Sandtray therapy is a non-verbal, expressive counseling approach that can be used with children, teenagers, and adults. Miniature objects, sand, and water are used together as a form of communication. People don’t just think in words. We also think in images. Parts of the unconscious are often projected onto the objects used in the sandtray, bringing the unconscious into conscious awareness.

Sandtray therapy can be beneficial to people of any age. However, it can be particularly helpful for very young children, children with developmental difficulties, and people with relational issues. This unique therapy creates a safe environment and can allow people to express emotional issues that they find difficult to put into words. For example, it may be easier for a person who has experienced a traumatic event to communicate their trauma through objects rather than explain the trauma verbally.