SAND TRAY THERAPY
Like art therapy, sand tray therapy is an act of trusting an inner wisdom, as the unconscious mind reveals its own unique and perfect path of self-discovery and an important tool as it provides the opportunity for deep transformation.
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than a year of conversation”
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SAND Tray therapy?
Sand Tray or play therapy is a powerful form of expressive therapy offered at Templestone Wellbeing, designed to support emotional healing and self-discovery when words are not enough. Grounded in Jungian Psychology, this client-centred, non-verbal modality bridges the gap between the conscious and unconscious mind, using symbolism, archetypes, and storytelling.
In a Sand Tray session, individuals create scenes or stories using miniature figures and symbolic objects placed in a tray of sand. The therapist does not guide, interpret, or interfere in the process—the meaning arises from the client’s own intuitive placement and reflection. Only after the tray is complete does the therapist gently support exploration of the scene and its connection to the client’s inner world.
Key benefits include:
Non-verbal emotional expression – Ideal for clients who struggle to verbalise thoughts and feelings.
Supports trauma recovery – The sand tray provides a safe container for processing painful emotions and past experiences.
Promotes self-awareness – Symbolic representations help uncover unconscious patterns and internal conflicts.
Regulates emotions – The kinaesthetic quality of sand is naturally soothing, calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety.
Encourages storytelling – Creative narrative gives clients a sense of agency and control over their healing journey.
Establishes therapeutic distance – Working through symbols allows clients to safely observe issues from a new perspective.
Strengthens personal boundaries – The physical perimeter of the sand tray supports a sense of safety and containment.
Client-led and empowering – Interpretation comes from the client, ensuring authenticity, autonomy, and inner trust.
Healing Through Symbol & Scene
Sand Tray Therapy can be especially beneficial for clients navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, relational challenges, or emotional overwhelm. It helps individuals regain control, cultivate resilience, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
At Templestone Wellbeing, Sand Tray Therapy is offered within a holistic, trauma-informed framework, often in combination with creative arts therapy, holistic counselling, and other expressive modalities to support full-spectrum healing.
*Suitable from the ages 5 to adulthood, all creative therapies utilise the holistic approach
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Individuals experiencing mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety or depression(excluding Axis mental health disorders).
Individuals experiencing challenges, such as, relationships, grief and loss, menopause.
Individuals experiencing self-confidence or self-worth problems.
Children or adults who have experienced a traumatic event.
Individuals seeking holistic development, a deeper connection or understanding of themselves, and positive transformation.