Sand Tray Therapy Experience from a Therapist's Perspective

A Personal Sandtray Therapy Experience from a Therapist in Greece:

By an Anonymous Sand Tray Therapist

A Personal Sandtray Therapy Experience

Sandtray Therapy Experience:

I must admit that when I started doing the sand tray therapy activity I had my doubts about the therapeutic value for me because I did not immediately know what I wanted to depict in my world, what miniatures I should use or how it would turn out. The first 10-15 minutes I played around with different miniatures trying to decide what to do and how to do it.

My sand tray therapy activity depicted an island and small cay surrounded by water and connected by a bridge. The larger island served as a relaxing, peaceful beach, and the other part of the island represented the opposite of that. On the larger island I laid on the beach on a lounge chair surrounded by pleasant sea animals and my pet dog Diesel. On the other part of the island I rode in a car and appeared stuck in a large spider web.

I knew that I wanted to depict an island because it represents so many things for me. It serves as a refuge for me, a happy place where family and friends are located. The sea animals were chosen for this sand tray therapy experience because they are my favorite sea creatures.

Dolphins are happy, friendly and cute and turtles are harmless and peaceful. The large spider web represents so many things, but primarily fears. The bridge represents the path to escape these fears that have consumed me. The path itself is scary because overcoming ones fears can be scary which is why the snake is slithering underneath.

While doing this sand tray therapy assignment I had an overwhelming sense of sadness. My overall mood changed and I become quiet and reflective. I discovered how fear immobilizes me and how much I wanted to escape that feeling. The sand tray therapy exercise allowed me to get my thoughts and feelings out and depict them visually. I would like to learn more about this sand tray therapy process so that I can use it personally and professionally in the future.

Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.

*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed  mental health professional immediately.

"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.

For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.

Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of study.