Sand Tray Therapy for Children
A gentle, expressive approach for children navigating anxiety, perfectionism, and life transitions.
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
Your child worries about getting things “just right.” They feel overwhelmed by changes or transitions. Big feelings come out in small bodies. They struggle to name what’s happening inside.
That’s my kiddo!
Sand tray therapy offers children a way to express what they may not yet have words for.
Here’s what we’ll do together
What is sand tray therapy?
Sand tray therapy is a developmentally appropriate, play-based therapeutic approach that allows children to create scenes in sand using miniature figures and objects. Through play, children can express emotions, explore experiences, and make sense of their inner world in a way that feels safe and natural.
This process supports emotional expression, nervous system regulation, and meaning-making without requiring children to talk about things before they’re ready.
How sand tray therapy supports children
Sand tray therapy can support children in:
• Expressing anxiety and worries safely
• Navigating perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
• Processing life transitions (new schools, family changes, moves)
• Building emotional awareness and regulation
• Developing a sense of agency and self-trust
• Strengthening communication and relational safety
What sessions look like for children
This approach honors where children are developmentally and meets them in a way that feels accessible and safe.
Paced with care
Sessions are attuned to each child’s needs and paced gently, with an emphasis on curiosity, choice, and relational safety.
Supportive involvement
Parents may be included in supportive ways depending on the child’s age and therapeutic goals, honoring the family system without placing pressure on the child.
Growth from the inside out
The focus is not on “fixing” behavior, but on supporting emotional expression, regulation, and sustainable growth from within.
Sand tray therapy may be a supportive fit for children who:
Experience anxiety or emotional overwhelm
Have difficulty expressing emotions verbally
Are navigating changes or transitions
Struggle with perfectionism or self-criticism
Need a gentle, creative approach to therapy
Play becomes the language.
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Safety becomes the foundation.
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Play becomes the language. 〰️ Safety becomes the foundation. 〰️
Support your child with care and creativity
Reach out to learn more about sand tray therapy for your child.