Three cascading waterfalls through a rock gardenWe welcome your participation in the Sandplay Therapists of America®. Joining together supports our goals of high-quality education and professionalism in the growing field of sandplay therapy.

We are a nonprofit organization that operates as an all-volunteer service organization with administrative support from a few staff members. We depend on our members to vote and create the Board of Trustees, as well as run the organization within our written and accepted bylaws and code of ethics.

Sandplay recognizes four levels of membership. Anyone may become an Associate. After that, there are three levels of membership requiring application and training: Registered Sandplay Practitioner; STA/ISST Certified Sandplay Therapist; and STA/ISST Certified Sandplay Therapist – Teaching Member. Details on the requirements for each level of certification can be found in the STA Handbook (updated 2024).

Sandplay Associate

STA welcomes the participation and support of all people interested in sandplay therapy as Sandplay Associates. The combined participation of associates and members strengthens the continued development and professional recognition of sandplay therapy.

STA Associate membership includes the following:

Associates are a vital part of STA, comprising the growing number of professionals involved in and bringing new energy to sandplay therapy.

Registered Sandplay Practitioner (RSP)

The Registered Sandplay Practitioner (RSP) category of membership responds to an expressed need of Sandplay Therapists of America members to recognize professionals who have completed a personal process and some sandplay training. This membership category is offered to those interested in offering sandplay within the scope of their license and training.

RSPs receive all of the benefits listed for Associate, plus:

  • Approved to provide sandplay therapy without supervision.
  • May advertise as a “Registered Sandplay Practitioner.”
  • May attend members’ meetings and vote on STA issues.
  • Included on the STA website therapist listing.

Learn more about the certification process >

STA/ISST Certified Sandplay Therapist (CST)

Sandplay Certified Members are sandplay therapists who are recognized for having completed a personal sandplay process and for their extensive training, writing, and experience in sandplay therapy. Those wishing to apply to become candidates for Certified Membership must conduct their personal sandplay process with Certified Members (CST) and must conduct their and group case consultation with Teaching Members (CST-T).

CSTs have all of the benefits and privileges listed above for RSP, plus:

  • May advertise as a “Certified Sandplay Therapist.”
  • May provide sandplay therapy that qualifies others for membership at certified and practitioner levels.
  • May become a member of the International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST).
  • May vote on STA/ISST issues.
  • May serve as an advisor to those working toward RSP and CST certification.

Learn more about the certification process >

STA/ISST Certified Sandplay Therapist – Teaching Member (CST-T)

Teaching Member is the highest level of certification offered by STA and ISST. CST-Ts have all of the benefits and privileges listed above, plus:

  • May provide education to qualify others for membership at RSP, CST, and Teaching Member levels, such as workshops and courses.
  • May facilitate group or individual consultation/supervision of others who are working towards RSP and CST certification.
  • May serve as mentor for CSTs wishing to become teaching members.
  • May serve as reader for CST symbol papers.
  • May train to become a reader for CST final case papers.

Learn more about the certification process >