The 27th ISST International Congress. August 2025
The 27th International Congress: Changing Horizons – Encountering the Other in Sandplay Therapy in Egmond aan Zee in the Netherlands was a resounding success. Almost three months have now passed since the congress concluded, and we can look back on an inspiring and truly memorable event.
We could express our success in numbers such as:
Participants in person: 297; online: 27; countries: 36; keynote speakers: 11; case studies: 36; seminars: 11; poster presentations: 7; experiential workshops: 7. Onsite recorded until November 16: 42. But above all, we experienced the profound encounter with ‘the Other’ in all possible forms and meanings.
The ‘Encounter with the Other’ seemed to be essential for mutual understanding, for living together, for helping one another, and for sharing both joy and sorrow – in suffering and in healing. The sand images presented by the therapists spoke the language of symbols and archetypes, a language through which we are continually learning to understand more deeply.
For several members of the international organizing committee of this congress, who had worked together intensively online for almost two years, it was especially meaningful to finally meet in person at the congress.
Recently, this committee met again to reflect on the experience. We are pleased to conclude the congress not only with a positive financial outcome but, above all, with the positive and heartfelt feedback received from participants. Naturally, we also evaluated what could have been improved and what we would recommend for the next congress. Yet, the high quality of the presentations, the in-depth discussions, the warmth of personal connections, and the opportunities to meet informally all contributed to a rich and rewarding experience.
The beautiful location of the conference venue, the hotel, the Teaching Members meeting, the welcome party, the conference diner, the General Assembly, the Goodbye ceremony, the beach, the sea, and the beautiful horizons under the moonlight, made this congress truly special and unforgettable for everyone.
With gratitude to all participants.
Theresa Foks-Appelman
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