The sand is a place of discovery and wonder.
Sandtray/Sandplay is a therapeutic tool that can be used with children, teens and adults. You, the creator, make a picture or scene in a tray of sand, using miniature figurines and various elements representing the world. I will observe and witness with respectful intention and non-judgment. Each work in sand is a unique experience and creation, tapping into one’s imagination and dream-like world. The pictures can include many figures, just a few or none at all while the moist sand can be molded and shifted as desired.
Sandtray/Sandplay is typically non-directed, however if you are feeling stuck in the talking process we may go to the sand with a clear intention in response to what is coming up as we talk. You may have forgotten or never learned words for an inner experience and yet a figure, even though you may not know why or what it means, may help you connect with a part of yourself intuitively and nonverbally. This is why “letting the figure pick you” is a phrase often used with Sandplay therapists.
You may wish to talk about what you’ve created and discovered or you may prefer that we sit together taking in and honoring the completed picture with silent curiosity and wonder. I will take a photo of the work and we may refer to it at a later time if you so choose.
Children are often drawn to it naturally and may use the sand to work through present challenges they are facing. Teens and adults are often surprised by the power and meanings that emerge from the created scenes while typically wanting
to share the experience to deepen the understanding of the tray, as a refelction of themselves.
You are never required to work in the sand yet it is available. If you wish to use it I ask that we begin within the first fifteen minutes into a session. This way you will have enough time to be in the process.