Sand Therapy
What is Sand Therapy?
Sand Therapy is a child-centred, play-based therapeutic approach that provides children with a safe and supportive space to explore and express their thoughts, feelings and experiences. It is a gentle, non-intrusive way of supporting children who may be experiencing emotional difficulties, anxiety, trauma or challenges with friendships and relationships. Sand Therapy is particularly helpful for children who find it difficult to express their feelings through words. Through creative play with sand and miniature objects, children can explore their emotions at their own pace, helping to support their emotional wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem.
How often will Sand Therapy take place?
A trained adult from the school staff will work with the child for one 30-minute session every week for twelve weeks. If we feel the child would benefit from further sessions, we may extend the intervention to ensure they receive the support they need. Sessions will take place in a quiet, familiar environment where the child feels safe and comfortable.
Our trained Sand Therapy practitioner is Sam Bulbrook.
What happens in the sessions?
During Sand Therapy, children are provided with a tray of sand and a variety of miniature figures and objects, such as people, animals, buildings and natural materials. They are encouraged to create their own scenes, stories or worlds within the sand.
The child leads the session, choosing what they would like to create and whether they wish to talk about it. The trusted adult provides a calm, supportive presence and may ask gentle, non-intrusive questions, allowing the child to explore their thoughts and feelings without pressure.
There is no right or wrong way to use the sand, and children do not have to explain their creations. The aim is to provide a safe space where children can express themselves freely, develop emotional awareness and begin to process any worries or difficult experiences.
It is important that the child feels comfortable and that the sessions move at their own pace. If a child does not wish to engage, we will gently encourage them, but we will never force participation. If the intervention does not feel right for the child, we will consider alternative ways to support their emotional wellbeing.
What do the children think of Sand Therapy?
Sand Therapy offers children an enjoyable, creative and calming experience. Many children find playing with sand and miniature objects less intimidating than talking directly about their feelings. It provides an opportunity for children to express themselves in their own way, without the pressure of finding the right words.
We will regularly review how children are responding to the sessions and gather their views to ensure the intervention is helping them feel safe, supported and emotionally secure.