What Is Sand Tray Therapy?

By Laurie Page, LPC

Sand tray therapy can be a meaningful addition to talk therapy and aid in working through many types of issues. Sand is considered familiar and non-threatening. Working in the sand involves the physical, the mental, and the spiritual. It is often used as a holistic tool for healing and personal growth.

The therapy involves the use of one or two large, rectangular trays, usually wooden, with blue-painted bottoms, and small tools for working in the sand. Typically, a large assortment of figures, ranging from mythological creatures to representatives of the feminine, masculine, youth, etc., is available for use. There may also be structures representing houses, churches, teepees, and ruins. Small trees, rocks, shells and other natural objects may be represented, as well.

Clients are invited to explore the sand and the figures. Some clients solely work with the sand manipulating the grains and designing shapes. Others arrange figures in the tray, creating a small three-dimensional world or a dynamic drama. There is no right or wrong way to use the sand tray. As the tray unfolds before him, the client will experience the sand and the figures tactically. It is thought that the inner self speaks to the hands as the sand tray develops, often revealing issues that are obscured by a complex thought process.

The therapist does not direct, interpret or analyze the work that is being done in the sand tray, nor manipulate the sand tray, creating an atmosphere of safety and acceptance for the work. The therapist listens to any comments, and validates the experience of the work.

The sand responds to the hands and to the mind. It allows for creation, destruction, and re-creation. Often times, experiences that have had no words, due to the early age of the memory or the intensity of the experience, become visible and tangible. The quiet, creative world of the sand tray also can help free the unconscious part of us to better understand our challenges, our strengths and ourselves.