Play & Sand Tray Therapy

Play therapy is the therapy of choice when working with young children.

This type of therapy allows kids to express themselves through a therapeutic type of play since many children do not yet have the vocabulary to fully express their emotions and frustrations. A skilled play therapist for children will look for specific themes and signs that a child exhibits through play to understand what he or she may be trying to communicate. Through play, the therapist and child begin to form a trusting and safe relationship so that the child feels comfortable to be him or herself and can confide in the therapist about what may be occurring. Through play therapy, a child and therapist work on solving problems, role-playing difficult social situations, and practicing emotion regulation.

Play therapy is geared towards children ages 2-12, although there may be some exceptions for older children.

Play therapy is a trusted, well-researched approach that has been used for many years. For example, kids who are undergoing an adjustment, such as a parent’s divorce, a death, or a change in school or home location. Moreover, children with anxiety and ADHD benefit. Through play therapy, your child will begin to think of their own solutions to problems. They will want to become more independent. Furthermore, they will have processed difficulties that they are going through. Your child will be able to express their emotions in healthy ways and learn coping skills when they start to feel frustrated or upset.

Play therapy helps children become more empathetic and respectful towards their peers and authority figures. Play therapy typically occurs once a week and takes an average of 15 to 20 sessions. Parents may also be asked to participate in play therapy towards the end of the sessions to become aware of the skills their child is learning and to incorporate them at home. Your play therapist can also support your child by speaking to their school counselor and teacher and advocating for them in an IEP meeting.

Sand Tray Therapy, also known as Sandplay Therapy, is a form of play therapy that uses a sandbox, toy figures, and sometimes water to create miniature scenes that reflect a person’s inner thoughts, struggles, and concerns. This nonverbal therapeutic intervention is practiced alongside talk therapy using the tools of the sandbox and figures to facilitate communication. Research shows that sand tray therapy can increase emotional expression and reduce psychological distress across many populations.

Below is an explainer video from the Sandplay Therapists of America on using symbolic language for people of all ages in this therapy modality.

Articles

Would you like to learn more about Play and Sand Tray Therapy?  Here are some articles for more details.

• Why Play Therapy?
• Is Play Therapy A Real Thing, and Does it Really Work?
• Play Therapy Makes a Difference
• What is Sand Tray Therapy?

Here is a description of Sand Tray Therapy from Psychology Today.

Contact us at (240) 252-3349 to discuss how our Play or Sand Tray Therapists can help your child.