Sandtray Therapy
Sandtray therapy is a form of expressive therapy that can assist children in making sense of their inner world. A creative space for children to explore and express their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
How does sandtray therapy work?
In sandtray therapy, children are invited to choose from a range of miniature figures, objects and symbols to create scenes within a tray of sand. There is no right or wrong way to create a sandtray — the child is free to explore and express whatever feels meaningful to them.
The therapist provides a safe, accepting and supportive space, following the child's lead and responding with curiosity rather than interpreting or assigning meaning to their creation.
Through this process, children can explore experiences, feelings and relationships in a way that feels natural and developmentally appropriate, particularly when thoughts or emotions may be difficult to put into words.
Who does sandtray therapy benefit?
Sandtray therapy can be particularly effective for children who have experienced trauma, anxiety, grief, or other emotional difficulties. It provides a safe and contained space for them to explore their experiences and work through their emotions and challenges in a non-threatening manner. The tactile nature of the sand and the opportunity to create and manipulate the miniature objects can be comforting and soothing for children, allowing them to express themselves more freely.