Why You Don't Always Need Miniatures To Use Sandtray

A sandtray without miniatures? How would that even be possible? Helpful? Effective?
 
Isn’t “just playing with the sand” avoiding the real work of sandtray?

Well…what if I told you that a sandtray was more than just creating worlds but also a regulation device?  If I travel back in time (what seems like eons ago) to one of my first trainings with Lisa Dion on Synergetic Play Therapy and Sandtray - my world was rocked. 
 
On the material list were things like a turkey baster and funnel.  Let me tell you I was more than confused.   
 
As the training started Lisa was teaching about the use of sandtray for regulation and mindfulness. AND it totally made sense.  A lot of my kids and teens just wanted to run their hands through the sand, move it around, and create highs and lows in the landscape. 
 
It was in this training that I truly understood how powerful it is for kids to play in the sand. And on a neuroscience level?  Well the regulation happens in the autonomic nervous system and the way the tools are used can simulate the flow of energy in the autonomic nervous system! 
 
If you want to know more you should definitely hear it straight from Lisa and check out this YouTube Video explaining how to Turn Your Sandtray Into A Regulation Device . AND check out her Lessons from The Playroom Podcast HERE!

It’s because of this training that I added things like a turkey baster, funnel, scoop, sifters, and little buckets to my sandtray collection and on my must haves for myfree downloadable checklist of what you need to start sandtray.  Still to this day these are some of my most popular sandtray items.  
 
And in sandtray we have to honor the process of the client.  Just touching and making contact with the sand can be deeply healing and regulating. And using tools like the turkey baster can help clients directly engage with their nervous system energy!
 
As much as I love sandtray miniatures (see my whole master list of minis HERE!) I also wanted to expand what we see as possible and healing in the world of sandtray!  
 
Consider checking out the resources above AND adding some of these tools to your sandtray collection!  Your clients will LOVE them - I promise! 

If you are interested in getting trained in sandtray you HAVE to check out my training Creating Worlds: An Introduction To Sandtray Play Therapy! This training will prepare you from start to finish to start using Sandtray in your practice with kids and teens.  Say hello to your step-by-step guide to sandtray HERE! ​

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