The photograph shows a Briolight interactive sandbox.
Before beginning a sand therapy session, a specialist usually helps the child become comfortable working with the sand. For example, the child may be invited to imagine a deserted landscape where nobody has been before and to create their ideal world, recreate a happy day or build whatever they wish.
Such an invitation provides a way to express feelings, fears and experiences through a landscape and its characters. The interactive projection can make the imaginary world more engaging.
When a child has created their scene, the conversation continues. The specialist can ask questions during or after the construction:
- “If you need another figure, you can take one from the shelf or box.”
- “If there are figures you don't need, you can remove them.”
- “Tell me about the world you have created. What country is it, and who lives there?”
- “What are the personalities of your characters? How did they get here?”
- “How do your characters relate to one another?”
- “Is everyone happy in your world? If not, what could change to help them?”
- “What happens next? What plans do your characters have?”
Some sessions allow discussion of many questions; others may centre on a single question across several sessions. The specialist should balance questions that invite changes in the scene with those that help understand the child's current story.
It is useful to let children know that they can add, move or remove figures and change the plot at any time. This encourages a sense of choice and control within the activity.
The original article describes different possible responses: children may apply experiences from play to everyday situations, or they may continue to feel distressed and need more time and qualified psychological support. It should not be assumed that a particular number of sessions will resolve complex problems.
A carefully guided conversation during sand play can help specialists understand a child's experiences and support expression and exploration of possible solutions.
Contact Briolight: +38 (063) 258-15-15 and +38 (063) 103-35-35.
