Sandbox Therapy

A Sandbox Therapist is trained to support children in the development of their emotional well-being, through placing ‘Archetypes’ (objects), which they can explore and choose, into a sand tray.

The sessions are 1:1, working with an individual child for approximately 30 minutes each week.  Together, the practitioner and the child discuss any worries or concerns that the child may have and this leads into either a ‘free’ sand tray, for the first session, and then ‘themed’ sand trays thereafter. Themed sand trays are directive insofar as I may gently suggest themes which may be beneficial for the child to explore. The sessions are always child-led.  The child is encouraged to talk freely about their trays and the practitioner repeats back to the child what they have said so that they know they are being listened to and their thoughts and feelings heard.

Children are referred for a series of Sandbox Therapy sessions by either the class teacher, SENDCo or through a direct request from the child’s parent.

Sandbox Therapy is a powerful way to help children, who are in need of additional emotional support, process relevant issues and challenges that may be impeding their learning journey.  Sandbox Therapy helps the child to understand and cope with feelings about themselves and others. By supporting a child’s emotional well-being, we can help increase their focus and confidence during class based learning.