Sand Tray Treatment
Sand Tray Therapy is a non-verbal approach that involves the use of miniature toys, figurines, and objects in the sand. The world within the sand tray is expressed through the unconscious in symbolism and metaphor, and may not even make immediate sense to the person creating it. But aided by the therapist, a person in therapy can begin to recognize the relationship between the creation in the sand and their own inner world.
Maureen Guilfoyle, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Lake Powell Medical Center, is providing Sand Tray Treatments for all ages. This technique is effective when working on issues that are hard to put into words; incuding PTSD from military experience or other traumas such as physical and sexual abuse.
“All wounds are not external. Many conflicts are battled internally,” states Guilfoyle, “Sand Tray Treatments can open the door to expressing sensitive issues that are difficult to discuss verbally.”
Sand Therapy for Adults
Adults who have been traumatized and show limited response to other forms of therapy may respond well to sand tray therapy. The environment presents an atmosphere free from threats, and the therapist assists the person in making sense of their creations or world, and to how that person may want to change the perception of that experience
By beginning to facilitate change on a subconscious level, a person can gain the courage and ability to recognize that these same changes can be made in his or her own life.
Sand Therapy for Children
Many children are unable to verbalize emotional states, particularly in the face of trauma, neglect, or abuse. The non-verbal nature of sandplay therapy and the familiar medium of sand can help children achieve feelings of comfort and security. This method of therapy serves as a valuable and powerful outlet for children and an incredibly insightful method of gaining access to traumatic experiences.
Children will often remain silent for fear of harm or even death. They are often threatened and are in highly anxious states when they come to therapy. The relaxed and interactive setting of Sand Tray Therapy provides an arena of safety that they need to move toward healing.
