Sandplay therapy 

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Sandplay therapy is powerful and creative work, that is non-threatening and can be non-verbal. It works well with all age groups. For older children, young people and adults it can have a still, meditative quality that can feel profound in its ability to re-connect and bring new insight. I plan to offer sand tray therapy to adults from summer/autumn 2026.

 

Children can use sand – and water – alongside a range of symbols to create a world in the sand tray. The sensory aspect of sand and water supports regulation and connection to self and often children will revel in the calming, sensory aspect of this. I have a wide range of symbols (miniatures) – from natural objects such as stones, pinecones and crystals to wild and domesticated animals to humans, fantasy, monster, death, spiritual, religious, and mythological symbols…. and everything from the beautiful to the grotesque!

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​I hold a safe, steady place for the tray to unfold. Often children’s sand trays can be very experiential as they tell a story in the sand tray, or it can be a more static placement of symbols. There is no right or wrong way, and it supports the child in accessing their imagination to explore new ways of approaching old, stuck problems. I might ask a child to describe the story in the tray or to ask what happens next or to reflect on what a symbol might be thinking/feeling. This often happens purely on a symbolic level.

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Sand trays enable work at an unconscious level where deeply held memories, feelings and patterns can be brought into more conscious awareness. What may feel overwhelming can be laid out and fully seen and felt within the confines of the tray. I love and am constantly inspired by the depth and creativity of sand trays. I have witnessed it time and time again support a child in expressing their story, how it feels to be them and revealing new strengths. Sometimes words are not needed.

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