SANDTRAY THERAPY
*Sand-Tray Therapy is not a stand-alone therapy, but is used alongside other therapy options.
Why sandtray therapy?
Sandtray therapy is based on the idea that if the client is given a safe space they will work through problems held in their unconscious, or out of their awareness, and from the part of memory which is held by body and out of a person’s ability to express through words. Sand tray therapy was developed in the late 1950’s by Dora Kalff, who was inspired by the work of Margaret Lowenfeld, a British child psychiatrist and developer of World Technique. Kalff's Jungian-based theory also was influenced by Buddhist contemplative practices.
This therapy involves using a dry or moist tray of sand to create a picture, scene or story from a wide selection of miniatures which represent many different things found in the world including people, animals, things, nature and other symbols. Sandtray therapy promotes brain integration, a healing through the connection of body, feeling and thought, in the presence of a trained therapist. This therapy allows people to express problems through metaphor and symbol, enabling a deeper way to revisit and rework current or past trauma, problems and issues.
What treatment will look like:
Sandtray therapy is used as part of the larger treatment plan. Clients may be given a directive prompt, “pick out three positive and three negative pieces that represent your loved one” or a nondirective prompt “create a story in the sand for me”. A basket or tray is typically provided to gather items before assembling the scene in the sandtray in any way desired. The therapist will typically remain silent until the client indicates that they are satisfied with what they have chosen and how it is arranged. Once finished, the therapist and the client often discuss what was observed—the toys that were chosen, how they were arranged, and any symbolic or metaphorical meanings.
For example, your therapist might discuss what it might mean if the domesticated animals in your sand tray are caged while the more dangerous animals—like tigers, snakes, or dinosaurs—get to roam free. Together, you may find some meaning in the sand tray. The client may then choose to rearrange the toys based on the discussion. But, it’s also possible that there will be little discussion at all. Instead, the therapist may simply give you a safe space to work. The therapist also may ask to photograph your sand trays so that the changes in the scenes you create can be reviewed over time. A sandtray activity can take up a part of the time or the whole session.
Reference: Homeyer, L & Sweeney, D (2011) Sandtray Therapy, A Practical Manual, Routledge