Sand Tray Therapy

Sand tray therapy, also known as sand play therapy, is a non-verbal, hands-on approach that uses a sand box to help client’s realize or acknowledge feelings, memories, struggles, or experiences by drawing pictures of them in sand rather than talking about them.

Over multiple sessions, clients play in the sand with no goal of creating a “finished product” while the therapist watches and provides a supportive environment. Clients may use water or small toys to facilitate his or her drawings. At the end of the session, clients may make comments about his or her creation but generally discussion or interpretation of the drawings is not addressed until after a series of sand trays sessions is complete.

This therapy is often used with clients who have experienced trauma or abuse.