Sandtray Therapy: A Familial Approach to Healing Through Imagination

Abstract

The application of creative techniques in counseling is often tailored to a unique problem, and limited by individual characteristics of the client. One intervention, sandtray therapy, a derivative of play therapy, has gained strong momentum as a creative technique. With greater flexibility for treating a much larger population, sandtray therapy is more applicable for families than other creative approaches. The purpose of the current article is to give an overview of sand tray therapy, as well as provide information regarding its use for working with families. Specifically, the authors discuss exactly how counselors can successfully incorporate sandtray therapy in the familial population setting, and describe its application through case study.

KEYWORDS:

• creativity in counseling
• family
• family counseling
• play therapy
• sandtray
• sandtray therapy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elliot E. Isom

Elliot E. Isom is a current doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program in the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.

Juliana Groves-Radomski

Juliana Groves-Radomski is a current doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program in the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.

Melissa M. McConaha

Melissa M. McConaha is a current doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program in the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.