Using the sand tray method as a reflective learning tool in social work practice education

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article explains a creative technique I developed to reflect on cases in a sand tray during practice supervision. Sand has been used in play therapy since the early 20th century to help children and adults create a visual representation of their world for the purpose of healing personal trauma. I often used the technique in my earlier career as a direct work and life story work tool with children. The sand tray becomes a three-dimensional picture, which the therapist and child explore together. I learned it from an experienced play therapist who took me on my own journey through the sand. The pictures I made were powerful and helped me to explore personal/professional realms. The sand tray becomes an artifact, an object rich with significance and imagery that acts as a metaphor for its maker, providing opportunities to crystalize complex stories in our case work for examination. The article provides instructions for Practice Educators who would like to explore the technique with their students in practice supervision.