My Great Aunt Mollie, the wisest of women and hostess who believed wholly in Abundance, once famously said: “Everyone is invited to the table. It’s a party! They’re welcome here. And if they choose not to join us, let them live and be well.”
Three years ago, in 2019, a wonderful group of committed and dedicated therapists practicing sand therapy got together and decided to create an Association called the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals (WASTP). We would invite and include any and all mental health practitioners who focus on sand therapy in their work. All were welcome at the table – whatever their theoretical perspective, technique, and approach.
Our Mission is to equip and serve those working to improve mental health by promoting the integrity of sand therapy through research supports, training, community building, and ethical standards of practice. We seek to inspire the growth of an inclusive global community which honors this healing practice.
Our Vision is to unite diverse sand therapy voices and to ground the community in clear competencies for the ethical practice of sand therapy. We seek to foster a nurtured global community of sand therapy colleagues in an environment which strongly upholds anti-oppressive practices. We strive to practice cultural humility, and are strengthened by the diverse backgrounds and identities of sand therapy professionals. We value Community, Inclusivity and Competency.
We have held a yearly Conference since 2019 (online, in-person, and sometimes a hybrid); and monthly trainings by experts in the field. WASTP is currently working to establish a foundational and advanced Sand Therapy Certification program, committed to providing training in evidenced-based competencies. through the published research in core competencies in Our World Journal for Sand Therapy Practice® publishes research in core competencies, practice, theory application, book reviews and a focus on miniatures. We are proud of our Board, our Advisory Board, and membership. We invite you to check out our website and join us – as a member and additionally for one of our dynamic and committed working Committees (Membership, Social Justice, Continuing Education & Training, Social Media, International Sand Community).
As our Advisory Board Member Dr. Linda Homeyer shared: “Sand therapists now have a professional community. WASTP is a place for those of us who love the use of sand…The richness that comes from interacting
with colleagues with many theoretical backgrounds is priceless…having similar core values provides an environment where our work is understood and engages us for ongoing professional growth. WASTP’s worldview can be seen in our providing an online, free journal for everyone, everywhere…Come be a part of this exciting, growing association”.
Dr. Roz Heiko
President, WASTP