At Aliya Mental Health, we offer sand tray (or sandtray) therapy as part of our diverse range of therapeutic approaches. While often associated with children, this expressive form of therapy has become increasingly popular with adults who want new ways of expressing themselves and working through emotions that may be difficult to put into words. Guided by skilled sand play therapists, sand tray work creates space for healing, self-discovery, and emotional growth.

What Are Sandplay Therapies?

Sandplay therapies are a form of play therapy that use sand, miniature objects, and imagination to create symbolic scenes in a safe, contained environment. These scenes represent inner experiences—whether fears, memories, or hopes. The process gives individuals an alternative to verbal dialogue, allowing them to connect with deeper layers of their psyche.

At Aliya, our trained sandplay therapists act as facilitators, encouraging clients to explore what emerges in the tray while supporting reflection, healing, and integration.

The Therapeutic Process

The therapeutic process of sandtray therapy typically includes:

Creating a Scene – patients choose from figures and objects to build meaningful scenes in the sand.
Observation and Support – The sand play therapist observes themes and patterns without judgment.
Reflection and Insight – patients and therapist explore the symbolic meaning of the tray, connecting it to real-life challenges.
Integration – Insights can then inform healthier choices, anger management strategies, or ways of strengthening relationships.

This reflective process complements other therapeutic approaches, such as somatic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and arts therapy.

Benefits of Sandtray Therapy for Adults

Adults may turn to sandtray work for many reasons. Some of the most common benefits include:

Gaining clarity when words feel limiting
Exploring trauma or grief through symbolic representation
Enhancing self-expression and creativity
Building emotional regulation skills, including anger management
Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
Strengthening the mind-body connection when combined with somatic therapy

Sandtray Therapy as Part of Holistic Healing

While sandplay therapies stand on their own as powerful interventions, they also fit seamlessly into broader care. Many patients find that combining sandtray with talk therapy, mindfulness, or arts therapy deepens the healing journey. This blend allows patients to process experiences on multiple levels—cognitive, emotional, and physical.

At Aliya, our team of sand play therapists respects the uniqueness of every individual. We believe the most effective therapeutic process comes from tailoring care to meet personal needs and health goals.

Begin Sandtray Therapy at Aliya Mental Health

Whether you are seeking play therapy as an adult, wanting to explore nonverbal healing methods, or hoping to complement traditional counseling with sandplay therapies, Aliya Mental Health can help. Our compassionate team of clinicians will guide you through every step, offering a safe, supportive environment for expressing themselves and finding new paths to growth.