Humanistic Sandtray Therapy Institute
Learn Sandtray Therapy from a Humanistic Perspective.
Deepen your psychotherapy practice with a person-centered, experiential approach that meets clients in the here-and-now — and transforms how you work.
Deepen your psychotherapy practice with a person-centered, experiential approach that meets clients in the here-and-now — and transforms how you work.
We focus on the "why" behind humanistic sandtray therapy so that you understand the rationale behind what we do in this method.
You'll learn practical skills you can immediately apply in your sandtray work with clients.
Process components of HST allow you to reach incredible emotional depth with clients to promote optimal change and growth.
You'll learn how to tap into the power of here-and-now awareness in your work with clients.
HST can be used with many different clients from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and developmental levels.
One of the most important outcomes for practitioners from our trainings is deep personal growth alongside clinical skill.
HST synthesizes person-centered and Gestalt theories into a dynamic, experiential method that harnesses the power of the here-and-now — helping clients move toward increased awareness and paradoxical change.
"A dynamic, experiential philosophical approach to sandtray therapy grounded in a synthesis of person-centered and Gestalt theories in which the power of the here-and-now is harnessed to invite clients into increased awareness and paradoxical change."
— Ryan D. Foster, PhD, Humanistic Sandtray Therapy (Routledge)Rooted in unconditional positive regard, empathy, and the therapeutic relationship.
Harnessing here-and-now awareness for depth of emotional processing.
Clients engage symbolically through miniatures, sand, and creative expression.
Facilitates deep personal growth for both clients and practitioners.
From introductory workshops to full certification, HSTI offers a progressive training pathway designed to meet you where you are.
An accessible introduction to the philosophy and practice of HST. Perfect for practitioners curious about expressive arts methods.
Comprehensive in-person training in Fort Worth, TX covering theoretical foundations, facilitative skills, and hands-on sandtray practice.
Deepen your skills with advanced process work, emotional depth techniques, and nuanced application across client populations.
Personalized supervision to support your growth as an HST practitioner — required for the CHST credential.
Learn directly from Ryan D. Foster, PhD — the developer of HST and author of the definitive Routledge guide.
Every component is grounded in humanistic philosophy — honoring the dignity and growth potential of every client.
HST is effective across developmental levels, cultural backgrounds, and clinical presentations.
You don't just learn about sandtray — you experience it. Personal growth is one of the most cited outcomes of our training.
Become part of a growing network of HST practitioners committed to humanistic, expressive, and relational care.
The CHST credential recognizes practitioners who have demonstrated deep competency in humanistic sandtray theory, facilitation, and supervised practice.
Complete foundational in-person HST training in Fort Worth, TX
Complete advanced in-person HST training to deepen clinical skills
Demonstrate marked progression through individual sandtray supervision
Hold full licensure as a mental health practitioner in your state
Dr. Ryan D. Foster is the developer of Humanistic Sandtray Therapy and the founder of the Humanistic Sandtray Therapy Institute. He is a licensed professional counselor-supervisor and full-time counselor educator at Tarleton State University (Texas A&M University System).
Dr. Foster authored Humanistic Sandtray Therapy, published by Routledge — the definitive text on this approach. His clinical and scholarly work is rooted in humanistic, existential, and experiential traditions, with a deep commitment to practitioner growth alongside client transformation.
He also offers individual counseling to adults, including sandtray therapy, from his Fort Worth, TX private practice.
"The HST training transformed not just how I use sandtray with clients, but how I see the therapeutic relationship itself. Ryan's humanistic lens changed everything."
"I left the training with practical skills I could use immediately — and a deeper sense of my own growth as a practitioner. The experiential component was powerful."
"Dr. Foster is a gifted teacher and clinician. His passion for the humanistic approach is contagious and the training was incredibly well-organized and meaningful."
Whether you're brand new to sandtray or looking to deepen an existing practice, HSTI has a training pathway for you.
Questions? Email [email protected] — or connect via Facebook or LinkedIn.
