Keep Calm and Sand On

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, "more than two thirds of children reported at least one traumatic event such as a natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey, terrorism, psychological, physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, life-threatening illness, military family issues, neglect and death of loved one by the time they are sixteen. In Early Childhood, it is often difficult for children to express their feelings and process trauma that they have gone through. Sandplay is a useful counseling tool to help students to communicate when they do not have the words to do so. We need a sand tray with a lid, play therapy sand, a play therapy sand tray starter kid with figurines. Currently, we are sharing 1 sand tray between 2 counselors and over 900 children.

Sandplay gives students the opportunity to be creative and express themselves when they are struggling with the words to describe their experiences.

Students in group can improve their social skills by creating things together. They are able to roleplay solving conflicts in a unique way with the sand tray. Just like adults often find it easier to talk when they are completing a task, students are able to feel safe enough to share their thoughts and feelings when they are completing a task. Sandplay helps the counselor to understand how the student relates to peers and adults based upon the interactions and the figurines chosen. We are able to determine what the student values, their morals, and the most important relationships in their lives. We can learn a wealth of information without asking the student. Sandplay is solution focused and allows even the youngest students to lead the counseling session. Our counseling department would greatly benefit from using Sandplay as a counseling intervention.