Social Sciences Psychology & Counselling

In many psychological therapies, language has long been regarded as a primary way of expressing one’s inner world. Yet for some individuals, such as children, people with special educational needs, and certain older adults, verbal expression may not always feel natural, accessible, or sufficient. In these situations, non-verbal forms of expression can offer a powerful alternative pathway to healing.
 

Sandplay Therapy, founded by Jungian psychologist Dora M. Kalff and rooted in the theories of C. G. Jung, provides a safe, protected, and accepting space for inner expression. Through the use of sand, a sand tray, and a variety of miniatures, participants are able to tell their stories naturally without relying on words. In the process of creating and exploring imagery in the tray, hidden emotions, trauma, and inner conflicts can be expressed symbolically, while the therapist accompanies and witnesses this healing journey with deep empathy.

This programme introduces students to Jungian Sandplay Therapy, with a focus on its core philosophies, theoretical foundations, and application across different therapeutic approaches. Through a combination of experiential learning activities and case studies, students will develop practical skills in facilitating Sandplay sessions, observing the therapeutic process, and interpreting the symbolic language that emerges in the tray. Ethical considerations in clinical practice will also be emphasised throughout the programme.

Clinical Psychologist Dr Ruby Mui and Senior Psychotherapist Ms Wong Tsz Mei will guide participants through the core concepts of Sandplay Therapy and explore its unique value for individuals who may find verbal expression difficult. They will also share clinical examples to demonstrate how play and expression in the sand tray can support psychological healing and integration, while showing how Sandplay Therapy can complement other therapeutic approaches in work with children, adults, and people from diverse backgrounds.

The programme aims to introduce students to Jungian Sandplay Therapy, encompassing its foundational philosophies and theories using/ applying various approaches. Through a combination of experiential learning activities and case studies, students will gain practical skills in facilitating, observing and interpreting the symbolic language of Sandplay. Ethical considerations will also be emphasised.

Upon completion of the programme, students should be able to

1. Identify the foundational philosophies and evolution of Sandplay Therapy and the associated approaches in the field;
2. Assess how Sandplay Therapy can effectively address the needs of different populations;
3. conduct basic case conceptualisation in one-on-one role play setting;
4. apply practical skills to facilitate a Sandplay Therapy session; and
5. integrate ethical considerations of Sandplay Therapy into practice.

Syllabus:

1.    What is Sandplay Therapy
- History and Development of Sandplay Therapy
- Sandplay Therapy vs. Sandtray Therapy

2.    Theoretical basis of Sandplay Therapy from Jungian theory
- Role of Therapist and Client 
- Elements used in Sandplay Therapy

3.    The significance of sand, water, air and tray
- Interplay between the 4 elements 
- Adding the 5th element (the person) in bringing the 4 elements together

4.    Experiential learning of the 4 elements with dry tray
- Role play between client and therapist

5.    How to do Sandplay Therapy
- Set up of a Sandplay room 
- Miniatures used in Sandplay Therapy

6.    Basic operations in Sandplay Therapy
- Observing and tracking of client’s trays

7.    Illustrations of Sandplay Therapy cases and process

8.    Interpretation of symbols in Sandplay Therapy
- Use of symbols in Jungian Sandplay 
- Meaning of archetypal symbols 
- Positive and negative sides of the symbols
- Symbol illustration 
- Use of volcano

9.    Ethical considerations of Sandplay Therapy in Practice

Assessment:

Course participants’ progress is measured through a number of assessment components including:

1. Quiz 
2. Assignments (2 essays)
3. Minimum attendance of 70%

 

Award:

Students who successfully pass* the programme will be awarded a “Certificate for Module (Jungian Sandplay Therapy: A Non-verbal Expressive Modality of Therapy)" within the HKU system through HKU SPACE. 

* Passing the programme means students have to meet the following requirements:

• Overall passing mark: 50%, and
• Attendance Requirement: 70% of the total contact hours.

The relevant certificate will be issued to qualified participants within three months after the end of the course. For details, please refer to: https://hkuspace.hku.hk/teaching-and-learning/learners-support/learners-information/transcripts/

Important Note: Upon completing this programme, students will not yet be qualified to call themselves registered sandplay therapists. Those who wish to pursue this path will need to undertake further professional training. The programme will introduce relevant further training opportunities and career pathways during the lectures, helping students plan their future professional development.

Key Notes:

1. For individuals who are Hong Kong permanent residents or hold a valid visa that allows part time studying in Hong Kong (please check with our school before enrolment if uncertain), please click the "Apply Now" button at the top right corner of the page. All applications are subject to screening and final approval by the Programme Team (in which normally takes around two weeks). For details, please refer to: https://hkuspace.hku.hk/admission/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/
2. Applicants are generally required to provide information of HKID card (for local applicants) or passport (for non-local applicants) for admission assessment and student records purposes. If applying in person at the enrolment centre, applicants will be asked to present their HKID card/passport for verification if applying in person at enrolment counters or to attach a copy of their HKID or passport if applying by post. 

3. Successful applicants will be notified of the offer and invited to complete the course fee payment online or at our Enrolment Centres. Official receipts can only be collected at any enrolment counter by presenting the course fee payment confirmation email or the same identification document used during enrolment. Participants are advised to check the opening hours of enrolment counters and allow sufficient time to complete the procedure.

4. Make-up class will not be available; therefore it is important to arrange your schedule before enroling. If a course is cancelled due to insufficient enrolment, a full refund will be arranged. No refunds will be provided in other cases, and applicants cannot transfer to other classes or courses. For details, please refer to: https://hkuspace.hku.hk/admission/how-to-apply/payment-methods/

5. Course commencement depends on the number of enrolments. If the course can commence as scheduled, a confirmation email with detailed location and classroom arrangements will be sent via email 3 to 7 days before the course starts. If you enrol within a week before the course start date, please contact program team promptly for follow-up. Except for changes in course information, no further class notifications will be sent. Students are required to attend classes at the designated time and location.
6. The above schedule and venue are tentative and subject to final arrangements. For locations of the learning centres and enrolment counters, please refer to: https://www.hkuspace.hku.hk/learning-centre/

Application Code	2455-CS063A	Apply Online Now
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Days / Time

• Wednesday, 6:45pm - 9:45pm

Duration

• 25 Nov 2026 - 27 Jan 2027 (10 sessions)

Venue

• Fortress Tower Learning Centre (subject to classroom availability), details will be sent via email 7 to 3 days before the course starts

Application Fee

HK$150 (Non-refundable)

Course Fee

• Course Fee: HK $10,800
  
  **Date / Time / Location: can be found by extending "Read More" at the Details section and refer to the page bottom.

Applicants should meet one of the following requirements:

1. Hold an Associate Degree, Higher Diploma, or equivalent qualification awarded by a recognised institution (discipline unrestricted); or
2. Possess an equivalent qualification.

Remarks:

• Applicants with other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

• All applications are subject to screening and final approval by the Programme Team (the approval process normally takes around two weeks). Successful applicants will be notified of the offer and invited to complete the course fee payment online or at our Enrolment Centres. 

• The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100

CEF Courses
Certificate for Module (Jungian Sandplay Therapy: A Non-verbal Expressive Modality of Therapy) 證書（單元：榮格沙遊治療—非言語表達治療方式）
COURSE CODE 44C167187	FEES $10,800	ENQUIRY 2975-5657

Continuing Education Fund

• Participants who successfully complete the course and obtain the relevant qualification may apply for CEF reimbursement of the course fee.
• Under the current CEF arrangement, eligible applicants may receive 80% or 60% reimbursement of the course fee, subject to their individual CEF entitlement.
• CEF applications are to be submitted after the relevant certificate has been issued and within one year of the course completion date through the CEF online platform. The relevant certificate is normally issued within three months after course completion.

For details, please refer to: https://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/en/ce/cef/overview.php

	Continuing Education Fund This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.
	Certificate for Module (Jungian Sandplay Therapy: A Non-verbal Expressive Modality of Therapy) This course is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level [5])

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