Sandplay in Aotearoa/New Zealand

The discipline of Sandplay Therapy as recognised by the International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST) is still relatively new to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Jean Parkinson (Auckland) and Carina  Conradie (Hamilton) are both Certified Sandplay Therapists and Teaching Members (CST-T) with ISST. They achieved certification as Independent Members of ISST in 2017 as there was no National Society. However, in 2023, at the ISST International Congress in Jerusalem, STANZA – the Sandplay Therapy Association New Zealand and Australia was formally approved. Carina and Jean are on the foundation Executive for STANZA. For further information go to www.stanza.asn.au

National Sandplay Therapy organisations are found throughout the world. For further information go to www.isst-society.com/member-societies/

The formation of a National Association provides a more accessible pathway to certification as an ISST Certified  Sandplay Therapist (CST) and a Teaching Member (CST-T). STANZA offers Associate Membership for individuals pursuing CST including information and Forums. For specific information go to www.stanza.asn.au

Individual CST-Ts offer Training, Supervision and Personal Process. Opportunities in NZ will continue to be advertised on www.sandplayaotearoa.co.nz/event-information/  For Supervision and Process work opportunites, contact Carina or Jean directly or through info@sandplayaotearoa.co.nz

There are other practitioners of Sand Tray and Sandplay Therapy throughout the country, training in Sandplay Therapy as developed by Dora Kalff and supported by the psychology of C.G.Jung. Sandplay Therapy candidates who are not yet ISST certified, must be registered and practice under their individual psychotherapeutic registrations and Codes of Ethics. In Aotearoa New Zealand practitioners are registered with ANZACATA, NZAC, NZAP, NZAPs and similar.

ISST teachers and supervisors acknowledge and support the reality that Sandplay in Aotearoa New Zealand has a unique cultural and spiritual embodiment. Distance from the origins of Sandplay need not dissuade us from discovering the treasure. There are opportunities to grow our therapeutic knowledge in various ways. With growth in numbers, bringing/inviting ISST teachers to Aotearoa New Zealand to broaden our learnings had been an active focus prior to Covid . For past events, go to www.sandplayaotearoa.co.nz/event-information/  Header PAST EVENTS. From 2024 onwards, with the establishment of STANZA, access to a broad range of CST-Ts in Australasia is now easier.

Sandplay in Australia

In Australia there is a growing number of Sandplay Therapists who have earned certifications with ISST. For more information please go to: stanza.asn.au/sandplay-therapy-institute