Frequently Asked Questions About Sandplay

Members Only | Search | Site Map | Contact Us | STA Store

Sandplay Therapists of America

FAQs

Home > FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is sandplay therapy only for children?
A. Sandplay therapy is effective with adults as well as children. It's not unusual for some sandplay therapists to work only with adults.

Q. Where can I learn more about sandplay and find a therapist?
A. You've come to the right place. After reading this page, consult the button menu on the left.

Q. What is the purpose of the miniature figures in sandplay?
A. Figures and objects from culture and nature symbolize events and situations in our inner and outer lives. We select and place objects and move the sand itself to create scenes that express our deepest concerns.

Q. How big are sand trays and why do therapists have two?
A. Tray sizes may vary from the European standard: 28.5" x 22.5" x 3". One contains dry sand and the other moist. Dry and wet sand are different mediums and allow different expressions.

Q. Why are the trays blue on the inside?
A. Blue on the sides can represent sky, and blue on the bottom can represent water--a lake, river or the sea.

Q. Why is it called sandPLAY?
A. Play is one of the highest functions of the brain; a serendipitous 'play' of psychic energy that never remains fixed in any area of the brain. In this sheer play of the mind, we create worlds in sand that depict our psychic situation, and we move closer to resolving inner conflict.

Q. Why is sandplay termed a 'non-verbal' therapy?
A. The deep psyche expresses itself in images and symbols more than words, so sandplay uses objects and figures to reflex psychic content. Verbal therapy generally precedes the sandplay.

Q. Can all children do sandplay?
A. In a free and protected space, most children enjoy and benefit from sandplay. But some children are not quite ready and other forms of play may be recommended before moving to the sand.

Q. Can adults still play?
A. Of course. With just a little practice at letting go of our conscious will we can follow what our hands and eyes want to do and play to our heart's content.

Top of Page