Sandtray Therapy

"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." – Carl Jung

Sandtray therapy, or 'Sandplay' is an expressive therapy that provides a contained space for a client to give external expression of an unconscious, internal experience.   A collection of figures and objects is made available and, utilizing a simple wooden box filled with sand, the client places selected miniatures from the collection into the box.   An encounter with the sand provides an opportunity to move into one’s inner creative world, giving rise to expressions of nonverbal states, unconscious contents, and/or imaginal play.   It is an invitation to meet the unconscious. Because the client comes to Sandplay with an attitude of openness and curiosity, a shift in energy may occur, bringing into conscious that which had been unconscious.   What appears in the sand is received and examined, yet not necessarily interpreted, in order to give space for the new perspective in consciousness.  Healing and individuation are lifelong endeavors and Sandplay is a liminal space, bridging the known and the unknown. 

We are most grateful for our collection here at the C. G.  Jung Center, which was a gift from Lee Roloff.