The relaxing quality of touching the sand brings a sense of calm that allows fears and tensions to fall away and be replaced by quiet and unpressured concentration.

The sensory nature of sand play is effective for young children who are not yet able to describe their experience in words and for adults who require a gentle, nonverbal approach to therapy.

The therapist provides toys, tools and miniature objects which can be used to create an imaginative and symbolic world within the boundaries of the sand tray.

As the client plays imaginatively or traces and erases drawings in the sand, the therapist listens
empathetically and responds to their observations and reflections. They offers a quiet, attentive presence or supportive response as conflicts and difficulties are raised and emotions expressed at a pace determined by the client.

Sand tray therapy is an effective sensory tool for transformation. The simplicity of its process and the fact that it may appear to be only ‘playing with sand’, hides its potential to bring healing and promote change.