Experience & Qualifications
1998 PhD California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Integral Studies – Transformative Learning
1987 MA California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Counseling Psychology
1974 BA San Diego State University
Religious Studies
MFT Marriage Family Child Therapist – California
License No. MFC 25907
This license to practice psychotherapy in the State of California is granted by the Board of Behavioral Sciences to applicants who hold a Masters Degree (minimum) in counseling psychotherapy, who have 3000 hours of supervised internship, 104 weeks of supervision, and who pass a demanding examination. Learn more about the MFT licensing requirements at The Board of Behavioral Science
RPT-S Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor
Certificate No. S396
This is the highest designation granted by the Association for Play Therapy, the largest professional association for play therapists in the world.
CST-T Certified Sandplay Therapist – Teacher
This is the highest designation granted by the International Society for Sandplay Therapy-Sandplay Therapists of America. Earning this certification involves rigorous training, experience, consultation, interviews, and written papers.
Barbara Turner began her study of Jungian sandplay therapy with the founder of the method, Dora M. Kalff, in Switzerland in 1988. Her interests and explorations of sandplay continue to this day. Dr. Turner has done extensive research into the theory and healing process of sandplay. She focused her doctoral studies on the sandplay method, writing her dissertation on methods of understanding sandplay process. Dr. Turner was instrumental in returning the classic books in sandplay to print, and is the author of what is considered by some to be the authoritative text on Jungian sandplay, The Handbook of Sandplay Therapy. She teaches sandplay & play therapy to mental health clinicians internationally, serves as consultant to practicing sandplay & play therapists, and never tires of the wonders of this amazing healing tool.
Dr. Turner has written scholarly articles for The Journal of Sandplay Therapy.
She has published chapters on theoretical aspects of Jungian sandplay therapy in two books:
- In The Hands of Creation: Sandplay Images of Birth and Rebirth, 2001, N. Baum & B. Weinberg, Eds., Muki Baum Association, Toronto
- Sandplay and the Psyche: Inner Landscapes and Outer Realities, B. Weinberg & N. Baum, Eds., 2007, Thera Art, Toronto.
Dr. Turner edited the three classic books on sandplay, and returned them to print:
- Dora M. Kalff's, Sandplay: A Psychotherapeutic Approach to the Psyche, 2003, Temenos Press, Cloverdale, California.
- Estelle L. Weinrib's, Images of the Self: The Sandplay Therapy Process, 2004, Temenos Press, Cloverdale, California.
- H.G. Wells' Floor Games: A Father's Account of Play and Its Legacy of Healing,2004, Temenos Press, Cloverdale, California.
In addition Dr. Turner has published instructive chapters for play therapists in the books:
- 101 Play Therapy Techniques, 1997. H.G. Kaduson & C.E. Schaefer, Eds., Jason Aronson, Inc., Northvale, NJ.
- 101 More Play Therapy Techniques, 2001, H.G. Kaduson & C.E. Schaefer, Eds., Jason Aronson, Inc., Northvale, NJ.
PS. . . Dr. Barb really enjoys her work!