Sand Tray Therapy

About Sand Tray Therapy: 

Sand tray therapy is an experiential therapy often for all ages. It involves the use of a sand tray (earth element) and a variety of miniature figures (e.g., people, animals, buildings, vehicles, symbols) to create scenes or stories that reflect a person’s inner world.  There is generally a wet and dry sand tray. 

Key Elements:

• Sand tray: A shallow box typically filled with sand that the client can touch, shape, and manipulate.

• Miniatures: Small figurines or objects that represent various aspects of life, relationships, feelings, or fantasies.

• Non-verbal expression: Clients often express thoughts or emotions they cannot easily put into words by arranging these miniatures in the sand.

• Therapist's role: The therapist provides a safe, supportive environment, observing and sometimes guiding reflection, but usually refrains from interpreting the scenes directly unless invited by the client.

Goals and Benefits:

• Emotional processing: Helps clients work through trauma, grief, or internal conflict.

• Self-expression: Offers a symbolic language for exploring feelings and experiences.

• Ideal for trauma, identity exploration, and navigating developmental transitions.