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 children as part of the play therapy kit, or with older children/young people as a creative therapy alongside art. 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, pine cones 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 place for the tray to unfold however it needs to. Often children’s sand trays can be very experiential as they tell a rapidly evolving 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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Working with sand trays is not just for children and parents are often surprised to know it is effective in work with adults too. It enables 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 sandplay work. 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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