Sandplay Therapy Activities

Sandplay therapy is a way for patients to express themselves in ways they previously weren't able to during their psychotherapy sessions. Therapists start by giving the patient a tray with sand and some miniatures and asking her to create a world all her own. The patient then can order the world the way she sees fit, which may give the therapist important insight into the patient's thoughts.

Why Sandplay Therapy?

• Both adults and children may find sandplay therapy to be helpful. Children may especially benefit from it because they already express themselves through their play. Adults may uncover hidden truths about themselves through sandplay therapy.

  Children who are in therapy may have an entire session that consists of nothing but sandplay therapy, although it serves as a complement to traditional therapies for adults and teenagers.

  Sandplay therapy allows you to uncover your fears or problems in a kind, non-judgmental space. Your sand tray also provides a place of self-healing. If you practice sandplay therapy at home, you can return to the sand for insight any time you're not sure what's bothering you. Then bring your finished sand tray to your next therapy session.

Sandplay Activities

• Many different activities are available in the world of sandplay therapy. According to the Sandplay Therapists of America, sandplay therapy essentials include water, a special sand tray proportioned to a specific size and shelves of miniatures. The miniatures will include everything from people and animals to buildings, bridges, furniture and even rocks. Your therapist will show you everything she has to offer and then encourage you to start creating.

  Don't think too much about how your world should be ordered when you start your sand tray. Just place the miniatures in the way you feel led to place them. Allow your subconscious mind to guide you as you place everything in the tray the way you think it should be. Your therapist may ask you questions while you create, or she might remain silent. It's all right for you to speak or keep quiet during your sandplay therapy time.

  The finished sand tray will be an expression of how you view the world or how you wish the world was. Your therapist can tell you what your sand tray says about you.