What is Sandplay or Sandtray therapy?

Sandplay or sandtray therapy is a technique of play therapy using sand, water, and a great variety of miniatures and objects to build scenes or create stories within the boundaries of a tray filled with sand. This method of non-verbal communication is used with children, adolescents, and adults who need to work through dilemmas on a conscious or unconscious level. The sand in itself is therapeutic. The cool sand awakens the senses of sight, touch, and smell while providing a calming effect on most individuals who immerse their hands into it. Children are naturally drawn to the sand, while the majority of adults can relate to playing in the sand during their childhood.

The therapist provides (a) sand tray(s) using either wet or dry sand or both and a safe environment in which to work. Clients choose miniatures (toys) and natural objects such as rocks, sea shells, and twigs to build their worlds. Younger children typically create interactive stories while older clients may create static scenes. The act of building the world, scenes, or stories facilitates the process of healing, and encourages growth. Sandtray therapy is also used with small groups to encourage appropriate social skills.

A Brief History of Sandplay/sandtray Therapy

The use of sand in the therapeutic process began with British pediatrician Margaret Lowenfield in the late 1920’s (Boik & Goodwin, 2000). According to Boik and Goodwin (2000), “her goal was to find a medium that would be attractive to children and provide a means through which the observer and the child could communicate”. As a child, Lowenfield read Floor Games by H. G. Wells, author of War of the Worlds. In his book he described how he and his sons used miniatures and other objects while sitting on the floor, to play games, and to build cities and islands. Lowenfield built upon this idea and added zinc boxes filled with sand and water. This was the beginning of the World Technique and a precursor to sandplay.

Dora Kalf, originator of sandplay, studied with Carl and Emma Jung at the Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland (Kalf, 2003). In 1956, she moved to London to study with Margaret Lowenfield at the Institute for Child Psychology (Kalf). It was there and later in her own practice in Switzerland that she developed what is known today as sandplay. With the great success of this technique for children, she suggested to the parents of her clients they try it for themselves. It became evident that this non-verbal therapeutic method was also effective for adults.

In the late 1970′s, Gisela De Domenico used the sandtray in child-centered psychotherapy (De Domenico, 2008). She conducted a four year phenomenological research study of normal pre-school children’s sandplay journeys, and conducted an exploration of adult sandplay.  During this time, De Domenico studied with John Hood-Williams and Dora Kalff. Her research and experiences became the foundation for what is known today as  Sandtray-Worldplay (De Domenico). “Her focus is on fully experiencing the process, the products of the play, and the healing ‘meaning making’ that occurs” (Boik & Goodwin, 2000, p. 8).

Sandplay continues to grow in popularity as a therapeutic approach for those who work with children, adolescents, and adults. It is used alone or as adjunct to other types of therapy. Since the 1990’s, sandplay has been used by therapist of diverse orientations, as well as educators and business consultants (Boik & Goodwin, 2000).

Why Sandplay/sandtray Therapy?

“According to Piaget (1951) play is the leading source of development in preschool children” (Boik & Goodwin, 2000, p. 10). Sand and water are extremely powerful tools to use in fantasy play. A safe environment is created in a sandtray where children (and adults) can “create a world that provides concrete testimony to inner thoughts and feelings” (Boik and Goodwin, p. 10).

If you ask a child to describe their problem, or why they are exhibiting a specific behavior, they generally cannot answer. They are not being defiant, but do not possess the words or understanding to verbalize the answer. When given a sand tray, they can unconsciously process the problems and behaviors.  As for adults, true healing may need to come from the child within.

References

Boik, B. L., &  Goodwin, E. A. (2000). Sandplay therapy: A step-by-step manual for psychotherapist of diverse orientations. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.

De Domenico, G. S. (2008). Retrieved March 9, 2008 from http://vision-quest.us/vqisr/about_the_founder.htm

Kalf, D. M. (2003). Sandplay: A psychotherapeutic Approach to the psyche. Cloverdale, CA: Temenos Press.

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