Sandplay Therapy

Sandplay therapy was created by Dora M. Klaff, a Swiss Jungian therapist in the 1950’s. Sandplay therapy is a powerful, non-verbal method of therapy that gives clients the ability to express their emotions, experiences and their inner world when no words can be found.

The client creates a three-dimensional picture or world with miniature figures in the sandtray. The insides and the bottom of the sandtray are painted light blue which can be used by clients to represents water. Clients have a choice of using a dry sandtray or a wet sandtray. On the shelves there are miniature figures depicting various facets of life and fantasy. Clients are invited to look through the shelves and pick what speaks to them and to make a world or a story in the sand. The therapist remains silent during this process and does not direct or instruct the client in anyway. Once the client session has finished the therapist photographs the scene.

“The act of creating a series of three-dimensional sandplays facilitates healing and transformation by bringing up conflicts from the unconscious in symbolic form and by allowing a healthy re-ordering of psychological contents”. Turner 2005

Sandplay therapy is based on the Jungian concept that the psyche has the ability to heal itself given the right conditions.

Testimonial from a parent:

“SandPlay therapy has been a blessing in our family, 

I had heard of sandplay therapy and it’s amazing benefits from a  good friend, 

We have three children 13 yrs , 11yrs, and 9yrs

Before our daughter started secondary school last September she mentioned that she felt nervous and a bit uncertain about herself, overwhelmed thinking of leaving the small country school she loved and knew so well,

Immediately Sandplay therapy popped into my head and it’s amazing benefits, 

I suggested that she try it to help overcome her nervousness. Before starting secondary school, 

Half way into the therapy I could see my daughter become a strong grounded and confident teenager ready to take on the world, and definitely ready for secondary school, she did 24 weeks of sandplay therapy, 

My Daughter enjoyed every minute, but most importantly what it did for her confidence and helped her to realign herself. 

I was so impressed with its benefits for our 13yr old daughter, Our 11yr old boy and 9yr old daughter are now doing sand play therapy, I can see how it is also benefiting both of them. 

They are a lot more expressive in their communication skills, any negative thoughts or worries they might be carrying around with them is played out into the sand, big smiles on their faces after a session. 

I can’t recommend sand play therapy enough. 

Definitely a gift to our family. “