Sandtray Therapy: A Path to Healing and Connection

 
Bridges in the Sand:
Using Sandtray Therapy to Connect
the Abstract to the Concrete
 
Charles E. Myers, PhD, LPC, LMHC, NCC, NCSC, ACS, RPT-S
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
 
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Halifax, NS    May 14, 2013
 
What is Sandtray?
 
Sandtray therapy is an expressive and
projective mode of psychotherapy involving
the unfolding and processing of intra-and
inter-personal issues through the use of
specific sandtray materials as a nonverbal
medium of communication, led by the
client(s) and facilitated by a trained therapist.
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
History of Sandtray
 
1920’s – Margaret Lowenfeld first
developed the use of the sandtray and
miniatures after reading H.G. Well’s
(1911) book “Floor Games.”
 
1950’s –Dora Kalff, a Swiss Jungian
Analyst, expanded and popularized the
use of sandtray in her work with
children.
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Who can use Sandtray?
 
Children
Adults
Couples
Families
Trauma Victims
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
What can Sandtray be used for?
 
Behavioral
Emotional
Social
Adjustment
Abuse
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney, 1998)
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Advantages of Sandtray
 
Gives expression to nonverbalized emotional
issues
Has a unique kinesthetic quality
Serves to create a therapeutic distance for
clients
Creates a safe place for abreaction to occur
Naturally provides boundaries and limits,
which promote safety for the client
Creates a place for the child client or family to
experience control
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney, 1998)
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Advantages of Sandtray
 
Provides a unique setting for the emergence
of therapeutic metaphors
Is effective in overcoming client resistance
Provides a needed and effective
communication medium for the client with
poor verbal skills
Cuts through verbalization used as a defense
Effectively addresses the challenge of
transference
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney, 1998)
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Role of Sandtray Therapist
 
Be Witness to the Client’s World
Provide Free & Protected Space
Honor Process & Product
Observe the process
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney, 1998)
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
The Sandtray
 
Standard Size – 30” X 20” X 3”
Client should be able to see the entire world at
one glance
Limited safe space
At Waist Height
Blue Inside
Can simulate the sky and water
Water Tray
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney, 1998)
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Miniatures
 
People
Ordinary, fantasy, mythological, & magical; diverse races
& cultures, occupations & recreation; fighting, warring,
& enslaved; death figures; religious & spiritual people &
objects
Animals
Domestic and wild animals of the land, sea, & air; living,
extinct, mythological, & fantasy; animal habitats; bones,
shells, & feathers
Plant Life
Natural & artificial; complete life cycle
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney, 2012)
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Miniatures
 
Minerals
Rocks; natural & artificial gems; marbles & beads
Environments
Habitats of various cultures & areas; fences & bridges
Transportation
Land, water, & air; emergency & military vehicles
Miscellaneous
Planetary & earth symbols; objects that reflect &
illuminate; addiction & medical symbols, aromatic
objects; communication objects, containers; food;
construction materials
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney, 2012)
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Obtaining Miniatures
 
Dollar stores
Toy stores
Cake decorating
Yard sales
Seasonal sales
Toy catalogues
Play Therapy Conferences
Grown up children’s old toys
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
Displaying Miniatures
 
Open Shelves
Storage Containers
Drawers
Cabinets
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Processing the Sandtray
 
Stage 1
Begin with a Global View
Invite client to tell you about the scene
Use Reflective Skills
Help client feel understood and valued
Enlarge the Meaning
Tentatively reflecting content or metaphors
can facilitate insight
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Processing the Sandtray
 
Stage 2
Move to Scenes and Parts
Gather and clarify sections of the tray,
foster enlarging of the meaning, increase
client insight
Tell me more about what is going on here
Invite client to discuss specific figures.
Tell me about . . .
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Processing the Sandtray
 
Stage 3
Explore Specific Details
Does a figure in the scene represent you?
Ask Relationship Questions
Who has the power here?
If _____ could talk to ______, what would
they say?
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Processing the Sandtray
 
Stage 4
Close Processing, Empower Client
Establish hope or plans with client
Is there anything you would like to change?
What is going to happen next?
How will your world look different in six months?
Title sandtray
Some people like to name their worlds, would you like
to name yours?
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Evaluating Organization
 
Look at the way the miniatures are
organized
 
Look for “classic” arrangements and
mentally note what the arrangement
might mean
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Common Themes
 
Common themes, physical
representation of the client’s inner
experience, can be identified through
the client’s sandworld
 
Empty World
Unpeopled World
Closed/Fenced World
Rigid World
Disorganized/Chaotic World
Aggressive World
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney 1998).
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Empty World
 
1/3 or more of tray is empty
World is an unhappy, empty place
Dearth of ideas, rejection, escape
Mental resources are deficient - depressed
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney 1998).
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Unpeopled World
 
No men, women, or children
Wish for escape
Hostile feelings toward people
Especially true with the exclusive use of
soldiers
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney 1998).
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Closed/Fenced World
 
Use of fences or other dividers
Self-protective
Closing self off from others
Closing dangers out
Fear of own inner impulses, need for
external control
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney 1998).
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Rigid World
 
Rows of items (particularly over-
exaggerated uniformity)
Perfectionist
Attempt to create order
Need for self-control
Emotional rigidity, repression
 
(Homeyer & Sweeney 1998).
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Resources
 
Sandplay Therapists of America (STA)
 
www.sandplayusa.org
Sandtray Training
 
http://www.sandtraytraining.com
Sandtray Network
 
www.sandtray.org
Visionquest
 
http://www.vision-quest.us/vqisr/index.htm
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
References
 
Armstrong, S. A. (2008). 
Sandtray therapy: A humanistic
approach.
 Dallas, TX: Ludic Press
Boik, B. L., & Goodwin, E. A. (2000).
 Sandplay therapy: A
step-by-step manual for psychotherapists of diverse
orientations
. New York, NY: Norton.
Bradway, K., & McCoard, B. (1997). 
Sandplay – Silent
workshop of the psyche
. New York, NY: Brunner-
Routledge.
Carey, L. J. (1999). 
Sandplay therapy with children and
families
. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson.
Homeyer, L. E., & Sweeney, D. S. (1998). 
Sandtray: A
practical manual 
(2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
 
Thank You
 
Charles Myers
CEMyers@niu.edu
Northern Illinois University
Dept. of Counseling, Adult &Higher Education
Gabel Hall 200
DeKalb, IL 6015
(815)753-7501
 
Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.
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Sandtray therapy is a powerful modality that allows clients to explore and process deep-seated issues through the use of symbolic sandtray materials, guided by a trained therapist. This expressive and projective form of psychotherapy is effective for individuals of all ages, including children, adults, couples, and families. The advantages of sandtray therapy include providing a safe space for emotional expression, promoting therapeutic metaphors, overcoming resistance, and enhancing communication in clients with poor verbal skills.

  • Sandtray therapy
  • Healing
  • Connection
  • Psychotherapy
  • Emotional expression

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  1. Bridges in the Sand: Using Sandtray Therapy to Connect the Abstract to the Concrete Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Halifax, NS May 14, 2013 Charles E. Myers, PhD, LPC, LMHC, NCC, NCSC, ACS, RPT-S Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

  2. What is Sandtray? Sandtray therapy is an expressive and projective mode of psychotherapy involving the unfolding and processing of intra-and inter-personal issues through the use of specific sandtray materials as a nonverbal medium of communication, led by the client(s) and facilitated by a trained therapist. Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  3. History of Sandtray 1920 s Margaret Lowenfeld first developed the use of the sandtray and miniatures after reading H.G. Well s (1911) book Floor Games. 1950 s Dora Kalff, a Swiss Jungian Analyst, expanded and popularized the use of sandtray in her work with children. Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  4. Who can use Sandtray? Children Adults Couples Families Trauma Victims Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  5. What can Sandtray be used for? Behavioral Emotional Social Adjustment Abuse (Homeyer & Sweeney, 1998) Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  6. Advantages of Sandtray Gives expression to nonverbalized emotional issues Has a unique kinesthetic quality Serves to create a therapeutic distance for clients Creates a safe place for abreaction to occur Naturally provides boundaries and limits, which promote safety for the client Creates a place for the child client or family to experience control (Homeyer & Sweeney, 1998) Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  7. Advantages of Sandtray Provides a unique setting for the emergence of therapeutic metaphors Is effective in overcoming client resistance Provides a needed and effective communication medium for the client with poor verbal skills Cuts through verbalization used as a defense Effectively addresses the challenge of transference Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA. (Homeyer & Sweeney, 1998)

  8. Role of Sandtray Therapist Be Witness to the Client s World Provide Free & Protected Space Honor Process & Product Observe the process (Homeyer & Sweeney, 1998) Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  9. The Sandtray Standard Size 30 X 20 X 3 Client should be able to see the entire world at one glance Limited safe space At Waist Height Blue Inside Can simulate the sky and water Water Tray (Homeyer & Sweeney, 1998) Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  10. Miniatures People Ordinary, fantasy, mythological, & magical; diverse races & cultures, occupations & recreation; fighting, warring, & enslaved; death figures; religious & spiritual people & objects Animals Domestic and wild animals of the land, sea, & air; living, extinct, mythological, & fantasy; animal habitats; bones, shells, & feathers Plant Life Natural & artificial; complete life cycle (Homeyer & Sweeney, 2012) Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  11. Miniatures Minerals Rocks; natural & artificial gems; marbles & beads Environments Habitats of various cultures & areas; fences & bridges Transportation Land, water, & air; emergency & military vehicles Miscellaneous Planetary & earth symbols; objects that reflect & illuminate; addiction & medical symbols, aromatic objects; communication objects, containers; food; construction materials Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA. (Homeyer & Sweeney, 2012)

  12. Obtaining Miniatures Dollar stores Toy stores Cake decorating Yard sales Seasonal sales Toy catalogues Play Therapy Conferences Grown up children s old toys Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  13. Displaying Miniatures Open Shelves Storage Containers Drawers Cabinets Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  14. Processing the Sandtray Stage 1 Begin with a Global View Invite client to tell you about the scene Use Reflective Skills Help client feel understood and valued Enlarge the Meaning Tentatively reflecting content or metaphors can facilitate insight Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  15. Processing the Sandtray Stage 2 Move to Scenes and Parts Gather and clarify sections of the tray, foster enlarging of the meaning, increase client insight Tell me more about what is going on here Invite client to discuss specific figures. Tell me about . . . Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  16. Processing the Sandtray Stage 3 Explore Specific Details Does a figure in the scene represent you? Ask Relationship Questions Who has the power here? If _____ could talk to ______, what would they say? Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  17. Processing the Sandtray Stage 4 Close Processing, Empower Client Establish hope or plans with client Is there anything you would like to change? What is going to happen next? How will your world look different in six months? Title sandtray Some people like to name their worlds, would you like to name yours? Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  18. Evaluating Organization Look at the way the miniatures are organized Look for classic arrangements and mentally note what the arrangement might mean Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  19. Common Themes Common themes, physical representation of the client s inner experience, can be identified through the client s sandworld Empty World Unpeopled World Closed/Fenced World Rigid World Disorganized/Chaotic World Aggressive World (Homeyer & Sweeney 1998). Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  20. Empty World 1/3 or more of tray is empty World is an unhappy, empty place Dearth of ideas, rejection, escape Mental resources are deficient - depressed (Homeyer & Sweeney 1998). Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  21. Unpeopled World No men, women, or children Wish for escape Hostile feelings toward people Especially true with the exclusive use of soldiers (Homeyer & Sweeney 1998). Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  22. Closed/Fenced World Use of fences or other dividers Self-protective Closing self off from others Closing dangers out Fear of own inner impulses, need for external control (Homeyer & Sweeney 1998). Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  23. Rigid World Rows of items (particularly over- exaggerated uniformity) Perfectionist Attempt to create order Need for self-control Emotional rigidity, repression (Homeyer & Sweeney 1998). Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  24. Resources Sandplay Therapists of America (STA) www.sandplayusa.org Sandtray Training http://www.sandtraytraining.com Sandtray Network www.sandtray.org Visionquest http://www.vision-quest.us/vqisr/index.htm Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  25. References Armstrong, S. A. (2008). Sandtray therapy: A humanistic approach. Dallas, TX: Ludic Press Boik, B. L., & Goodwin, E. A. (2000). Sandplay therapy: A step-by-step manual for psychotherapists of diverse orientations. New York, NY: Norton. Bradway, K., & McCoard, B. (1997). Sandplay Silent workshop of the psyche. New York, NY: Brunner- Routledge. Carey, L. J. (1999). Sandplay therapy with children and families. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson. Homeyer, L. E., & Sweeney, D. S. (1998). Sandtray: A practical manual (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

  26. Thank You Charles Myers CEMyers@niu.edu Northern Illinois University Dept. of Counseling, Adult &Higher Education Gabel Hall 200 DeKalb, IL 6015 (815)753-7501 Myers, C. E. (2013). CCPA.

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