Sand Tray Therapy

From Unsplash

Sand Tray Play Therapy is a therapeutic modality that is used with children, adults, families, and couples. Sand Tray Play Therapy was first brought to light by Margaret Lownfeld and was continued on by Jungian analyst Dora Kalff. From there, it was molded by other’s such as Kay Bradway, and Gisela De Domenico, and in 2015 the Association of Sand-play Therapy (AST) was formed.

Sand Tray Box

This classic sand tray box measures 28 1/2 x 19 1/2 x3 and the color blue is painted on the inside sides and bottom. Our clients use miniatures that are neatly organized on shelves. There is a wide range of categories such as people, animals, plants, minerals, transportation, etc. These figurines end up representing symbols and images in their life. They are organized on the shelves in groups. During sand therapy, it is important that the figures are placed back in these groups and in an appealing way. It is therapeutic if the builder could go back to that same object with ease, and it becomes more calming and less chaotic.

Sand play Therapy can give the client a chance to process their feelings, thoughts, questions, or past trauma in a “free and protected space” (Dora Klaff). Focusing on the sand tray and being allowed to process these past events allows them to say so much without saying a word. The therapist acts as a “witness” during the process, at times using tracking or reflections of feelings or thoughts. Sometimes they may invite the client to expand on the story that is being told, other times the therapist may just hold the space. During or after the process some therapists may take photos to track the client’s progress.

There are numerous benefits of Sand Tray Therapy. It allows freedom of creativity, and processing events without using words, it is nonthreatening and nonjudgmental. If you have any questions about Sand Tray Therapy visit the Association for Sand Tray Therapists or The Association for Play Therapy

Part of this was originally published at: https://www.touchstonehs.org/sand-therapy/