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SAND TABLE/TRAY THERAPY
Whether you're seeking help for yourself, your child, or your teenager, our dedicated team of therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. At San Antonio Authentic Counseling, we offer unique and effective forms of sand play and sand tray therapy that can be geared to any age.
What is Sand Therapy?
Sand tray therapy, also known as sand play therapy, was developed by the renowned experts Margaret Lowenfeld, Dora Kalff, Goesta Harding, Charlotte Buhler, Hedda Bolgar, Lisolotte Fischer, and Ruth Bowyer. It is an expressive therapy that allows individuals to construct their own microcosm using miniature toys and colored sand. By play-acting in a controlled setting, children, teens, and adults are able to express their thoughts, feelings, and memories in a way that they can control.
Our Approach to Sand Play Therapy
Located in the heart of San Antonio, our counseling center provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals of all ages. While sand tray therapy is commonly used with children, it can also be applied to adults and teens. We specialize in various counseling services, including teen counseling, anger therapy, youth counseling, child trauma counseling, and ADHD counseling.
Each of our sand play sessions will start differently depending on the individual and age/maturity. For smaller children, we may sit back and observe before asking questions or guiding thoughts, while older children and teens might start with a conversation about the intention of the sand therapy exercise.
Our therapists utilize a humanistic approach in sand tray therapy, where the client takes an active role in finding solutions to their problems. Through creative expression, individuals can manifest their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the sand, even if they are unable to vocalize them in traditional therapy. We believe that everyone has the answers within themselves, and our therapists are here to guide and support you on your journey.
We understand that every individual's journey is unique, and our therapists provide personalized care and support throughout the sand tray therapy process. With our compassionate approach, we create a nurturing space where you can feel safe and supported as you embark on your path to healing.
What Makes Sand Therapy Different?
What sets sand tray therapy apart from other therapeutic approaches is its ability to help individuals resolve conflicts, remove obstacles, and gain acceptance of self through the creation of a sand tray scene. This scene acts as a reflection of the person's own life and provides a powerful platform for exploration and growth.
How Does Sand Tray Therapy Help Children?
For children and individuals who struggle with verbal expression, sand play therapy can be particularly effective. The nonverbal nature of this therapy allows individuals to communicate nonverbally and tap into their unconscious. By creating a microcosm of their inner world in the sand tray, they can gain insight into their emotions, experiences, and traumas.
Sand tray therapy is not limited to children. Adults who have experienced trauma or have shown limited response to other forms of therapy can also benefit from this multidimensional approach. It provides a safe and threat-free environment where adults can explore their inner world and begin to facilitate positive change. Even a single sand tray session can bring about significant insights and transformation.
Contact Our Sand Tray Therapists
If you or your child are struggling with the emotional effects of trauma, abuse, or neglect, sand tray therapy can be a powerful outlet for healing and self-discovery. Take the first step towards a brighter future by contacting San Antonio Authentic Counseling today. Our dedicated team of therapists is here to help you find the healing you deserve.