Sand Tray Therapy: What You Need to Know
Written by Elizabeth Moreno, Licensed Independent Social Worker
As a child therapist, it is such an honor that parents and caregivers allow me to work individually with their children. We often hear the term “play therapy” used when working with children. Play therapy encompasses many modalities and theories that a therapist can use. Since each child is so different, therapeutic approaches should be tailored accordingly. One of my favorite modalities to use with children, teens, families, and even adults, is Sand Tray Therapy.
So, what is Sand Tray Therapy exactly? Sand Tray is a modality that allows the individual to process intrapersonal and interpersonal issues through the use of verbal and nonverbal communication by using sand tray materials such as miniatures (toys) and a sandbox. This modality enables the therapist to employ both nondirective and directive therapy techniques, helping clients process emotions and situations through play. Sand Tray Therapy is a non-threatening approach that can take the pressure off needing to talk to the therapist and instead using images and a sensory component to allow the client to process.
There are many ways that Sand Tray Therapy can be used. Personally, I like to use it with kids and teens with anxiety or trauma. I also use this modality with families to allow family members to express concerns and emotions in the relationships. Sand Tray Therapy can be great for resistant clients, rapport building and a great exercise to step inside the client’s world.
“Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.”
Virginia Axline
This modality allows just that—expressive sensory meets nonverbal language to assist with processing where the therapist is able to ask questions to explore deeper. The trained therapist is able to identify play therapy themes, ask curious questions and wonder to assist with processing.
Over the last 6 years of practice, I have seen many beautiful trays and it always seems to be a fan favorite that can also meet many needs of a client.
An example of a sand tray that may have someone processing how they feel they need to keep their love and happiness contained and instead have some explosive behaviors. (This is not an actual client example.)