Share


Sand tray therapy is a hands-on, nonverbal form of psychotherapy that uses a shallow container filled with sand, along with an array of miniature figurines, symbols, and natural objects. In a session, clients arrange the figures in the sand to create scenes that reflect inner experiences, conflicts, memories, and emotions. The tactile, in-the-moment act of shaping the tray invites body-based processing and can unlock patterns that are difficult to express with words alone. The therapeutic foundation blends play-based approaches with psychodynamic andAttachment-informed ideas: the tray becomes a symbolic map of the client’s inner world, and the therapist serves as a calm, observing guide who helps translate imagery into insight. Originating in the work of Dora Kalff and drawing on Jungian symbolism and child-centered play therapy, sand tray therapy emphasizes safety, containment, and client-led exploration. It is used with children and adults alike, often within broader therapy plans, to access deep emotions and foster resilience through symbolic expression.

Core principles and techniques used

Therapist and child place miniature figures in a sand tray to explore healing through sand tray therapy.

  • Nonverbal expression and symbolic language: The tray offers a way to express feelings, memories, and conflicts that may be hard to name in words. Images, spatial relationships, and the arrangement of figures convey meaning that clients can revisit later.
  • Containment and safety: The sensory space of sand and miniature figures provides a sense of safety and control, helping clients explore difficult material without becoming overwhelmed. The therapist’s attuned presence reinforces this sense of containment.
  • Client-led process: Clients choose what to place, how to arrange it, and when to pause. The pace is guided by the client’s readiness, not by a fixed agenda or a question list.
  • Therapist as witness and facilitator: The therapist observes, reflects, and asks open-ended, nonleading questions to support reflection, meaning-making, and internal integration.
  • Process over product: The focus is on the unfolding process—the client’s evolving relationship with the scene—rather than on creating a “perfect” image.
  • Cultural sensitivity and person-centered care: Practitioners acknowledge cultural, spiritual, and personal meanings embedded in the client’s choices and narratives.

Techniques commonly used alongside the tray include:

  • Free carding and storytelling: Clients describe the scene in their own words or invite the therapist to “dialogue” with characters in the scene.
  • Multi-tray exploration: In some cases, a sequence of trays is used to represent evolving themes or different perspectives within a single narrative.
  • Dialogue and scripting: The client or therapist speaks from the perspective of figures or symbols, fostering perspective-taking and insight.
  • Reflection and integration: After building a scene, clients may revisit it, add or rearrange pieces, or discuss what changed as a form of processing and integration.

Conditions and issues sand tray therapy is most effective for

  • Trauma and PTSD symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults, including dysregulated emotions and intrusive memories.
  • Grief, loss, and bereavement, helping individuals bear and integrate difficult experiences.
  • Anxiety and depressive symptoms, offering a nonverbal pathway to release tension and articulate fears.
  • Attachment and relational difficulties, including family dynamics, parenting stress, and school-related challenges.
  • Developmental differences and autism spectrum-related support, where symbolic play can complement verbal therapy.
  • Chronic illness or medical trauma coping, helping clients process illness narratives and stress.
  • Cultural, spiritual, and identity concerns where symbolic representation supports personal meaning-making.

While sand tray therapy can be beneficial for many, it works best when integrated with other treatment approaches and tailored to each person’s readiness, culture, and goals. A skilled practitioner will assess suitability and adapt the approach accordingly.

What to expect in sessions

  • Sessions commonly range from 40 to 60 minutes, conducted in a quiet, private space with a tray and a curated set of figures and objects. The environment supports calm, safe exploration.
  • Starting a session: The therapist typically invites the client to observe the materials, introduce a broad theme, or simply begin building. There is no pressure to speak immediately if the client is not ready.
  • Creating the tray: The client arranges the sand and places figures to depict a scene. The process is client-driven, and the therapist watches for patterns, symbolism, and emerging themes.
  • Processing and reflection: After the scene is built, the therapist may invite the client to describe the tray, give voice to the figures, or engage in a guided dialogue. This phase translates imagery into meaning and emotion into language.
  • Homework and integration: In some cases, clients may revisit the tray between sessions or document insights in a symbolic way, supporting integration with daily life and other therapies.

People often report a sense of relief, increased self-awareness, and a felt sense of containment after sessions. The pace is collaborative, and the therapeutic alliance—trustful connection with the therapist—is central to progress.

The therapeutic process and timeline

Sand tray therapy is usually embedded within a broader treatment plan. The number of sessions depends on the client’s goals, the complexity of the issues, and how the client responds to the process. For some, a short series (6–12 sessions) may yield meaningful shifts in emotion regulation and insight; for others, longer engagement (12–24 sessions or more) may be needed to work through layered trauma or ongoing life transitions.

Key phases commonly observed in a sequence of sessions include:

  • Establishing a secure, nonjudgmental space and building trust between client and therapist.
  • The client creates trays, and themes begin to emerge in imagery and symbolism.
  • Through reflection, the client derives insights, connections to life events, and coping strategies.
  • The client applies new understandings to daily life, relationships, and future challenges, with or without continued sessions.

Trauma-focused work within sand tray therapy benefits from a trauma-informed stance: pacing, safety, and client readiness drive each step, with careful attention to signs of distress and the option to pause or slow down as needed.

Qualifications to look for in practitioners

  • A clinician with licensure in a relevant field (for example, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, or psychologist) who is trained in trauma-informed care.
  • Postgraduate coursework or certification in sand play or sand tray therapy, ideally with supervision from experienced practitioners.
  • Demonstrated comfort and competence in handling sensitive material, with attention to cultural, linguistic, and developmental factors.
  • Ongoing professional supervision and adherence to ethical guidelines for safety, confidentiality, and boundaries.
  • Ability to integrate sand tray therapy with other modalities when appropriate (e.g., talk therapy, EMDR, or art therapy).

Considerations for choosing this approach

  • Consider age, presenting concerns, cultural background, and willingness to engage in symbolic, nonverbal work.
  • Seek a therapist who explains the process, obtains informed consent, and clearly outlines safety procedures for processing strong emotions or trauma.
  • A calm, private space with well-organized materials can foster trust and ease during sessions.
  • Discuss how sand tray therapy will be integrated with other treatments and how progress will be tracked.
  • Cost, scheduling flexibility, accessibility, and whether the setting accommodates the client’s needs (e.g., language, mobility, sensory preferences).

Because sand tray therapy is a specialized approach, it is reasonable to ask a prospective clinician about their training, experience with your presenting concerns, and how they will monitor safety, consent, and progress. If you are considering this modality for a child, involve caregivers in planning and ensure the clinician offers appropriate communication with families as part of the treatment plan.

Getting started: practical steps

  • Identify licensed clinicians in your area who list sand tray therapy among their specialties and ask about their training and experience with your concerns.
  • Ask about session length, pace, and what a typical session looks like, including how progress is discussed and documented.
  • Clarify whether the therapist conducts initial assessments to determine suitability and how they handle safety and consent, especially for children.
  • Discuss integration with other therapies you may be using and how the therapist coordinates care with other providers if relevant.
  • Prepare questions for the first meeting, such as how they handle difficult material that emerges in the tray and what signs of distress would prompt adjustments to the plan.

If you decide to pursue sand tray therapy, give yourself time to find a good fit. The right therapist will honor your pace, respect your symbolic process, and help you translate the tray’s imagery into lasting understanding and change.

Page Contents