Sand Tray Therapy

Abstract

Sand tray therapy is an expressive therapy that has the unique and impressive quality of being quite adaptive and flexible. This chapter explores two elements: it is crucial that sand tray materials be specific, that is, purposeful and intentional; and sand tray therapy should be done by trained therapists. Sand tray therapy theory and techniques should always be theoretically based. As the use of sand tray expands, it is practiced by psychologists, counselors, family therapists, social workers, and other mental health practitioners. Providing the client an area in which to work and create is the key to setting up a sand tray therapy space. The chapter focuses on a specific, or rigid, sand tray therapy protocol, there are some basic elements that the authors consider important in the overall process. These include: room preparation; introduction to the client; creation of the sand tray; post-creation process; sand tray clean-up; and documenting the session.