FAQ

Sandplay is effective with both adults and children. Some sandplay therapists prefer to work mainly with children, some prefer to work mainly with adults.

‘Sandplay’ is from the German world ‘sandspiel’ coined by Dora Kalff, the founder of the therapeutic method known in English as Sandplay Therapy.

The term is sometimes used to broadly and imprecisely to describe therapy which is more accurately called Expressive Therapies or Sandtray work. Sandplay Therapy refers precisely to the depth psychological method of Dora Kalff, including training elements she considered essential to her method.

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Figures and objects from culture and nature operate as symbols for which words are either unavailable or limit the depth of inner, personal meaning. The miniatures evoke our personal response; through symbols we can find meaning and healing.   Selecting, holding and placing these symbols, and the sand-space which contains them, expresses our deepest concerns, inner resources, resolution and ultimately our unique meanings, wisdom and healing with a trained Sandplay Therapist.

Dora Kalff used sandtrays 49.5 x 72 x 7.5 cm, which relates to an easy span of view, or the ability to ‘hold’ the created scene. One tray has moist sand, which is easily moulded, and the other has dry sand, which readily flows. The client chooses the tray they prefer.

Blue on the sides can represent sky, and blue on the inside base can represent water – lake, river, pond or sea.

The psyche expresses itself in images and symbols more than words, so sandplay uses objects and figures to reflect psychic content. Talking usually also takes place in a Sandplay Therapy session, before moving to the sand. The skilled Sandplay Therapist provides the safe and protected space for the sandplay, acting as a holding presence, witness and guide for the client’s inner journey through symbolic play.

In the free and protected space, with a skilled Sandplay Therapist, most children and adults enjoy and benefit from sandplay, often with transformational outcomes. Some clients might, however, be guided to other therapy or play therapy methods before moving to the deep psychic work of Sandplay Therapy.

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