Sand Tray Therapy - Building My Bridge Summer 2012

by Sherrie Bridges-Sinclair #9
(Macon, GA)

Making A Bridge for Sand Tray Therapy
At the same time that I was trying to create my bridge, I was also making my own sandtray. The bridge was very difficult for me because I could mentally picture a bridge but transforming that thought to a physical bridge was a different story. I started my bridge by placing several toothpicks together and then adding glue to them. I made several sections of my bridge before I started to put the bridge together.
As I placed the pieces together and added glue to them, I still could not transform that mental picture into a physical bridge. My bridge was floppy, and curved. My son and my husband offered to help me but I told them this had to come from me.
As I stretched out my bridge, there was an entrance ramp and an exit ramp, but they seemed as if they were a little high off the ground. How was I to get on the bridge, which was still very floppy? Once I made it across, how could I get off the bridge? I did not know. I became frustrated and laid my bridge on its side. I had given it all that I could, but it was far from a sturdy bridge.
The next morning, I decided to tackle my bridge head on. It was sagging in the middle; however, placing some supportive beams underneath it would hold it up. I also wanted to add some rails on the side to help provide security as I went across the bridge. When I thought about why this was such a difficult project, I realized that I am currently in the midst of a transition. I am not sure of how to begin to change the direction of my life, thus the uncertainty of how you would get on or off the ramps. I am worried about failing, thus the sagging bridge with the realization that I need to add (or have) some support and security during this transition.
My sandtray was just as reflective of this transition as making the bridge. Behind me in one corner is the artillery soldiers fighting off the predators that I feel aided in the need for this untimely transition. Also behind me is my family. They are watching and supportive of me but I keep them pushed back behind a barrier; in part because of my desire to seem very strong and in control and partly because of a fear that I have let them down. I am Snow White, contemplating on whether to cross the bridge or not.
Across the bridge, directly at the end of the ramp is a frog. My transition requires a leap of faith. In one corner is a green tree with two flags, representing freedom and growth. In the middle is another is another tree, blue pebbles and seashells. To me, this represented peace of mind. In the other corner is a pan with “diamonds” and three cars. This is a representation of the partners with whom I am in the process of forming a non-profit organization and the potential for the income that we could make.
Also in that corner is the foam sort of flowery thing with an eye in it. This represents GOD. GOD is always watching, and ever present. He knows what is going to happen, because He has already predestined our path. He is there to remind me to have faith as I go forward.