What is Sand Tray Therapy?

If you're a play therapist, you've probably come across terms like "sand tray therapy" and "sandplay therapy." But what's the difference between the two, and why does it matter? Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately conveying the type of therapeutic service you provide and ensuring that clients, parents, and other professionals have a clear understanding of your approach.

What Is Sand Tray Therapy?

Sand tray therapy is a modality within play therapy that involves using a tray filled with sand, along with various miniatures, to create scenes that reflect the client's inner world. As a play therapist, when you use sand tray therapy, you're integrating it within a theoretical play therapy model to help children access the therapeutic powers of play.

For example, if you're trained in child-centered play therapy, the way you use the sand tray will differ significantly from someone trained in Adlerian or Gestalt play therapy. The theoretical model you use guides how you interpret the client's sand tray, how you interact with the client during the session, and how you integrate the sand tray process into the broader therapeutic work.

What Is Sandplay Therapy?

On the other hand, sandplay therapy is a specific therapeutic approach developed by Dora Kalff, grounded in Jungian psychoanalysis. Kalff's method is based on the work of Margaret Lowenfeld, who originally used a sandbox and miniatures to allow children to express themselves non-verbally. Kalff expanded on this by incorporating Jung's concepts of the collective unconscious and archetypes, making sandplay therapy a deeply symbolic and non-directive approach.

In sandplay therapy, the therapist's role is to provide a "free and protected space" where clients can explore their inner worlds through the creation of sand scenes. The therapist's interpretation is deeply rooted in Jungian theory, focusing on the symbols and narratives that emerge from the client's sand trays.

Why the Terminology Matters

Using the correct terminology is essential for several reasons:

Clarity and Professionalism: It ensures that you're accurately representing the type of work you're doing, which is important for maintaining professional integrity. Just as you wouldn't call yourself a music therapist if you're only using music in therapy, you shouldn't refer to your work as sandplay therapy unless you're specifically trained in Kalff's method.
Client Expectations: Parents and other professionals increasingly recognize the distinctions between different therapeutic approaches. Clear communication about the type of therapy you provide helps manage client expectations and ensures they understand what your therapeutic process involves.
Ethical Practice: Using the correct terminology also aligns with ethical practice. If you're not trained in a specific therapeutic approach, it's important not to present yourself as if you are, as this could lead to misunderstandings and potentially harm the therapeutic relationship.

Conclusion

Understanding and correctly using the terms "sand tray therapy" and "sandplay therapy" is more than just a matter of semantics. It's about accurately representing your professional identity, ensuring clear communication with clients and colleagues, and maintaining ethical standards in your practice. Whether you're integrating sand tray work within a broader play therapy model or practicing sandplay therapy in the tradition of Dora Kalff, being clear about your approach helps you provide the best possible care for your clients.

If you're interested in deepening your understanding of sand tray therapy within play therapy, consider joining one of my upcoming trainings where we dive into the practical and theoretical aspects of this powerful therapeutic tool.

Categories: : Play Therapy, Play Therapy Model, Podcast, Sand Tray Therapy