We often hear people say things like, “there is a child inside every adult” or “I am a child at heart”. What they mean by that is every person has those intuitive, imaginative, explorative parts that a child has, only that they are tucked away deep inside. So when a therapist suggests Sandtray therapy for an adult, it doesn’t come as a shocker.

What is Sandtray therapy?

When people think of Sandtray therapy, they often associate it with child therapy. But this kind of therapy has been in use for children and adults alike for many years now. A rectangular shaped box filled with sand is presented in front of the adult or the child and they are encouraged to use the toys in the form of everyday objects like miniature cars, people, animals, trees, to express and create something in the sand.

The 3 benefits of Sandtray therapy

1. Kids don’t have enough vocabulary to express but adults who have the vocabulary, often don’t want to express. Either they are at a loss of words as to how to formulate what they are feeling or they just don’t trust the words that will come out of their mouths. In such cases, a Sandtray therapy can get them to open up by allowing the therapist to interpret the symbolism and metaphors of the usage of certain toys and figurines.

2. Sand can often have a calming, soothing effect on people. Touching the sand’s texture and just enjoying the freedom of doing whatever you want with the sand can help people tremendously. Creating something, anything with hands, is said to have a direct correlation to brain activity and is said to release dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitter.

3. Sandtray therapy can help bring forth subconscious feelings especially in situations where neglect, trauma, or abuse has occurred. Such situations are not just difficult to explain but even to admit to yourself that this has happened to you can get difficult for some adults. In such a scenario, Sandtray helps the client to face what happened in a safe, healthy environment.

Sandtray therapy vs. Sand play therapy

Sandtray therapy is different from sand play therapy. Sandtray therapy allows the therapist to guide, direct, question the client while they are creating or just handling the sand. This is a more explorative way of reaching the root of the problem. Sand play therapy on the other hand, allows the clients to create, play with and explore the world of sand without any questions or directions. The therapist makes observations and takes notes and once the sand play is concluded, the therapist then analyses what happened during the sand play, with the client.

At Ohana Behavioral Health, we do sandtray therapy for children, teens and adults. If you have more questions about this form of therapy, do reach out to us. And next time your therapist wants to explore and reach the root of your issues with the sandtray, don’t hesitate to let your inner child out.