Therapist’s Role
Sandtray therapy is a
very therapeutic experience. It can be easily integrated into a play therapy
session. Sand play can bring out the inner most feelings through symbols and
metaphors and gives the kids power to process them in a non-intrusive way. The
therapist’s role in the sand tray therapy is to facilitate spontaneous and
original sand play. At the beginning of the session the therapist could
introduce the sand tray and point out the miniatures. The therapist should
specify that the child could create his/her own world in the sand by using the
miniature toys. The therapist can touch the sand to emphasize the kinetic play.
It’s like giving the child permission to feel and handle the sand. Although keep
in mind that not all the kids like to play in the sand.
There are directive and
non-directive methods of sandtray therapy. In a non-directive therapy a child is
free to create any scene in the sand. The theory behind it is that a child
would intuitively choose the miniature toys that reflect his/her current dilemma
or problem. The inner drive of a child to process feelings is at work. The
therapist’s role is supportive; making non-judgmental comments, observing,
reflecting feelings, similar to non-directive play therapy. At the end of the
session the therapist can ask the child if he is willing to tell the story
about his sandtray. The child can opt out. In a directive sandtray therapy, a
child is asked to recreate a scene from a trauma or any other problem at hand.
Then the therapists prompts the child to process the situation by asking open
ended questions. In both methods, it could take several weeks before the child
feels that the process is complete.
Some key things to
remember-
Allow the child
freedom to choose
Be careful while
making comments about the play
Do not press the child
to explain the play, they cannot always verbalize it.
Do not assume
Silence is OK.
Sometimes a child is deep within his subconscious and words could be intrusive
and counterproductive.
Patience is the key.
Clean up the sandtray
only after the child leaves
Take pictures of the
sandtray with the child’s permission
This is a very brief
introduction of the sandtray therapy. For more information please visit-
http://www.junginla.org/education/what_is_sandplay
Or read
Sandtray: A Practical Manual by Daniel Sweeney and Linda Homeyer
San tray therapy seems interesting. I wish I could try it out once.
ReplyDeleteAmita, interesting article. I usually see the kids who are sensitive to sand and need an occupational therapist to help deal with their sensory processing difficulties! Important to remember that play is the work of a child and is the main medium of their interacting with their environment and communicating their feelings.
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