Using Digital Sandtrays in Online and In-person Therapy - Self-paced, Online Course

13 Jul

Interested in adding digital sandtrays to your therapeutic toolkit?

This self-paced online course provides a clear, practical introduction to using digital sandtrays in both online and in-person therapy. Designed for counsellors, therapists, and other helping professionals, the training offers an overview of key tools and techniques, ethical considerations, and examples from recorded sessions. It’s a great fit whether you're just exploring the possibilities or ready to begin using digital sandtrays in practice.

What You'll Learn

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Explain the core principles and applications of digital sandtray therapy in both online and in-person settings
Evaluate the features of nine digital sandtray platforms, comparing accessibility, pricing, and data protection to make informed choices for your practice
Identify key considerations when selecting digital tools for safe and ethical therapeutic use
Observe and analyse four recorded therapy sessions to understand how digital sandtrays are applied in real-world clinical work
Apply practical strategies and techniques learned from example sessions to your own digital or blended therapy approach
Use comprehensive lecture materials and reference slides to support continued learning and integration of digital sandtrays into your therapeutic work

What’s Included

A 2-hour self-paced course with lifetime access
Comprehensive lecture content and downloadable reference slides
Comparison of nine digital platforms with guidance on safety and data protection
Four recorded example sessions demonstrating clinical use of digital sandtrays
Practical ideas and strategies for blending digital tools into your work
Optional group discounts available for teams and services

Who It's For

This course is suitable for counsellors, therapists, social workers, and other professionals working with children, young people, adults or families. It’s especially relevant for practitioners supporting clients with barriers to traditional in-person therapy.

What Others Are Saying

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It was informative, role play was excellent in sampling what to use and how to use it."
– Tracey Slater

"Learning about all the different options and variety of tools available... offers so many more ways to support children, young people and their families who have previously felt unable to access more 'traditional' therapy... Thank you so much Ellie!"
– Rike J

"Very informative course and I'm excited to get started with using the online resources!"
– Loraine P

"Interesting CPD. This course was excellent and informative. Demonstrations make it real and helped understanding."
– Angela Symes

"This training has given me knowledge and confidence to add this to my toolbox along with some great ideas. I would highly recommend it to other therapists."
– Sharon Telfer

Details at a Glance

Format: Self-paced online course
Length: Approx. 2 hours
Access: Lifetime
Cost: £35 per person
Group bookings: Discounts available upon request
Who it’s for: Helping professionals working in mental health, health care, social care or education settings

Explore the course and register here

Ellie Finch

Ellie Finch, MA MBACP (Accred), is a clinical supervisor, counsellor, and social worker specialising in support for neurodivergent clients and families of children with additional needs or complex conditions.

Her work is rooted in a neurodiversity-affirming approach, which values neurodivergence as a natural variation in human experience and focuses on building supportive, respectful environments rather than 'fixing' difference.

Ellie is known for her innovative use of creative digital tools and videogames like Minecraft in therapy to create accessible, engaging support. She is founder of PlayMode Academy, a non-profit social venture that trains professionals in the therapeutic use of creative digital tools.

PlayMode® Academy is part of Ellie Finch Counselling, Consultancy and Training Ltd, a non-profit company limited by guarantee (a structure often used by social ventures in the UK).

Ellie is also part of the University of Cambridge research team behind Bridging the ChASM: Creating Accessible Services using Minecraft - a project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) that explores the therapeutic potential of videogames and how they can be used to create more inclusive mental health support.

NOT AN OFFICIAL MINECRAFT SERVICE. NOT APPROVED BY OR ASSOCIATED WITH MOJANG OR MICROSOFT

https://www.playmodeacademy.org