How To Use Sandplay:
6 Easy Steps
This may look simplistic - but DO NOT underestimate the power of the process.
The experience will be completely different from what you imagine.
Step 1:
Decide What Type of Issue You Want to Explore
Type One:
Select a specific issue you wish to explore. Here are some examples to get you started:
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Ex: The trouble I’m having with my spouse / partner / relative / boss / friend … or “relationships in general”
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Ex: My problems with money
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Ex: Why I can’t stick to my diet
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Ex: Should I spend more time at work (for my family) or with my family?
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Ex: My humiliating screw-up at work
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Ex: Why do I keep procrastinating on my project?
Type Two:
Explore what’s currently going on in your unconscious, by choosing a topic like the following:
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Ex: What’s currently going on in my mind
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Ex: What’s going on in my life right now
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Ex: What’s going on in my love life right now
Step 2:
Select Avatars/Objects
Log into Sandplay & Select all the Avatars/Objects You Are Drawn To
Look at all the avatars and objects to choose from. You will select as many as you are drawn to. Which ones jumps out at you? What do you keep moving your eyes back to? It doesn’t have to make sense – just select it Is there something that you’re avoiding looking at? Add it!
Note: When you select avatars, they will automatically be placed on the sand.
Move all the Avatars/Objects
It’s up to you to move the avatars to where you want them to be. Sometimes you won’t feel like you need to move it. Other times you may feel like Avatars need to be in certain places and be facing a certain way (Ex: like facing each other … or away facing away from each other).
Keep adding Avatars/Objects
After placing several avatars, you’ll notice the scene will “feel complete” at some point … could be after 5 … could be 15. You’ll feel like you don’t want to add anything else. Otherwise, keep looking for Avatars until you feel the scene is complete. Finally, select an avatar that represents “you” if you don’t see yourself represented in the sand tray. Don’t worry about gender – it’s all about symbolism
Step 3:
Think about each Avatar/Object
Think about each Avatar/Object you Chose
Choose whatever avatar seems easiest to talk about first. Don’t choose the Avatar that represents you until the end. Think about what you feel it represents or symbolizes. Maybe it’s the color, facial expression, pose, symbolism, etc. that reminds you of something … say whatever comes to mind. If nothing comes to mind, come back to it later.
If the Avatar represents a person you know, refer to them in the 3rd person. Ex: this person, he, she, they. Only think about the feelings and thoughts you are picking up from the Avatar in the scene – NOT the feelings and thoughts that occur when you think about the person in your head. Keep thinking about it until NOTHING about the Avatar is left to think about. Note: It’s ok to go back to Avatars you’ve already described to add additional info.
Think about the Avatar You Chose to Represent You
After thinking about all the other Avatars you chose, think about yourself last. Think about yourself in the 3rd person. Ex: this person, he, she, they. Ex: She’s very afraid of these other pieces. Ex: She doesn’t think she can do what needs to be done.
Does anything feel left out?
Does it feel like something hasn’t been said about any of the avatars/objects?
Does something feel missing from the scene itself?
If so, add another avatar/object to the scene that represents what’s missing. Think about what is going on with the added avatar/object. Is there something that you’re avoiding talking about? What is it? Place an avatar/object in the scene for it. Think about what it represents.
Step 4:
Look at the Entire Scene Now
Look at the entire scene … this is a mirror of your UNCONSCIOUS
What advice would you give the Avatar that represents you? Again, answer in the THIRD PERSON (”they” or “she” or ”he”). Ex: What should they do? … take notice of? … or let go of?
Note: This step should be easy and forthcoming. If it ISN’T, or the advice doesn’t feel right, it’s almost always because something hasn’t been said about the scene. You should be able to sense it. Go back to Step 3.
If the You Avatar follows the Advice, Consider the Outcome
IEx: What will happen? What will the Avatar’s future look like? How will the Avatar feel?
Anchor the outcome by answering: Is this new (future) version of your Avatar better than the one at the start of the session?
You should sense a big difference between the two. These outcomes will help you internally understand the desirability of the outcome.
Sign up for your free account and begin sandplaying today!
Work through those areas of your life that need clarity and learn how to handle future situations with ease.