Sandplay Therapy for Children and Adults

Sandplay therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that works with symbols. It uses a diverse collection of miniature figures, small objects that represent the external world, and imaginary figures. The individual selects from these to create a display of their inner world, emotions, and thoughts within a defined space—a wooden tray filled with sand.

This method can be applied in the therapy of both children and adults. While verbal therapies can address many aspects of mental life, they are often insufficient for individuals seeking personal growth or, in Jungian terms, the path to individuation, in addition to addressing psychological symptoms.

Sandplay Therapy is a widely recognized method in international psychotherapy, supported by studies on its effectiveness. The psyche’s natural language is symbolic and pictorial, a form that children still naturally understand and use. This makes Sandplay particularly effective in children’s therapy, though it is often supplemented with other techniques. Just as it is important for children to engage with this symbolic language, it is equally vital for adults to reconnect with it. This symbolic language represents our innermost self (the Selbst in Jungian terms), the origin of our being. By rediscovering and aligning with it, we can experience much more than temporary relief from symptoms—it can lead to profound, lasting transformation.

As one of my teachers often said during my own personal Sandplay journey: “Trust your psyche,” or “Let your soul guide you.” The process is not always easy. Deep, unconscious images, landscapes, and preconscious content emerge during the work. However, when you trust both the process and the therapist, your psyche will know where to lead you. It begins a path of internal alignment, which carries restorative and transformative power. It can provide insights into relationships and self-love by accessing deep, unconscious layers, which in itself holds healing potential.

To my knowledge, I was the first in Hungary to complete the international Sandplay training, and I am part of an international supervision group. My supervisor, Dr. Barbara Turner, learned Sandplay from Dora Kalff, the Swiss creator of the method. The method has specific indications and contraindications, which become evident during the initial consultation.

Indications: Personal growth, trauma, crisis, self-knowledge, relationship issues
Contraindications: Reality disorders, psychotic states