The sand tray has become an important part of my counselling space, both with others and for my own personal process
My journey with sand started with a 6-month online sand journey with Masha Bennett of The Sand and Sound Centre in Hyde, and then a great weekend with other therapists, visiting the Centre (an amazing place) and experiencing the array of symbols and beautiful atmosphere.
When working in play settings with children in previous roles, I have always had sand available and noticed how they would appear to ground themselves by moving and holding their hands in the sand.
I was interested in exploring how sand could be a part of my counselling space. During my early exploration I did have some doubts about how the sand journey could be a powerful process and create change. These thoughts quickly shifted when I began to experience the sand and symbols for myself.
One of the first activities was to remember my own initial experiences of sand. This led me to remember my first holiday as a young adult, with my partner, all the sensory feelings, freedom, space, and happiness.
I then created my own sand tray by intuitively choosing from symbols in my collection and placing them in the sand. I explored feelings in my body, my emotions, intuition, and finally thoughts.
Sometimes when reflecting on my tray I would experience a strong dislike of symbols. Other times I would feel really connected and drawn towards one. This could then be explored or just held.
Some symbols connected me to my inner critic or my fears. Others connected me to my courage and determination. I explored how I could be fragile and strong and hold both within me.
Having a partner during the process to witness my sand journey and hold space for my emotions was important.
As a person who has been inclined to be ‘in my head’ it felt so freeing to intuitively choose symbols and experience whatever came up.
I remembered who I am during the sand therapy journey, with all my layers. A whole part of me opened up and came out to play!
Sometimes I would just enjoy the calm, holding feeling of my hands in the sand, becoming more in touch with how my body felt and being led by this.
Words are not always needed and sometimes just being able to place the symbols in the sand was enough.
I continue to use the sand tray as part of my process. Sometimes when I have an inner conflict, I have placed two symbols in the sand and listened to both parts of myself before making a decision.
It’s been a great place to create some balance between my logical brain and my emotional/creative brain.
Sand can be a place to explore relationships, process grief, emotions, and to recognise strengths. A place to put your hopes, dreams and goals. A place to put all the inner stuff outside of yourself for a while.
Sand has reminded me that I do not have to solve every problem, but I can experience the process and where this takes me. Everything is changing. The experience has led me back onto the path of being creative, loving poetry, and enjoying freedom of expression.
I love collecting symbols from charity shops and learning how anything that draws me in can hold meaning which I may not be aware of yet.
There has been so much more to the journey, but I wanted to share a taste of my process and to offer you an opportunity to explore the sand tray for yourself if it sounds like something you might want to experience.
Feel free to get in touch if you are interested.