Sand Play

Introduction

Sand Play is a gentle yet profound method of working. As a therapeutic intervention, Sand Play is grounded in a wealth of theoretical knowledge and yet the process itself is very straightforward. Clients are invited to choose symbols and place them in a box of sand. Often, as the symbols are placed in the sand, it appears the client's unconscious mind has been given the means to communicate with their conscious mind, and the effects can be extraordinary. My role, as therapist, is to gently facilitate the client's exploration of the tray and its contents.

My Training and Why I Use Sand Play

When I first discovered this therapeutic approach, I was struck by its depth. I subsequently undertook training locally and further afield, ultimately completing a diploma in Sand Play Therapy in Devon.

I often suggest Sand Play because it offers a non-confrontational method of engagement. It operates at a deep level allowing a glimpse of what lies at the edges of awareness, gently and safely reaching into some of the nooks and crannies that are not always easy to access.

Who Is It For

For some clients, articulating feelings and responding to challenging questions, common in more traditional talking therapies, can feel daunting and intrusive. Sand Play creates a space where therapist and client can be intimately connected through their shared immersion in the sand tray, without the need for direct eye contact. Together, they can explore what the client's unconscious mind is ready to share.


How to Begin

Some clients may feel hesitant during their first experience with the tray, possibly viewing the process as infantilising or fearing that they might ‘get it wrong'. However, these concerns typically dissipate once they begin.

With the understanding that there are no wrong ways to engage, the unconscious mind quickly becomes familiar with the extensive range of symbols available, and progressive tray setups tend to manifest and reveal themselves more readily.

Sand Play
If you are interested in exploring this method, I would suggest scheduling an initial session to see how you feel about it.