SANDPLAY THERAPISTS OF AMERICA

Lot of great happenings this November. More details and registration links here: https://lnkd.in/gZwhGwzP #sandplay #depthpsychology #therapytraining #mentalhealthtools

For those of us who can't fly to Portugal, there are still some great trainings coming up this month. This is particularly relevant to those in the mental health field including social workers, play therapists, LMFT counselors, art therapists, jungian analysts, and any others interested in getting some foundational introductions into Sandplay as a healing modality.

Up to date on STA news? Make sure you're signed up to receive our monthly newsletter and get access to current regional news, event listings, symbol studies, special deals and exclusive discounts, and more! It is one of the best ways to stay connected to us and our members! https://lnkd.in/geynUVFd

Did you know that the Journal of Sandplay Therapy is a peer-reviewed journal which publishes both domestic and international articles related to sandplay. It includes articles on member reflections, symbol explorations, and current research. You can now access many of those articles and abstracts online. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/g_dc_2B4

The first event this month is in 2 days! Full event descriptions and details can be found on our website: https://lnkd.in/gZwhGwzP

Explore the crossroads of sand, humanity, depth psychology, and gender dynamics in this Fall Workshop! Check out the website to register: https://lnkd.in/gubyWYFj #mentalhealth #depthpsychology #jungianpsychology #carljung #archetypes #symbols #psychology #arttherapy #therapists #lmft #mentalhealthprofessionals

STA's NEW MEXICO DIVERSITY PROJECT It's estimated that “one in twenty-five Americans live with a serious mental illness including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.” However, New Mexico shows particular vulnerability. In 2022, New Mexico’s Department of Health (NMDoH) shared that the state has the 4th highest suicide rate in the nation. (That's 79% higher than the national average.) ? Layers of identity also seem to impact propensity towards serious mental health needs, but it is often hard for under-served populations to find culturally aware therapists. Only 1 in 3 African Americans who need mental health care receives it (Dalencour, 2017). Gay, lesbian, or bisexual students in New Mexico were nearly three times more likely to plan a suicide attempt (NMDoH). Low incomes also create a higher risk for mental health distress and according to the American Psychiatric Association, Native Americans have the highest poverty rate of any ethnic group in the United States. The New Mexico Economic Department recognizes that 60% of New Mexico is Hispanic or Native American. ? Sandplay Therapists of America is striving to close that gap of providing more therapists of diverse backgrounds in local communities. Over the past 2 years, it has supported a brand new initiative to specially sponsor the education and training of 24 local New Mexican participants to help support marginalized communities. The resulting process has included incredible support from therapists around the country and was made possible by the generous donations from the New Mexico Sandplay Society, TeamBuilders Behavioral Health, LLC and a wonderful grant from Con Alma Health Foundation. Here's some fun facts about our wonderful participants: ? 54% are BIPOC ? 50% are bilingual ? 25% self-identify as LBGTQIA+ ? 100% serve marginalized populations and all participants agreed to provide free or significantly discounted services as part of their training. ? 14 New Mexican counties and 2 Tribal Nations are served through this project This group is adding much to our organization. We are excited to share experiences from this project at our upcoming National Conference and explore together the ways we can make mental health care more accessible and equitable. #diversity #diversityintherapy #newmexicotherapists #sandplay #playtherapy #depthpsychology

New to sandplay? Come learn the fundamentals at our special pre-conference! Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gF69qFBx This is an introduction to sandplay therapy, an expressive play therapy method based on the work of Carl Jung and developed by Dora Kalff. The client uses a sandtray, water, and hundreds of miniature objects to create scenes, designs, and pictures which reflect the conscious and unconscious contents of the psyche. Through the play and sandplay process and the relationship with the therapist, the client can address traumatic events, regulate emotions, increase executive functioning, foster individuation, and access the healing power of the Self.

Meet Dr. Alexander Shaia! We are honored to have him as a keynote presenter at our upcoming conference. ?? Learn more about this presentation, the conference and registration here: https://lnkd.in/gF69qFBx In this powerful presentation, Dr. Shaia will share his perspective as a poetic gay man, a sought after speaker, an author of 7 books, and so much more. Alexander believes that by recognizing the trauma handed to us from the early theorists, we will be better able to grow forward in celebrating or identities and welcoming divergent perspectives--including a wider understanding of gender, sexual expression, and the human person. ?? We hope you will join us when he shares his wisdom at the upcoming conference. (CE and APT credits available).