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Sand Tray Therapy vs. Sandplay Therapy: What’s the Difference—And Why It Matters for Play Therapists

Ever find yourself wondering, “Wait… am I doing sandplay therapy or sand tray therapy?” 👀

You’re not alone — and it’s way more than a semantics thing.

In this podcast episode, we’re unpacking the fascinating roots and modern applications of both approaches — from Dora Kalff’s Jungian foundations to the integrative, attachment-focused sand tray therapy so many of us use today.

You’ll discover:
 ✨ How your play therapy model shapes what happens in the tray (and why that’s everything).
✨ How to choose when to lead vs. when to follow your client’s symbolic process.
✨ Why holding themes lightly — instead of decoding them like dream symbols — actually deepens healing.

We’ll bridge the theory with the practical, exploring how your lens—whether child-centered, Adlerian, or integrative—guides the way you use this powerful tool for connection and transformation.

Because the real magic isn’t in the sand alone… it’s in how you conceptualize the process through your theoretical heart and nervous system. 💫

🎥 Join me and let’s dig into the art of using the sand tray making process in play therapy with purpose and presence.

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Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work.

I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts.

Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills