Sandtray in Therapy: How does it help kids and teens with their mental health?

Picture this: you’re on vacation at your favorite beach. You’re sitting in the sand, feeling the sun in your face, hearing the waves hit the beach, and you start to play with the sand. You pick it up, let it run through your fingers, and as you do so, you find yourself getting calmer with each handful. This, in a sense, is what sandtray can provide to someone in therapy. Although they might not feel the sun on their face or hear the waves crashing on the beach, the feeling of sand is just as grounding and relaxing to the client. This makes it the perfect medium for therapy!

So, what exactly is sandtray?

Sandtray is an expressive art tool that is typically used by therapists that work with children and teenagers, but it can be helpful for all ages! The client is asked to create their world in the tray, and they do so by choosing figurines and arranging them in a way that is meaningful to them. These figurines represent almost everything you can think of; animals, people, household items, cars, movie characters, and spiritual or magical figures. The client is able to process deep intrapsychic topics in a way that traditional talk therapy can’t, as the tray or ‘scene’ that they create often tells a story in itself. The client is no longer reliant on their words to tell a story, and this can lead to deeper and more meaningful healing.

What types of clients can benefit?

Good news, the answer is just about everyone! Most notably, it’s helpful for processing trauma, abuse, or other deeply felt but hard-to-access emotions. It can be especially useful for those that struggle to talk, or feel that they talk too much. It can be good for those with ADHD, as it allows them to focus more on the topic at hand. Sandtray can also help meet the sensory needs of individuals, helping regulate their nervous system. It can be good for grief and loss, low self-esteem, and a variety of other topics.

Is it effective?

Now, this all sounds great, but is it really that effective? Yes! Numerous studies have shown that sandtray is helpful in increasing self-expression, processing sexual trauma, and developing a sense of control over life stressors, just to name a few. Even though studies have proven the effectiveness for these specific topics, it can be used for so many more! Before being used in sessions, the therapist takes into consideration the risks and benefits that it can provide for the client to ensure that true healing and processing can occur in the safest environment available. 

At Reach Counseling, our goal is to provide an experience that is most meaningful and effective for each individual client - we do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach. Sandtray is one technique that our therapist may utilize with the client.

You may be thinking, “what if myself, or my child, does not like sand?” Not a problem! We appreciate playing games and using other therapy modalities such as crayons, paint, and tactiles to help you or your child to experience therapy in whatever form best suits you.

We believe everyone can benefit from therapy - our hope is that we can be a part of your family’s healing journey. Book a phone consultation today to begin the healing that you and your child deserves.