Play & Sand Tray Therapy

play therapyPlay therapy is the therapy of choice when working with young children.

This type of therapy allows children 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 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 and researched therapy used for many years. For example, children 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 start thinking 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 healthily and learn coping skills when they start to feel frustrated and 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 about fifteen to twenty sessions. Parents may also be asked to participate in play therapy towards the end of the sessions to be aware of what skills their child is learning and 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 our play therapy that utilizes a sandbox, toy figures, and sometimes water to create scenes of miniature worlds that reflect the 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 help increase emotional expression while also reducing psychological distress in many populations.

Request an Appointment


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.

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

Contact us at (240) 252-3349 Ext. 807 to discuss how our Play or Sand Tray Therapists can help your child.

It's not an easy time to be a kid. Perhaps it never is, but now it's especially true. Let us help you understand and support your child's needs.

Is your teen struggling with school, in their relationships with friends, with you? Do they seem irritable, withdrawn, unmotivated, sad? Our therapist know how to help.

Are you looking to make some aspect of your otherwise good relationship better? Maybe you’ve tried all the strategies that make sense to you.