ISST 2027 Conference Bali, Indonesia

Join us in Bali August 16-20, 2027!

For latest details and registration visit ISST 2027 Congress Website

Questions? ISSTBali2027@gmail.com

“A passage between worlds”
In Balinese cosmology the visible world (Sekala) and the invisible world (Niskala) are integrated realities, dimensions of a shared mysterium.   We approach Bali’s mystery with reverence, exploring our calling in her dynamic balance of opposing forces.   We are welcomed by her serenity, the initiatory force of her beauty, her mountains, oceans, sands, temples and stories.   We honor the matter and mystery reflected in her landscape, culture, and her deities.

For Sandplay, Bali holds a fervent echo of Kalff’s reverence for the Living Psyche, for the spirit in daily life and for healing through the timeless wisdom of the Self.  Through Sandplay, image, and symbol, we move between the conscious and unconscious, known and unknown, matter and mystery. The psyche is living, creative, and continually unfolding.

The Living Psyche calls for our presence, our contributions, and our evolving wisdom.

We hold in mind and heart our many therapists, teachers, researchers, students and friends of Sandplay whose passion continues to nourish others and our field, strengthening our bond around the world.  Through our work, the living psyche continues to find expression across cultures, generations, and communities.

Matter therefore would contain the seed of spirit and spirit the seed of matter…the symbol has the great advantage of being able to unite… factors in a single image. C. G. Jung, CW 9i, para197

Important Dates:
Website portal will open for Call for Proposal submissions: August 1, 2026
Deadline for submissions:  October 31, 2026
Notification of Acceptance:  January 31, 2027
Conference:  August 16-20, 2027

Call for Proposals Information
Topics that align with the theme Matter and Mystery:  The Living Psyche in Sandplay might include:

• The seen and unseen- psyche’s living bridge in Sandplay
• Matter, mystery, and shared presence in Sandplay healing
• Body, psyche, and symbolic expression
• The numinous and presence of awe in Sandplay
• Unity of opposites and activating the transcendent in Sandplay
• Dora Kalff’s legacy and reverence for the Living Psyche
• Culture and the collective psyche in Sandplay
• Research, innovation, and future directions in Sandplay 

Presentation formats:

• Seminar: Clinical/Theoretical topic with sandplay images (45 minute presentation time / 15 minute discussion)
• Case Study: Clinical/Theoretical topic with case study (45 minute presentation time/15 minute discussion)
• Experiential Workshop: (90 minutes)
• Symposia/ Debate/Panel: Several brief presentations of a specific issue or question. One coordinator/moderator and two or three presenters (preferable from different Societies): (60 minutes presentation time/30 minute discussion)
• Research Paper: (20 minutes). Research papers will be presented in “Research Roundtable” seminars with several research projects with time for discussion. Concept papers, selected topics in sandplay research, and completed research projects are welcome.
• Research Poster (maximum size- 48″ x 36″; 120 cm X 91 cm)

Program Committee

• Lorraine R. Freedle (STA-Hawaiʻi), Committee Chair
• Heather Lesley-Swan (STANZA-Australia)
• Cai (Michael) Chenghou (CSST-China)
• Mariana Foo (Indonesia)
• Angeline Suwardi (Indonesia)
• Loh Kar Heng (TSST-Taiwan)