Sand Tray therapy in Exeter
It's not always easy to talk about how we're feeling; in fact sometimes we don't consciously know what's troubling us or why. Sand Tray is a powerful way to reach the deeper knowing that's hard to express in words. In Sand Tray work, we start with a large tray of sand. The tray is like a 3-D canvas, a open space where you can create a symbolic world using miniature figures. You'll find human figures, animals, trees, fences, houses and all kind of odd bits and pieces that might trigger an unconscious resonance for you.
One of the wonderful things about Sand Tray is that you don't need to have any idea what you're creating. Some miniatures will attract you and others might repel you; both reactions are useful, but you might be clueless as to why they make you feel that way. As you place the pieces in the tray a symbolic world begins to take shape. Sometimes you'll quickly realize what a piece means for you and how it relates to other aspects of your Sand Tray world. At other times some of the deeper meanings will remain elusive and only emerge later. But in either case creating a symbolic representation of your inner world is powerful and typically brings valuable insights. Sand Tray illustrates what Carl Jung knew so well: "Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain."
A Sand Tray world
Creating a Sand Tray world can be like having a particularly significant dream. You're using the figures and the sand to represent your inner world in a uniquely powerful way. We can then look at this symbolic world together and see what it can tell you. Unlike most dreams you can interact with your Sand Tray world. What if I move that piece? What might this figure say to that one if it could speak? Do I want to add something?
Sand Tray is easy to do, playful and creative. If you'd like to try Sand Tray we can book a session in my Gandy Street consulting room. To arrange a taster session, call me on 07974 427 419 or email adrian@gn.apc.org