About CAST

The Canadian Association for Sandplay Therapy (CAST) has been a member society of the International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST) founded by Dora Kalff, since 1998. CAST’s role as a member society is to develop Sandplay in Canada by providing modality-specific continuing education to psychotherapy professionals, as well as to employed practitioners who are qualified in fields related to mental health. CAST also provides guidelines for professional practice and opportunities for professional exchange.

CAST’s purpose is to develop Sandplay in Canada by providing modality-specific continuing education to psychotherapy professionals, as well as to employed practitioners who are qualified in fields related to mental health. CAST also provides guidelines for professional practice and opportunities for professional exchange.

CAST’s focus has been to become recognized as the centre for sandplay training in Canada, offering a comprehensive and internationally approved training program. Successful training candidates will achieve either international certification with ISST or national practitioner status with CAST.

CAST is not a regulatory body. Certification by CAST/ISST or any independent practice of Sandplay Therapy requires adherence to provincial regulations regarding the practice of psychotherapy.

A pivotal role in the history of CAST was played by Dr. Nehama Baum of Toronto, who brought together a group that felt called to Sandplay Therapy. She organized the first meeting of CAST in September 1993, at which time the association was established.

CAST’s inaugural conference, Sandplay: A Magical Journey, took place in 1993. Distinguished faculty included Linda Bath (US), Nehama Baum (Canada), Paola Carducci (Italy), Yvonne Federer (then Canada, later Switzerland), Martin Kalff (Switzerland), Adriana Mazzarella (Italy) and Claudio Risé (Italy). The European presenters at the inaugural conference became  honorary board members, along with Kay Bradway and Estelle Weinrib (US).

Through CAST’s membership in ISST, an allied organization of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP) founded by C.G. Jung, CAST/ISST certified members are able to attend IAAP Congresses.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

CAST acknowledges that the land we occupy known as Turtle Island is the homeland of Indigenous peoples including First Nations, Inuit and Métis. CAST recognizes the ongoing impacts of colonization of all Indigenous peoples and supports Indigenous-led efforts to decolonize and reclaim Indigeneity.

PURPOSE

CAST’s purpose is to develop Sandplay in Canada by providing modality-specific continuing education to psychotherapy professionals, as well as to employed practitioners who are qualified in fields related to mental health. CAST also provides guidelines for professional practice and opportunities for professional exchange.

VALUES

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility

CAST acknowledges systemic and cultural structures that privilege certain groups, and the potential for discriminatory and oppressive values to penetrate the field of Counselling/Therapy/Psychotherapy.

We commit to respecting and honouring the diverse histories, languages, cultures and experiences of Indigenous peoples including First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

We extend this respect and honour to the diversity in our community and in our practices that includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability both visible and invisible, neurodivergence, socio-economic status, class or religion.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that brings together diverse perspectives from our students, teaching members, board members, and members of our community.  Together we strive to advance excellence in clinical practice and teaching in the field of Sandplay Therapy in ways that are equitable, diverse, accessible and inclusionary.  We place human rights and dignity at the centre of our educational initiatives, and promote adherence to these values in the practices of our members.