Sandplay Therapy for Adults
What is Sandplay Therapy?
In Integrative Sandplay (or Sandtray) Therapy clients are invited to arrange miniatures and symbols in a sand tray in any way they wish. This method, which often looks like “only play” creates a powerful direct access into our unconscious.
Who is it for?
I work with adults and I believe absolutely anyone can make use of Sandplay Therapy. It does not require one to consider themselves a particularly “creative” or “not a creative” person. No prior knowledge of symbols or archetypes is needed. The figurines, objects and sand tray are provided by me. All it takes is some curiosity and a bit of openness to try something new. (To notice what an invitation to “play” brings up for you can in itself be a point of interest in therapy.) Equally, you might feel a pull towards this work from a deeper place inside – in which case I invite you to follow the call.
Much like poetry (which symbolises rather than spells out) the figurines and objects, which my teacher Masha Bennett calls “symbols-in-waiting,” carry a deeper, highly personal meaning and offer a direct access to a place we may not be able to connect with otherwise (or it may take us a long time to reach).
There is evidence to show that Sandplay work can be effective for clients who find it difficult to express themselves verbally, who struggle with linear narratives or with facing the therapist directly (people who are neurodivergent or impacted by trauma or loss, for example). In a Sandplay session the focus on the client is much softer and we might both get absorbed in the sand-world in front of us.
A Sandplay session might come in as a one-off (or occasionally) to enrich our weekly talking therapy work or to address a particular issue.
You might want to book only for Sandplay work, in which case I ask for a minimum commitment of three sessions, so that there is enough containment and processing time in our work together.
When to use Sandplay?
- I might suggest a Sandplay session to address an issue that feels “stuck” in a client’s life or the therapy process. A conflict, a relationship dilemma, hope, or an enormous decision can be “symbolised” in a sand tray scene. Something that feels yet inaccessible or impossible to put into words can emerge in the sand tray with the help of the symbols/ objects/ figurines. The process of working with what is meaningful to you personally allows the conscious and the unconscious aspects of the psyche to interact. It is also up to you how much you want to verbally share of your sand-world with me.
- A Sandplay session can also be “spontaneous” meaning that there is no theme and you might choose whatever figures or objects you feel drawn to. These usually end up being impactful sessions with an immediate effect as well as offering a healing potential over time.
- Another way to use Sandplay might be to create a constellation representing your birth family or current family (or both).
- A Sandplay can be used to explore your “inner” and “outer” Self as well as “lower” and “higher” aspects of the Self, to explore strengths and resources, your circle of support, etc.
For a good overview of the various uses of Sandplay Therapy: What is Sandplay For? Entering the Magic Land of Sand & Symbols. An article by Masha Bennett at the Sand and Sound Centre (opens in new window).
How is the session structured?
Sandplay sessions usually have three parts: a brief check-in and deciding a "theme" or a question (or opting to go for a spontaneous sandtray), ample time to choose and arrange your symbols, and processing time. Sandplay sessions are a standard length of 50 minutes. Please see Fees & FAQs page for session cost.
Images on this page: personal collection
Please get in touch with any queries or to book a session.
