Make a Sand Tray Therapy Bridge in your Sand Tray / A School Counselor Takes Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy!

by Sand Tray Therapy Student in Play Therapy Training
(Atlanta, GA )

I was initially a bit intimidated when I was instructed to create a sand tray therapy bridge out of toothpicks. I wasn’t sure where to begin as this was like nothing I’d ever done before. However, once I got started I began to quickly enjoy the experience.

I built it over the course of three/four days as I waited for glue and glitter to dry and due to my decision to add rails to the bridge. Ultimately, I ended up creating two bridges so that I’d have a back-up bridge. The second is completely covered with glitter and is quite colorful!

The next part of the assignment was to create a sand tray therapy tray with the bridge. I truly enjoyed this experience as it was my first sand tray. I found it incredibly relaxing. I tended to choose the miniatures I was most attracted to. I focused the bridge the path from my past and my present. On the left side of the bridge was my past. The beach theme represented my childhood and the horses represented my family who still lives in Italy.

I purposely made the bridge accessible so my family and I could come and go. The ladybug represented my aunt who is a very special person in my life and was a great influence throughout my childhood and into adulthood. The Hulk on the left side of the sand tray represented my ex-husband. He influenced the person I am today but he can stay on the left side of the sand tray.

The right side of the sand tray was my present. I chose a butterfly to represent myself because I liked its bright colors and its metamorphosis. Standing next to me was an owl that represented my boyfriend. We have been together for three years and are “partners in crime”. He is wise and very observant and close to my heart.

There were trees around us because nature is a big part of our lives. Nearby us were Captain America who represented my dad, an elephant who represented my mom, and a little figure who represented my “baby” brother. As a child, my dad was my hero and Captain America seemed to fit. I chose the elephant for my mom because she takes her responsibilities as a parent very seriously. She was a nurturing parent and still continues to nurture me as an adult. The little figure reminded me of my brother as he’s silly and unique. The overall sand tray experience was easier than I anticipated.

I thought I might struggle to figure out which sand tray therapy miniatures to use but it came naturally. I’m looking forward to more sand trays to come, especially with my students in school counseling.

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