What is Sand Tray Play Therapy?
You’ve heard about sand tray therapy and it’s piqued your interest. You or your loved ones are struggling right now. But, you want a creative way to release the thoughts and emotions that are running through your mind. From what you’ve been told, you think sand tray play therapy might be a good way to help you or your loved one express things that you can’t put into words. But, you need to know more about it. Who is it for? Is it like normal play therapy? What should I expect? I understand. This therapeutic approach is not talked about very often and there’s not a lot of information out there. So, let me tell you more about what sand tray play therapy is. Plus, what you can expect if your therapist recommends it for you, your family, child, or teen.
What is Sand Tray Play Therapy?
Let’s start from the basics and clarify what sand tray play therapy is. Sand tray play therapy is a type of expressive therapy. It uses sand in a tray along with miniatures to allow the user to create their own microcosm. A microcosm is a term used to describe the little world that’s created by an individual. It often mimics their own interpretation of the things they are experiencing in a day to day life. Even if it doesn’t seem like that on the surface. Sand tray play therapy is most often practiced with children. But, success has been seen when it’s used in couples therapy, teen therapy, and family therapy as well.
Why Would Someone Start Sand Tray Play Therapy?
This is a great question and one that is very important to discuss in this blog. A play therapist will recommend sand tray play therapy if they feel like their client is having a hard time expressing their thoughts or emotions. This may be because they don’t have the words to do so, or because they’re too painful to discuss with words. Sand tray play therapy allows the user to express themselves through play. This allows the client to share their emotions through the figures they’re using in the sand. This works well with children because their natural language is play. So, it feels safe and comfortable for them to express themselves in this way.
What Happens in Sand Tray Play Therapy?
What happens in sand tray play therapy depends on both the play therapist you’re working with and the center. In some offices, there is a whole sand tray play therapy room to explore. Our San Antonio, TX counseling center is one of them!
In short, there are two main forms of sand tray play therapy: directive and non-directive. The approach the therapist uses depends on the situation, but we will detail them below.
During non-directive sand tray play therapy, the play therapist takes a hands-off approach. They let their client use the sand tray play and the miniatures with little to no input. During directive sand play therapy the therapist will guide the client as they play. They encourage them to express or uncover things that are in the background of their mind. When doing so, they may also help the client problem solve and learn valuable coping skills to handle upset.
Regardless of which approach the clinician takes, they will use the sand tray and the miniatures for a certain time. Then, they will usually discuss the narrative they created. Plus, the things that we’re expressed during the session.
Begin Sand Tray Play Therapy in San Antonio, TX
The power of play can support your child, partner, or family via sand tray therapy. Our team has the training and experience to support you in overcoming past pain. We support from our San Antonio, TX-based counseling practice and online. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
Click here for more information on child therapy.
Start sand tray therapy. For more information, contact us or call 210.384.1254.