Humanistic Sandtray Therapy

Ryan D. Foster, PhD, LPC-S, CHST, is associate professor of counseling and department head at Tarleton State University and director of the Humanistic Sandtray Therapy Institute in Fort Worth, Texas.

“This book begins with a clear and well-articulated explanation of Humanistic Sandtray Therapy, rooted in person-centered gestalt theory. Ryan Foster builds on this as he describes the five phases of HST, clearly explaining theory and how it works in each phase. The chapter on ableism and disabilities is profound. The case examples are as insightful as they are informative. Ryan’s detailed application to many settings and with various populations are extremely thorough and helpful. So much information in this book could be applied to many sandtray approaches. Ryan does an outstanding job of providing a comprehensive guide to HST.”Linda E. Homeyer, PhD, Distinguished Professor Emerita, Texas State University“Humanistic Sandtray Therapy will benefit generations of seasoned practitioners as well as those new to the helping professions. Ryan Foster has artfully provided readers with a deep and most practical understanding of humanistic sandtray therapy and its benefits. What is more, he beautifully integrates the theoretical underpinnings of the method.”Rick Carson, approved supervisor, AAMFT, author of Taming Your Gremlin and A Master Class in Gremlin Taming“The title of this book says it all—it really is the definitive guide to the why and how of Humanistic Sandtray Therapy. Ryan Foster provides thoroughly engaging and in-depth descriptions of the rationale for HST, the tools needed by practitioners, the process of therapy, and strategies for processing trays with clients. He also addresses neurobiology and trauma in the context of HST and the application of this brilliant modality with multicultural populations, preadolescents and adolescents, people with disabilities, in groups, with couples and families, and in schools and community settings. With humility and humor, he provides practical examples along with guidelines for using HST with clients and in supervision. If you want to learn how to be a humanistic sandtray therapist, this book is an invaluable resource.”Terry Kottman, PhD, LMHC, RPT-S, director, League of Extraordinary Adlerian Play Therapists

• Part I: The Humanistic Sandtray Therapy Framework and Process 1. Theoretical and Philosophical Tenets of Sandtray Therapy 2. Putting Together Your Sandtray Collection and Physical Environment 3. Structure and Phases of Humanistic Sandtray Therapy 4. Process Skills and Strategies in Humanistic Sandtray Therapy 5. Neurobiology, Trauma, and Humanistic Sandtray Therapy Part II: Developmental Considerations and Cultural Adaptations 6. Multicultural Adaptations of Humanistic Sandtray Therapy 7. Humanistic Sandtray Therapy with Preadolescents and Young Adolescents 8. Adaptations of Humanistic Sandtray Therapy for People with Disabilities Part III: Clinical Applications and Settings 9. Humanistic Sandtray Therapy in Group Work 10. Humanistic Sandtray Therapy with Couples and Families 11. Humanistic Sandtray Therapy in School and Community Counseling Settings Part IV: Training, Supervision, and Research 12. Humanistic Sandtray Therapy Group Training Model 13. Humanistic Sandtray Supervision 14. Sandtray Therapy Research 15. Contemporary Issues and Future Directions Appendices