Sandplay Therapy
Sandplay therapy is a hands-on mode of therapy that uses sand and props to explore one’s inner world and emotions. A certified sandplay therapist leads the session while the individual creates scenes using figurines and sand, offering an outlet for reflecting on their thoughts and gaining a deeper understanding of themselves.
Requiring minimal to no talking, sandplay therapy is suitable for those who find it difficult express themselves in words, including the elderly, children, and people with special needs. Persons struggling with grief, trauma, anxiety can especially benefit from this calming and grounding activity.
$170/hr (Adults)
$80/hr (Seniors aged 55 and up)
1
Therapy that feels like play
Play is not just for kids! Besides prompting a feeling of nostalgia, play serves as a medium for exploration and discovery. For those who find therapy intimidating, a play-based modality offers an approachable therapy option.
2
Calming and grounding therapy method
A multisensory experience combining touch, visual, and emotions, sandplay has been found to be effective for regulating the nervous system and promoting a feeling of calmness, hence making it ideal for those experiencing anxiety, grief, and trauma.
3
Communication with little to no words
For those with speech difficulties or those who struggle with expressing their thoughts, sandplay offers a way for individuals to communicate and express themselves using their hands through symbolic play.
What happens during sandplay therapy?
During sandplay therapy, the client will be provided with a tray filled with sand, and some figurines. At Being, our trained sandplay therapist in Singapore will provide prompts that guide the individual to create a response using the sand and miniature toys. These prompts are usually open-ended and allows the client to create their own ‘world’ in the sand, for example: •Can you show me your family using these materials? •Show me what a safe space might look like for you. •Build a scene of a difficult situation you faced recently. Usually, the therapist will not interrupt while the individual is arranging the sand, but will quietly observe. After which, the therapist will discuss the scene with their client, including questions about their arrangement, choice of toys, and symbolic meanings.
How does sandplay therapy help?
Sandplay therapy helps individuals make sense of their inner world and thoughts, revealing connections between their sand arrangement and their perceived world. Clients may discover things they never thought about, or see things in a different perspective through sandplay. Being able to control and change their make-believe world often also confers them with a sense of empowerment to make changes in their real world. Sandplay is also beneficial for its calming and non-intimidating nature. Most people find that the tactile sensation of sandplay gives a calming and grounding effect. In addition, for those who are not yet comfortable with talking to a therapist, sandplay can be used as a less-stressful starting point to ease into deeper conversations.
Who is sandplay therapy suitable for?
Sandplay therapy is suitable for addressing complex issues in persons facing trauma, grief, and anxiety. Children and the elderly alike can engage and benefit from sandplay therapy. Due to its involvement of hand movements instead of speech, it is especially suitable for people with limited verbal abilities, such as those with learning difficulties, or for individuals who find it particularly difficult to talk about their struggles, such as trauma survivors.
How do I find a sandplay therapist in Singapore?
When you are searching for a sandplay therapist in Singapore, it is important to check that the therapist is trained and certified in sandplay therapy. Look at their qualifications to see what type of training they have, and whether they are registered with an accreditation body like the Association for Sandplay Therapy. As a sandplay therapist is also a counsellor and play therapist, they should also have counselling certifications and training in administering play therapy.
“Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain."
- Carl Jung
