Sandplay is a creative and non-directive therapeutic method that is highly enjoyable and non-threatening.  It is particularly helpful for children and forms one of the approaches used in Play Therapy.  However, many adults also find sandplay extremely and surprisingly effective in helping them with issues that are often very hard to voice outloud especially to others.   

Sandplay involves an individual choosing freely from a large collection of several hundred miniatures made available and making a “picture” or moving pictures in a tray of sand.  It gives the individual an opportunity to express their feelings, thoughts, emotions and inner world in a non-verbal and non-threatening way. The qualified sandplay therapist provides a safe, nurturing and empathic space in which this can happen. Over a relatively short time, themes begin to play out in the sand through the relationships, patterns and stories created.  The individual’s world view and self-value is seen together with areas of strength and challenge.

This approach can be extremely helpful for those who find it hard to talk to others about difficult things.  It is especially helpful for those who do not know how to verbalise what is affecting them.  Children from 3 years upwards, young people and adults often find Sandplay helps them work through difficult, confusing, painful, and even traumatic events.  People sometimes like to talk about the trays they make, but more often improvements are seen and felt over a number of weeks through the process of making sand pictures itself.

The range of miniatures and symbols used is large and includes animals, human figures, vehicles, furniture, fences, castles, plants and trees, insects, sealife, crystals, mythological figures and creatures, multi-cultural figures and symbols, fairy tale characters, dinosaurs, and heroes and heroines.

The Sandplay process often has a calming effect and usually results in an improved sense of self-worth and well being.  If you are interested in Sandplay, please get in touch for further information or a FREE half hour trial session.