Sandplay Conversation with Ellen Searle LeBel
Via Zoom
Wednesday August 14, 2024, 6-8 PM CENTRAL TIME
INSPIRATION, EXPLORATION, AND GUIDANCE
WRITING YOUR SANDPLAY SYMBOL PAPER
A 2 hour interactive class taught by Ellen Searle LeBel, LMFT, CST-T
Course Description: The purpose of writing a symbol paper is to develop your ability to understand symbolic representation by exploring possible meanings, emotions and psychological responses, and in the context of the therapeutic relationship in sandplay. Many people find that writing the initial paper is deeply engaging and creative. The sandplay symbol paper is a requirement for becoming a Certified Sandplay Therapist and is read by a certified member of STA/ISST. The framework of this course refers to the newly revised STA Handbook guidelines for writing the initial paper and submitting it to a reader.
Inspiration: Which symbols captivate or inspire us? How do we select a symbol that speaks to and will be acceptable for the paper? Each person briefly shares their idea or story about a symbol they are considering for the paper for open discussion. Ideas about how to begin the process of writing will be offered.
Exploration: Having identified potential symbols, we then turn to exploring myriad ways to research, amplify, connect them to sandplay, and look at levels of associations culturally, personally, and professionally. Using the STA guidelines for a symbol paper, each person will identify how to proceed with research, receive a list of resources, and be encouraged to read a variety of symbol papers.
Guidance: Defining the parameters of the written paper includes reviewing what the reader expects will be evident to meet the criteria. Specific suggestions will be offered to assist with the process of writing, setting goals, finding help as neededwith editing or structure, getting consultation or having a writing partner, and enjoying the experience along the way.
Conclusion: Final questions and reflections about the training.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Ellen Searle LeBel, LMFT, CST-T, published her first symbol paper, The Dancing Snake Goddess, in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy in 2004. Since then she haswritten several other articles, most recently in June 2024 on The ArchetypalAffects in Sandplay Therapy in the JST. She has taken the STA training on reading initial papers and been a reader, case consultant, and presented at numerous conferences. Ellen enjoys relationships with many MSTG members and looks forward to offering this workshop. She lives in Northern California.
Seven Phases of a Sandplay Process (Freedle, 2007) and Seven Steps to Healthy Boundaries (Saul, 2024):
Could these be related?
Via Zoom
Thursday, November 7, 6 – 8 PM (Central Time)
You will find two questions on the back of my book, From Pain to Power: Seven Steps to Healthy Boundaries. “What if there was a clear roadmap for establishing healthy boundaries? What if you could find yourself in the process?” After my divorce, there were seven steps that became clear as I set out on the Hero’s Journey, seeking the healthy boundaries I hadn’t figured out in my growing up. Imagine my surprise and delight when I realized they walked in step with Lorraine Freedle’s (2007) Seven Phases of a Sandplay process!
This Sandplay Conversation will
· explore these similarities,
· look at a Sandplay case, and
· give you an experience of those Seven Steps to Healthy Boundaries.
Come with a boundary situation that is challenging you. We’ll run it through the Seven Steps so you can upend your old pattern and come away with new perspectives and responses, both inside and out!
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Ellen H. Saul, MS, LP, CST-T (STA & ISST) is a licensed psychologist and international sandplay teacher (STA/ISST) with over 30 years of experience in mental health agency and private practice settings. Ellen specializes in play therapy, Kalffian sandplay therapy, attachment work and trauma; she is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and is trained in EMDR (Level 2). She has studied with Dr. Agnes Bayley and incorporates “In Touch Again” attachment repair play therapy strategies in her work. She has written for the Journal of Sandplay Therapy. She has served on the Board of Trustees for Sandplay Therapists of America and on the board of Minnesota Sandplay Therapy Group. She is the author of From Pain to Power: Seven Steps to Healthy Boundaries (2024).