy in your practice.


Taught in a hybrid of in person & online learning, ICST moves through 4 key levels of wisdom to develop your expertise:


Levels 1 & 2 explore the introduction to sand tray therapy and the neuroscience of why it works.


Levels 3 & 4 deepen your skillset and offer key considerations for facilitating sand tray across different populations.


ICST begins with in-person training for Levels 1 & 2 followed by weekly online meetings to complete 15 hours of case consultation before regathering in-person for Levels 3 & 4 to complete your certification.


By the end of this 6 month training program, you'll not only have a new tool to help your clients, you will also reduce stress and burnout in yourself, while gaining a marketable skill for your practice.

The ICST Training is for mental health professionals who want to transform their lives, and the lives of their clients, using Sandtray therapy. It reduces burnout and the “not enough” feeling that some of us get by putting you at the forefront of therapeutic techniques and practices.


Completing the ICST Training as a cohort provides a safe space for mental health therapists to heal through connecting with other like-minded individuals and gain a lifetime of support and growth within that connection.


The cohort style means that the same group of individuals will complete levels 1 through 4 together at the same time, meeting regularly and opening themselves to self-development and a transformed practice.

Hear what our students have to say:

When joining the ICST program you will gain:

  • Connection with like-minded therapists


  • Capability to facilitate sandtray in your work with clients, knowing the what, why, and how behind sandtray


  • Confidence in your ability to help clients with a renewed spirit for the work you do and a deeper understanding of why you do it.

Are you prepared to transform your practice with the addition of sandtray therapy? Are you ready to up level and provide a deeper experience for your clients while reducing your stress?


What's Included

  • 50 hours in-person training (APT CEs Available)

  • 15 hours online consultation

Sandtray Starter Kit

  • Handmade Wooden Sandtray
  • 25 lbs. Original Jurassic Sand
  • Miniature Starter Kit
  • 2 Books on Sandtray
  • Documentation Templates for Sandtray Sessions
  • 6 Months Enrollment in Sandtray Suite Plus

The Complete Training Experience

  • Private Cohort Facebook Group
  • 2 Meals and Snacks Each Day
  • Stylish Personalized Tote Bag
  • Personalized Workbook and Handouts
  • Journal and Pen

Are you the Ideal ICST Student?

  • Ready to Feel Confident in Their Work
  • Committed to Quality Training
  • Excited to Integrate more Science and Evidence-Based Techniques
  • Willing to Try New Things

The Details:

Levels 1&2: July 10-14, 2023

Levels 3&4: December 4-8, 2023

Time: 9:00 am- 4:30 pm each day

Location: Butterfly Beginnings Counseling 2515 W Central Park Ave Davenport, IA 52804


The ICST Training follows the IAST guidelines. https://sandtraytherapy.org/icst-and-icst-p-standards/

The Training incorporates four levels, all with Approved IAST Provider – Kim Feeney, ICST-P #008.


APT Approved Provider #22-657

Level 1: Introduction to Sandtray Play Therapy (in-person 13 CEs)

Level One: Introduction to Sandtray Play Therapy has been approved by NBCC for NBCC credit. Monarch

Mastery Consulting and Training is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No.

SP-4087.

Level 2: The Neuroscience of Sandtray Play Therapy (in-person 12 CEs)

Level 3: Advanced Case Consultation and Personal Work in Sandtray Play Therapy (in-person 13 CEs)

Level 4: Advanced sandtray therapy course taught by IAST Approved Provider (in-person 12 CEs)


15 online case consultation hours with the same provider

Certification Specifics

Level One: Introduction to Sandtray Play Therapy

This workshop is an introductory class to sandtray work within the play therapy setting. It will cover how to work with both children and adults in sandtray as well as specific methods and techniques.


Key Learning Objectives:


Day 1:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of sandtray work in play therapy.
  2. Explain the difference between sandtray and sandplay therapy.
  3. Apply a basic understanding of materials needed for this work, such as miniatures, sand, and sandtrays.
  4. Demonstrate and develop skills needed to process sandtray with adults.
  5. List 20 directives for sandtray work in play therapy provided by the instructor and create others when given case examples from the instructor.
  6. Use several case studies of adults and apply an understanding of the process that occurred within the treatment.
  7. List 10 themes in the sandtray, including those which indicate mental health concerns and healing.


Day 2:

  1. Demonstrate an overview of developmental issues that occur within sand tray work with children and other special populations.
  2. Apply a basic understanding of non-directive play therapy as how it relates to working with children in the sandtray.
  3. Understand and experience role play of sandtray work and experience a role play of how this occurs with children and sandtray.
  4. Use several case studies of children and apply an understanding of the process that occurred within the play therapy treatment.
  5. Apply the latest brain-informed research behind the power of sand tray in play therapy.
  6. Create a group sandtray and demonstrate 3 ways that sandtray can be used in a group and family therapy setting.

Level Two: The Neuroscience of Sandtray Play Therapy

This workshop is an advanced sandtray therapy class within the play therapy setting. It will cover the brain science behind sandtray therapy and how this relates to working with clients in the sand.


Day 1:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of brain structure, especially in how this relates to play therapy.
  2. Apply the tenets of interpersonal neurobiology in a play therapy setting.
  3. Use several case studies in terms of neuroscience integrating with play therapy.
  4. Demonstrate how different ages work in the sand and play from a brain science perspective.
  5. Demonstrate the effect of trauma on the brain and how this affects sandtray therapy.
  6. Apply 2 new techniques to help explain the brain structure to how working in the play and sandtray setting.


Day 2:

  1. Apply the Poly-vagal theory and how this relates to play and sandtray therapy.
  2. Demonstrate to interpret sandtrays based within brain science.
  3. Demonstrate the importance of implicit vs explicit memories within therapy and play.
  4. Demonstrate skills to enhance your work as a facilitator of sandtray therapy.
  5. Apply the tenets of brain science research into your work in the sandtray.
  6. Demonstrate an explanation of how sandtray therapy can be a form of play therapy from a brain-informed method, including the nine pathways of integration.

Level 3: Advanced Case Consultation and Personal Work in Sandtray Play Therapy

This class is a two-day advanced class where you will gain further training in sandtray methods used in play therapy. Personal work will be used to practice sandtray techniques. This workshop will be focusing on understanding one’s own journey as a way to further appreciate the client’s world. Participants are encouraged to bring favorite miniatures as well as a journal. Sand trays will be provided.


Day 1:

  1. Recite how the brain works through the sandtray and play therapy process.
  2. Discuss and review several personal case studies as well as those provided by the instructor within the playroom.
  3. Discuss several case consolations provided by participants in the sandtray and play therapy room.
  4. Provide demonstration of personal work in the sandtray with the trainer and participants.
  5. Analyze 2-3 differing theories regarding the use of particular methods of sandtray work in the sand.
  6. Apply techniques in the sandtray and play therapy from both the client and therapist’s perspective.
  7. Identify 5-6 processing prompts appropriate for both children and adults in sandtray play therapy


Day 2:

  1. Analyze a live demonstration of the sandtray process and play therapy with a nonparticipant.
  2. Discuss demonstration using clinical tools learned in the sandtray process the previous day.
  3. Design 1-2 techniques to use in the sandtray therapy process from a particular theoretical orientation.
  4. Assess and critique personal processing skills in the sandtray while in pair exercises.
  5. Explain the importance of personal work within the sandtray as a tool to becoming an effective therapist through experiential exercises.
  6. Discuss how to incorporate sandtray and play therapy into other models of therapy.


Level 4: Level Four will be decided collectively based on the group’s needs.

Level Four will be discussed by the group within the Level One Training. It will be primarily based on the needs of the group and chosen by the end of Level Two, with a majority vote. A detailed list of these topics will be presented to the group prior to attending the Level One Training. The trainer is open to receiving suggestions for the group training at this time.


About Your Trainer

Hi, I’m Kim Feeney, LISW, RPT-S. I’m pleased to bring my unique balance of experience, expertise, and training to my new training center, Monarch Mastery Consulting and Training and specifically the ICST training. As a sandtray therapist for over ten years, I can personally speak to the power of utilizing sandtray with clients.


When I attended my ICST training, I was feeling depleted, exhausted, and alone. I had a solo practice working with children and families. My caseload and waiting list was extensive.


Through the magic and science of sandtray and connection with my cohort, I returned to my practice excited, inspired, and capable of implementing this new way of interacting with clients. In addition, I learned more about myself and why I love this work, and even discovered ways to improve and market my business centering around this new technique I had learned.


I now lead a small group practice. I enjoy facilitating sandtray therapy with my clients and helping them to gain insight into their ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Knowing the science behind the work has assisted me in conversations with parents, teachers, and other caregivers to validate my work with children.

Interested in my credentials?

Cost of Training

Complete Cohort: The Training includes 50-hours of in person training and 15-hours Online Case Consultation! That’s 65 hours all in one training, providing you with what you need to apply for an International Credential in Sandtray Therapy (plus all the other goodies)!


One Time Payment: $4,000

Ten Monthly Payments: $450

Twenty Bi-Monthly Payments of $225

Levels 1&2 only: One Time Payment $1000 or 10 Monthly Payments of $120

Level 1 only: One Time Payment $600 or 6 Monthly Payments of $115

There are many reasons why I found this training is valuable: The program is designed to encourage increased awareness related to “self of therapist” by practicing technique in a safe group setting. Actually experiencing what we’re asking clients to do matters when trying to introduce the concepts and the benefits. The group experience learning and sharing one’s own emotions with others creates opportunity to form lasting friendships. I found “my people” in sand tray. There is an extensive support network in which one can be involved to whatever degree needed. The process of obtaining a certificate helps with confidence in abilities as well as signifying completion/legitimacy. Sand tray allows the right(emotion) brain to say what the left(logic) brain cannot. Often a person is not even aware of the connection/meaning the miniatures set in the tray. Telling “the story” also can illuminate new understanding, therefore healing. The training is well rounded, with portions involving polyvagal, brain structure, attachment theory, and how to use techniques with other specific populations. It intense, and well worth it. - Dr. Margaret Houston, LMFT, ICST

The skill and knowledge demonstrated by Kim continues to amaze me. She is an amazing trainer and

has created a space for individuals to grow and learn. --Carmen Jimenez-Pride, LCSW, RPT-S, ICST

I learned a lot about therapy and about myself from the ICST certification process. I had the chance to learn the theory behind sandtray, why and how it works, and then practice the skills with members of my cohort. I have used these skills with clients of all ages and they love it! I even make my own trays when I want to do a little self-therapy or process a tough day. Our cohort of 8 has stayed in touch and we support each other. In fact, that is how I met Kim. I love her teaching style!!! She is very interactive and you will come away with plenty of new skills. Your career and skills are worth the investment! --Dr. Kris Yells, Ph. D., LCSW-S, ICST, CATP

ICST training was transformative. It not only allowed me to use sandtray confidently with clients, it also provided me with the information on how and the why sandtray works. I  gained insight into the benefits of sandtray and gained a community of providers that I continue to engage with regularly. Being a part of this community has been exciting as I have seen providers grow and flourish personally and professionally after they completed their ICST certification training. If you're on the fence about ICST training I say go for it it is definitely worth the time and money.  --Kristin Krippa, M.A., LPA, HSP-PA

Each level is provided in a small workshop format at my beautiful facility in Davenport, Iowa. You’ll get time to rest and get what you need with instruction while allowing you time to connect with the other therapists and work on yourself as well.


This program is what you’ve been searching for and more! Similar to the training I received from Southern Sandtray Institute, you will receive techniques, guides, resources, and a positive life-altering change within yourself! Feel the beauty, brilliance, and healing power of Sandtray while forming a lifetime connection with similar-minded professionals. Breathe it all in and enjoy! Take the leap, come heal and connect with Monarch Mastery Consulting and Training.


Questions? Email kim@monarchmastery.com


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the training?

The training is $4000 or ten payments of $450 or twenty payments of $225


When is the training?

Levels 1&2: July 10-14, 2023 Levels 3&4: December 4-8, 2023


Are play therapy CE's offered?

Yes, Monarch Mastery is an APT Approved Provider!


What are the benefits of having an ICST Credential?

An ICST credential gives you a marketable niche, backed in science that you can explain to parents. You will be listed on the ICST clinician directory, allowing you to stand out as an expert to be referred to.


What type of clients can benefit from sandtray?

Sandtray can be utilized with the littlest of clients, children, teens, and adults. It is an effective intervention for traumas like abuse, neglect, foster and adoptive kids who have been removed from the home due to physical and sexual abuse, food insecurities, neglect due to drug use. It is also effective with everyday adjustments and transitions: new schools, divorce, anxiety, new sibling, grief and loss, or anxiety/depression.


I'm not sure yet. What should I do?

You can email me at kim@monarchmastery.com, or we can schedule a 15-minute call


I'm ready to sign up. What are the next steps?

Click the purple button below to register.

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