Sand Tray Therapy Class Summer- Maslow's Hierarchy Self Actualization Journey-Student #11

by Sand Tray Therapy Student
(USA)

The Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Sand Tray Therapy project was very enlightening as a whole. The miniatures I selected for physiological needs during the beginning stages of creating the sand tray are pictures of chicken, hamburger, cupcakes, and pie.

The chicken and beef indicate the human body’s need for protein. Food has always been very important to me and one of my many joys in life is eating good food. I am known for my love for food, eating, and been labeled “the girl that loves to eat”.

I am known for the amount of time I spend talking about good food. The pie and the sweets represent my love for sweets even though not exactly physiological needs.

There is also a tree and sun that recognize the importance of outdoor contact and activity-vitamin D and interaction with nature. Miniatures that remained and were added at the end of the tray are Winnie the Pooh and stuffed elephant that represent my inner child and fun part of me that I necessary for my emotional health.

Winnie the Pooh reminds me of my ability to not be so serious all of the time and take some time for self care that is very important for my overall wellbeing. The pictures of the sweets were removed.

My safety needs stretched vertically across the sand tray in the beginning stage. I have a barrier, soldiers, policeman, and cones which is surprising because I did not grow up in a military environment or fenced in areas.

I have a like to dislike relationship with police because of knowing they are there to protect and having them protect and serve me in times of needs.

In other situations, I have seen racial profiling of family members and friends. I removed the cones as the sand tray progressed and still kept the fence that I feel represents my alarm security system and items I “carry” with me to maintain my sense of security.

The love and belonging started off with six dinosaurs lined up vertically across the middle of the sand tray that represents my immediate family which included me, my boyfriend, and friends.

The additional dinosaur was removed that represented friends and only included five dinosaurs that indicate my desire to focus more on my immediate family and boyfriend at this time. My friends are important but my focus should be more on the other relationship.

Esteem and confidence was represented originally with an elephant and lion. Two animals that are strong on their own but qualities that I want to have-courage and wisdom, loyalty, grace and prosperity. Each animal has qualities that I possess but I also want to continue developing over time. This part of the tray did not change.

The self actualization need is represented by the chameleon which represent acceptance of myself overall. The positive aspects and not so positive aspects about me and knowing that there is still room to change. At the end of the sand tray the chameleon miniature was removed and a happy face, key, turtle, and bon bon box were added.

The key to my sand tray therapy self-actualization is remaining positive, staying patient along the sand tray therapy journey, and relying on my faith to get me through the challenges. The challenges miniatures were added along the building of the sand tray and are represented by the hippopotamus, snake, and truck. The challenges represent pain that as a whole I have experienced and will experience-“the snake”.


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