I am going through my masters in counselling psychology and I am really drawn to Experiential theory and specifically EFT. Just before I entered my program I met someone that did Sandpaly therapy and I got super inspired because I am an artist and I can make my own imagery for my trays. I am more interested in the Sandtray therapy. This video is going to help me with a group class presentation. Thank you so much. I really appreciate that you put this out there. Thank you. Thank you!
For all they nay sayers in the comments, there is a big difference between sand tray therapy (created by Margaret Lowenfeld) and sand play therapy (created by Dora Kalf). Sand Tray is directive, flexible with tray sizes, and talks through the scene that is created. Sand Play is non directive, specific with tray requirements, and allows the client to work through scenes on their own. Margaret Lowenfeld created what she termed the World Technique as a new form of play therapy. Dora Kalf studied under Margaret Lowenfeld. Dora then took Margaret's idea of working in the sand with miniatures and made it her own by adding and taking away based on her beliefs that stemmed from Carl Jung, Erich Neumann, and the Tibetan Monks. The technique can also differ when used in Gestalt, CBT, Adlerian, or any other perspective.
Yes, Amanda, I can't agree with you more. Sandtray Vs. Sandplay. I just keep wondering which type of client would respond better to sandtray and who will benefit more from sandplay. Any ideas about this matter?
A very different view on sandtray therapy. It differs greatly from the classical, traditional method that is taught in Europe/Germany etc., which is way less directive. An interesting opportunity to compare this way to the standard Jungian sandplay therapy originally created by Dora Kalff. I really enjoyed seeing the way Tammi has set up and grouped her miniatures (it's different in Europe, for example, fire figurines would be on the lower shelves as they are, so to say, "closer to ground/underground" and all the figurines in general would be arranged according to a strict hierarchical order). The therapist would not direct the work, and they would most definitely not encourage rearranging the picture (it looked way more chaotic and crowded after the intervention). So there must be some cultural differences (I assume this is America?) in the way therapists work in each country and also what is expected of them. Thank you very, very much for this very valuable insight.
this was excellent, thank you...i'm beginning work with Detroit-area students (school-based) in the Fall and sand tray will be an integral part of my work--many great ideas to apply!
The creation of a sandtray is a full sensory experience and triggers the limbic system in the brain and fires neurons. After the creation of the sandtray, the client is able to see things differently and they are healing on a much deeper level. In session, the therapist can address the miniatures being used in the sandtray as metaphors of life that create a safe psychological distance from the client's problems. Sandtray quiets the mind and clears the cluttered brain, giving clients a sense of control and mastery.
My therapist mentioned that she wants me to try sandtray therapy bc she thinks I might like it, and at first I was like “uhh ok” but this makes me really excited to try!! I’m just really worried I’m going to overthink it too munch bc I overthink all the time about everything
Hi, Darcie, I am also excited for you to experience sandtray work. It really is amazing and although you think you may overthink it, it is hard to fool the unconscious mind. Sandtray work helps to turn off the thinking brain and just create. I encourage you to trust the process and let the miniatures speak to you.
Ummmm... I just don't see the therapy behind this... Besides I thought play therapy was better if you actually let the person sit there and play with the toys 🤔
The first part I’m pretty sure is just getting them used to it. Play therapy lets kids relax and tell stories better, and makes places less intimidating. A lot of times they use sand tray for older kids-teens because the abstract thinking part of it is developed, and it can lead to better depth on a possible diagnosis. For example, a kid that could potentially have OCD might spend a long time making the sand perfectly even, or spend a long time adjusting and moving the figurines.
What happens here is that the subconscious mind is engaged, and each figurine represents something deep inside the person. It helps the client to process what's happening inside, and discover things they have not previously been aware of. It bypasses the cognitive and reaches the subconscious quickly and effectively, and can be very useful in healing and growing for the client.
I am going through my masters in counselling psychology and I am really drawn to Experiential theory and specifically EFT. Just before I entered my program I met someone that did Sandpaly therapy and I got super inspired because I am an artist and I can make my own imagery for my trays. I am more interested in the Sandtray therapy. This video is going to help me with a group class presentation. Thank you so much. I really appreciate that you put this out there. Thank you. Thank you!
For all they nay sayers in the comments, there is a big difference between sand tray therapy (created by Margaret Lowenfeld) and sand play therapy (created by Dora Kalf). Sand Tray is directive, flexible with tray sizes, and talks through the scene that is created. Sand Play is non directive, specific with tray requirements, and allows the client to work through scenes on their own. Margaret Lowenfeld created what she termed the World Technique as a new form of play therapy. Dora Kalf studied under Margaret Lowenfeld. Dora then took Margaret's idea of working in the sand with miniatures and made it her own by adding and taking away based on her beliefs that stemmed from Carl Jung, Erich Neumann, and the Tibetan Monks. The technique can also differ when used in Gestalt, CBT, Adlerian, or any other perspective.
Amanda, beautiful explanation. Thank you for sharing.
very informative. thank you
Yes, Amanda, I can't agree with you more. Sandtray Vs. Sandplay. I just keep wondering which type of client would respond better to sandtray and who will benefit more from sandplay. Any ideas about this matter?
A very different view on sandtray therapy. It differs greatly from the classical, traditional method that is taught in Europe/Germany etc., which is way less directive. An interesting opportunity to compare this way to the standard Jungian sandplay therapy originally created by Dora Kalff. I really enjoyed seeing the way Tammi has set up and grouped her miniatures (it's different in Europe, for example, fire figurines would be on the lower shelves as they are, so to say, "closer to ground/underground" and all the figurines in general would be arranged according to a strict hierarchical order). The therapist would not direct the work, and they would most definitely not encourage rearranging the picture (it looked way more chaotic and crowded after the intervention). So there must be some cultural differences (I assume this is America?) in the way therapists work in each country and also what is expected of them. Thank you very, very much for this very valuable insight.
I was thinking the same. Even the introduction is too directive from what I was taught (I'm in Australia)
Wow, and it like the child can see how they can change or cope with her own life by how she arranges the items later, too! wonderful!
this was excellent, thank you...i'm beginning work with Detroit-area students (school-based) in the Fall and sand tray will be an integral part of my work--many great ideas to apply!
This can be used to help a client with language difficulty to speak.
In what ways would the client use what they experienced with their completed safe tray in their life that would encourage efficacy, healing ,etc.
The creation of a sandtray is a full sensory experience and triggers the limbic system in the brain and fires neurons. After the creation of the sandtray, the client is able to see things differently and they are healing on a much deeper level. In session, the therapist can address the miniatures being used in the sandtray as metaphors of life that create a safe psychological distance from the client's problems. Sandtray quiets the mind and clears the cluttered brain, giving clients a sense of control and mastery.
My therapist mentioned that she wants me to try sandtray therapy bc she thinks I might like it, and at first I was like “uhh ok” but this makes me really excited to try!! I’m just really worried I’m going to overthink it too munch bc I overthink all the time about everything
Hi, Darcie, I am also excited for you to experience sandtray work. It really is amazing and although you think you may overthink it, it is hard to fool the unconscious mind. Sandtray work helps to turn off the thinking brain and just create. I encourage you to trust the process and let the miniatures speak to you.
Ah yes, if only someone would have read a little more into me needing the sand all even.
Be sure to also listen to my TEDx Talk: Stories in the Sand: Healing Trauma, Anxiety, & Grief. th-cam.com/video/QWLVFa9cHNY/w-d-xo.html
I'd love to do this
Very interesting , thank you
wait what about that plastic guy with a stethoscope around his neck? did anyone address him lol? I think he was on the "good" side
Yeah I was waiting for that!!
thank you for this demonstration.
💐
I really want to touch that sand! 🤦🏽😄
This is cool.
Ummmm... I just don't see the therapy behind this... Besides I thought play therapy was better if you actually let the person sit there and play with the toys 🤔
this isnt play therapy, its sand tray.
The first part I’m pretty sure is just getting them used to it. Play therapy lets kids relax and tell stories better, and makes places less intimidating. A lot of times they use sand tray for older kids-teens because the abstract thinking part of it is developed, and it can lead to better depth on a possible diagnosis. For example, a kid that could potentially have OCD might spend a long time making the sand perfectly even, or spend a long time adjusting and moving the figurines.
What happens here is that the subconscious mind is engaged, and each figurine represents something deep inside the person.
It helps the client to process what's happening inside, and discover things they have not previously been aware of.
It bypasses the cognitive and reaches the subconscious quickly and effectively, and can be very useful in healing and growing for the client.