Sandplay therapy and Symbol work 

Clients often enter the rooms at Warrandyte and notice the sandplay shelves. A common response is ‘Oh wow what a collection – do the children use those?’ 

My response is “they are for children and adults alike. If you are good, you can play too.” It usually gets a smile. 

I trained in expressive therapies, sand play and symbol work after my own trauma experience. One day a colleague invited me for coffee. I was distressed at the time and did not have the words to express my trauma.  My colleague ‘invited me to her tray.’ It was a transformative experience for me. Not to have to find words for the pain inside, but to allow the symbols to express what I could not. 

This is the beauty of symbol work. Often in trauma we cannot find the words. Sandplay therapy was initially developed by Dora Kalff for working with children, it has transitioned over time to a trauma informed therapy recognised for allowing safe process of trauma and narrative for adults and all ages. 

Sometimes words are used and sometimes less so. There is no analysis of what any symbol means by the counsellor. The symbol means what it means to the person using the symbol in that moment. The sandplay therapist is simply there to accompany you safely in the processing. 

We may use this technique alone or over a period alongside other expressive, talk therapies or trauma informed practices. 

Below are a few pictures of tray taken and used with consent.