Sand Tray Therapy is a way to creatively find solutions and resolve problems.
Sand Tray Therapy builds on the ease and enjoyment that children have for playing in the sand.
The use of a sand tray, figurines and other objects in therapy is an effective way of helping children who are experiencing a wide range of social, emotional, behavioural, and learning problems.
Through “sandplay,” children can create and develop their own expressions of situations. With the support of the therapist, sandplay can provide the opportunity to resolve conflicts, express feelings, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others.
Sand Tray Therapy can be used on its own or as a complement to art therapy, play therapy and counselling. While this creative and primarily non-verbal therapeutic approach is ideal for many children, it can also be used with adults, teens, families, and groups.
Sand Tray Therapy can be effective for:
| Anger, aggression, and acting out behaviours |
| Autism Spectrum Disorders & Aspergers – emotional issues |
| Anxiety, fears, and phobias |
| School difficulties |
| Child abuse and neglect |
| Separation, divorce and family changes |
Sand Tray Play Therapy can help children:
- Overcome shyness and build self-esteem
- Learn to experience and express emotion
- Develop new and creative solutions to problems
- Become more responsible for behaviours and develop more successful strategies
- Cultivate empathy and respect for the thoughts and feelings of others
- Learn new social skills and relational skills with family
- Resolve past experiences of trauma and abuse
