How to Use Sand Trays

When looking to employ creative and expressive activities for therapeutic purposes, sand trays are one option. Sand trays are often used for children, but are a possible means of therapy for any age. When building in a sand tray, conscious ideas that are difficult to put into words as well as unconscious influences on behavior are conveyed. For many parents and therapists, observing the activity and results is an effective way of gaining insight into a person's psyche. For individuals, sand trays often have a healing effect.

Fine-grain sand
Miniature objects
Water source

Instructions

- 1
  Paint the inside of a wood sand tray box blue, if it is an unfinished tray. Blue is symbolic of the sky and the ocean, and has a calming effect. Varnish the sand tray.
- 2
  Place the sand tray in a location where the individual can comfortably access the contents.
- 3
  Fill the sand tray approximately halfway with fine-grain, clean sand.
- 4
  Place a diverse collection of miniature objects with the sand tray. Possible objects include dollhouse or train-set pieces, marbles, figurines, toys, seashells, rocks, thimbles, ornaments, souvenirs, animals, buttons, wooden knobs and old costume jewelry.
- 5
  Supply a source of water, such as small watering can or a spray bottle.
- 6
  Have the users create a world of their own with their trays. They can pick any objects they want, and they are not required to use the water.
- 7
  Remove all objects and smooth down the sand before the next use.

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