Dr Tanya Defferary Counselling Psychologist

28/07/2025

Exciting News!
I woke up to the most incredible email this morning from the World Association of Sandtray Professionals:

“We have received and reviewed your application for Registered Sand Therapist Consultant/Trainer. We are pleased to inform you that your application is approved. Welcome to the community of credentialed sand therapists! Your involvement strengthens our field and we appreciate your participation.”

I’m officially recognised as a Registered Sand Therapist Consultant/Trainer and I’m so honoured to be a part of this wonderful community.

This journey into the beauty and wonder of sandtray therapy has been both personal and professional—and I’m so grateful to be part of a growing global community dedicated to healing through symbolism, presence, and deep connection.

Here’s to continued learning, teaching, and witnessing transformation in the tray.

26/07/2025

Last chance to book! Bookings close on Monday, 28th July 2025. Please contact Tanya at globaltherapyconnect@gmail.com to secure you spot.

I have some exciting news!!

I'm really pleased to share that Jackie Flynn will be presenting a one-day workshop right here in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) as part of a retreat that is hosted by Wellness Counselling Inc.

Jackie Flynn (EdS, LMHC-S, RPT) is a world-renowned EMDR trainer, Registered Play Therapist, and founder of the Play Therapy Community. With a background in education and mental health, she is internationally recognised for her work integrating EMDR with play-based and nature-informed approaches. Her trainings are known for blending neuroscience, compassion, and practical tools that support clinicians working across the lifespan.

Local EMDR-trained mental health professionals are warmly invited to attend this valuable learning opportunity, exploring rhythm, nature, and play-based strategies in EMDR practice.

Date: 4 August 2025
Venue: Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, Port Elizabeth
Time: 9:00–15:00 (Registration from 8:30)
Cost: R950 per person

To book your spot or find out more, email Tanya at globaltherapyconnect@gmail.com

26/07/2025

Yesterday’s Sandtray Refresher Workshop was such a gift.

It was wonderful to welcome a group of dedicated practitioners into the practice and reconnect with the deep, healing power of sandtray therapy.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day of creativity, reflection, and shared wisdom. It’s always a privilege to witness the gentle strength of this work in action.

22/07/2025

There are only 2 spaces left on my workshop, email globaltherapyconnect@gmail.com to secure your spot.
This workshop is for mental health professionals interested in exploring how to work with intergenerational trauma with both adult and child clients.
I hope to see you there!

22/07/2025

I have some exciting news!!

I'm really pleased to share that Jackie Flynn will be presenting a one-day workshop right here in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) as part of a retreat that is hosted by Wellness Counselling Inc.

Jackie Flynn (EdS, LMHC-S, RPT) is a world-renowned EMDR trainer, Registered Play Therapist, and founder of the Play Therapy Community. With a background in education and mental health, she is internationally recognised for her work integrating EMDR with play-based and nature-informed approaches. Her trainings are known for blending neuroscience, compassion, and practical tools that support clinicians working across the lifespan.

Local EMDR-trained mental health professionals are warmly invited to attend this valuable learning opportunity, exploring rhythm, nature, and play-based strategies in EMDR practice.

Date: 4 August 2025
Venue: Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, Port Elizabeth
Time: 9:00–15:00 (Registration from 8:30)
Cost: R950 per person

To book your spot or find out more, email Tanya at globaltherapyconnect@gmail.com

21/07/2025

📅 Save the date: 17 October 2025 (7:30 - 9:00)

We are happy to share that Mondia Sunnyside will be hosting us for a special professional talk on Perinatal Mental Health – a topic close to our hearts.

We’ll be exploring why early mental health support for new and expecting parents matters, and introducing our 6-week group programme, A Parent is Born.

This event is ideal for mental health professionals, psychiatrists, psychologists, GPs, gynaes, paeds, and anyone supporting families during the perinatal period.

📝 Communication with booking details will be sent out directly from Mondia Sunnyside soon – so keep an eye out!

We look forward to connecting with you there

10/07/2025

In-Person Workshop Reminder! Only 2 Spaces Left

Join me for this two-day in-person workshop:
𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘆 – 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘆

Date: 15 & 16 August 2025
Place: Gqeberha

This workshop is grounded in my recently published article in the World Journal for Sand Therapy Practice and offers a new theoretical application of Contextual Theory and Sandtray Therapy.
Discover how contextual therapy, Gestalt Sandtray, Internal Family Systems (IFS), expressive arts, and neuroscience come together in a rich, experiential format to support deep intergenerational healing.
Perfect for practitioners looking to deepen their clinical work through an integrative sandtray approach.

Early Bird fee ends 15 July – don’t miss out!
📩 Email Tanya at globaltherapyconnect@gmail.com for more information or to book.

02/07/2025

There’s just ONE spot left for the upcoming Sandtray Refresher Workshop happening on 25 July 2025 in Port Elizabeth!
The workshop will focus on work with both child and adult clients.
If you’ve been meaning to refresh your skills, reconnect with Gestalt sandtray techniques, and get inspired with some practical tools—you’ll want to grab this last space.
🕘 9:00–14:00
📍 115 Sonop Street, Theescombe, PE
💰 R950 | CPD: 4 General CEU’s
🎓 Facilitated by Dr Tanya Defferary
Email globaltherapyconnect@gmail.com to register now.
Let’s bring the magic back to the tray!

✨ Sandtray Refresher Workshop – Friday, 25th July 2025 ✨

Are you new to sandtray therapy or looking to refresh your skills? Join us for a hands-on workshop focused on Gestalt sandtray techniques — plus the latest advances in this powerful therapeutic approach.

Date: Friday, 25th July 2025 (9:00 - 15:00)
Cost: R950 (all materials included)
Ideal for practitioners wanting to deepen their practice or gain confidence in using sandtray with both adult and child clients.

CPD: accredited for 4 general CEUs

Spaces are limited – book your spot today and reconnect with the transformative power of sandtray therapy!

Contact Tanya: globaltherapyconnect@gmail.com

26/06/2025

Only 3 Spots Left!

Just a reminder to register for the upcoming Sandtray Refresher Workshop if you haven’t already!
Whether you're looking to reignite your creativity, reconnect with theory, or gain new insight into using sandtray with both children and adults—this one-day training is designed for you.

Email Tanya: globaltherapyconnect.co.za for more information.

✨ Sandtray Refresher Workshop – Friday, 25th July 2025 ✨

Are you new to sandtray therapy or looking to refresh your skills? Join us for a hands-on workshop focused on Gestalt sandtray techniques — plus the latest advances in this powerful therapeutic approach.

Date: Friday, 25th July 2025 (9:00 - 15:00)
Cost: R950 (all materials included)
Ideal for practitioners wanting to deepen their practice or gain confidence in using sandtray with both adult and child clients.

CPD: accredited for 4 general CEUs

Spaces are limited – book your spot today and reconnect with the transformative power of sandtray therapy!

Contact Tanya: globaltherapyconnect@gmail.com

26/06/2025

Final Call – We only have a Few Spaces Left!

If you’ve been thinking about joining the Contextual Sandtray Therapy Workshop – Sands Through Time, now’s the time to register!
This two-day training explores the powerful integration of contextual therapy, IFS, expressive arts, and sandtray—with a focus on intergenerational healing and legacy dynamics.

18/06/2025

Join us for a powerful two-day workshop, Healing Intergenerational Trauma Through Attachment and Contextual Theories, facilitated by Marshall Lyles & Dr Tanya Defferary.

Through the integrated lenses of Attachment and Contextual Theories—and the creative use of sandtray, poetry, and symbolic work—you’ll explore how trauma is passed down through generations and discover reflective, culturally sensitive ways to support healing.

📅 1 & 2 November 2025
📍 The Sand and Sound Center, Manchester, UK
🔗 Register at marshalllyles.com

Spaces are limited—we’d love to have you with us.