Sandplay Therapy has been around for about 70 years. Joel Ryce-Menuhin refers to Sandplay as the “wonderful therapy” and in many respects I can relate to his description. Sandplay is “wonderful” as it is universal meaning anyone of any age, culture or circumstance can use it as an expressive, creative self-development tool; with a trained therapist.
Sandplay provides the opportunity to construct a world or image using miniature figures/objects, sand and water. The scene created acts as a reflection that facilitates awareness and from there potentially the resolution of issues. In a free and safe space Sandplayers can communicate without having to use words. Figurines and natural word objects can be placed in the sand tray in whatever way the Sandplayer feels inclined or moved. The therapy is engaged when the participant allows themselves to be guided by imagination, dreams or whichever figures attract and choose to be used in the sand. Sandplayers are encouraged to take time to select, place and use objects in whatever and whichever way they feel moved.
The result is a representation and expression that is an offering for the Sandplayer. The process of Sandplay provides opportunity to explore and access content, direction and answers that lie within.
A Sandplayer may not always understand immediately what they have expressed/constructed. In time and should they choose to they can engage in a feedback session to recognise connections between sand images, inner and outer worlds and their bodies. The Sandplayer participant leads their unique process placing, replacing and changing figures in the sand to assist in mobilising growth and development both internally and in real life.
It can take time for life changing shifts to be realised but sometimes after only a few sessions significant changes are experienced. A Sandplay process can be anything from 3 to 21 sessions.