Sandplay Therapy
Sandplay therapists near you
How can sandplay therapy nourish you?
Sandplay therapy is a visual therapy using sand, water and small figurines[1] representing a person’s reality. This safe, serene approach involves arranging symbolic objects to realise and release internal conflicts or trauma.
A sandplay creation mirrors a person’s inner world so concerns can be explored in non-threatening ways, and may be especially effective for those having trouble connecting with their concerns and communicating them.
This modality may also be combined with psychotherapy, as after the play with sand, therapists and participants reflect on toy choices, arrangement patterns and possible symbolic meanings.[2] As it transcends language and culture, sandplay is a therapeutic technique that’s gaining worldwide popularity.
Sandplay therapy was created by Swiss psychologist Dora Kalff[3] in the 1950s. It was developed on the foundations of sandtray therapy (established in 1929 by Margaret Lowenfeld),[4] Eastern philosophical beliefs and Jungian psychology,[5] which believes that images and symbolism can provide insight to the psyche.[6] While they have similar aims, they have different processes and psychological underpinnings.[7]
Sandplay therapy requires the use of exact tray sizes, and therapists give no directions during play. In contrast, sandtray therapy is open to different psychological theories models, is flexible with tray sizes, and therapists may provide directives or offer interpretation during play.
Though certification programs exist, certification is not legally required to practice sandplay therapy. Ideally look for a licensed mental health professional, therapist or counsellor with advanced training in sandplay therapy. Therapists accredited through The International Society for Sandplay Therapy undergo over 120 hours of training[8].
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Practitioner offering Sandplay Therapy
Benefits of sandplay therapy
Sandplay therapy can benefit both adults and children. As a pleasurable sensory experience in a safe space, sandplay therapy is believed to be particularly powerful for those struggling to express repressed trauma. Identifying and reconciling internal issues can assist a wide scope of psychological problems. Making changes in their mini world can empower clients to make changes in their real world.
Studies have found that sandplay therapy can assist sleep issues in children with autism spectrum disorder,[9] and help child victims of sexual assault process their complex emotions and trauma.[10]
A 2019 overview[11] of 16 randomised controlled trials and 17 effectiveness studies on sandplay therapy suggested significant improvements with a variety of child and adult mental health problems including aggression, negative peer interactions in children,[12] adults coping with childhood abuse,[13] emotional resilience,[14] stress,[15] separation anxiety disorder,[16] facial expression recognition in children with Asperger syndrome,[17] sleep issues in children with autism spectrum disorder,[18] PTSD[19] and communication in clinically depressed children.[20]
Sandplay therapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from a sandplay therapy session
Sandplay sessions are structured in a relaxed environment where the therapist does not interpret, interfere or direct your free flowing expression.
After providing the sand tray and figurines you will be asked to create a miniature 3D display. The creation is believed to emphasise what you are experiencing in the moment, hence you will be given free reign to design what you want without interruption other than encouragement.
Analysis takes place after the sandplay therapy session, which can last for 30 to 60 minutes. You may choose to participate in one session or continue indefinitely if you find it helpful.
The therapist may encourage communication with gentle enquiries such as, “Would you like to share anything about your tray?” If the patient prefers to keep quiet that is also accepted.
The therapist also may ask to photograph the sand trays so changes can be reviewed over time.
Sandplay therapy offers a fun forum for emotional insight, expression and resolution.
As with any wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing sandplay therapy. If you have any concerns at all, also speak to your sandplay therapist, who will be happy to address these and evaluate whether sandplay therapy is a suitable treatment for you.
References
1. Home. The International Society for Sandplay Therapy; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
2. Sandplay Therapy. Psychology Today; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
3. Introduction to Sandplay Therapy. Sandplay Therapists of America; 2023.
4. The World Technique. The Dr Margaret Lowenfeld Trust; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
5. Jungian Therapy. Psychology Today; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
6. Jungian Sandplay. British and Irish Sandplay Society; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
7. Sandtray vs. Sandplay. The International Association for Sandtray Therapy; [cited on 2024 Dec 3].
8. Become a Certified Sandplay Therapist. Sandplay Training Worldwide; 2013.
9. Liu GH, Huang LS, Qian QF, Wang YX, Ge P. [Curative effect of progressively integrated sandplay therapy on core symptoms and sleep management in preschool children with mild-to-moderate autism spectrum disorder]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi; 2019.
10. Tornero MDLA, Capella C. hange during Psychotherapy through Sand Play Tray in Children That Have Been Sexually Abused. Front Psychol; 2017.
11. Roesler C. Sandplay therapy: An overview of theory, applications and evidence base. The Arts in Psychotherapy; 2019.
12. Han Y, Lee Y, Suh JH. Effects of a sandplay therapy program at a childcare center on children with externalizing behavioral problems. The Arts in Psychotherapy; 2016.
13. Doyle K, Magor-Blatch LE. “Even adults need to play”: Sandplay therapy with an adult survivor of childhood abuse. International Journal of Play Therapy; 2017.
14. Wang D, Nan JKM, Zhang R. Structured group sandplay to improve the resilience of college students: A pilot study. The Arts in Psychotherapy; 2017.
16. The Effectiveness of Sandplay Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Children 5 to 7 Years Old. Semantic Scholar; 2015.
17. The Effectiveness of Sandplay Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Children 5 to 7 Years Old. Semantic Scholar; 2015.
18. Li GK, Ge P, Liu GH, Huang XX, Lu GB, Wang YX, Qian QF, Ou P, Xu YY. [Clinical effect of integrated sandplay therapy in children with Asperger syndrome]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi; 2019.
19. Punnett A, Canfield M. Changes in verbalizations during sandplay: an empirical study. J Anal Psychol; 2020.
20. Punnett A, Canfield M. Changes in verbalizations during sandplay: an empirical study. J Anal Psychol; 2020.