Play Sand Therapy Techniques

Famed psychotherapist Carl Jung believed that our minds contained archetypes that were consciously and unconsciously known to us. Jung thought that these archetypes and symbols had a tremendous effect on our decision-making and personality shaping. Play sand therapy, often called sandplay, is a way that Jungian therapists use to get children (and some adults) to freely express themselves by having complete control in the shaping of the sand. Some strategies that therapists use include playing along with the client, using miniature figures, and in some cases, doing absolutely nothing.

Playing Along

• Much of successful play sand therapy relies on the client directing and creating the sandplay environment. However, this doesn't mean that the therapist should refuse an invitation from the client. Refusing to play may create feelings of rejection, which may be a key issue that needs to be worked out. Playing along with the client can help create the healing environment. Play sand therapy is rooted in symbolism, and if the therapist symbolizes someone to the client, engaging can help reveal what's going on in the mind by becoming a piece of the scenery.

Miniatures

• Miniatures are sometimes used in Play sand therapy to act as avatars or yet another symbol. Using miniatures can help better define a client's relationship problems. A therapist might ask the client to pick the miniature that best represents him and then pick a few more that represent people or things he cares about. The miniature selections and placement in the sandtray could be largely symbolic of current relationship situations, both good and bad. Certain miniatures being kept away from others could represent a break in a relationship, whereas miniatures paired together in the tray that are not paired together in real life could symbolize loss and want.

"Do Nothing" Approach

• For clients that have a hard time verbally communicating their thoughts or communicating in general, the "do nothing" approach may be best. Although it can be difficult for the therapist to not say anything, prompt play or get involved, the "do nothing" technique can help the client establish a visual place to begin communicating. Future sandplay may be more verbally communicative and interactive in nature once the client gets a feel to freely express herself through the sand.