Unearthing the History of Sand Tray Therapy in Australia

Sand tray therapy, with its unique blend of creativity and therapeutic insight, has made a significant impact on the landscape of mental health treatment. While its roots can be traced back to various cultural and psychological traditions worldwide, the development and adoption of sand tray therapy in Australia is a compelling story of innovation and adaptation.

Origins and Early Influences

Sand tray therapy, also known as sandplay therapy, originated in the early 20th century.

Margaret Lowenfeld developed the World Technique, often referred to as ‘sand play’, in the late 1920’s. Margaret Lowenfeld wanted to find a way to engage with the inner life of children and to understand the ideas, feelings and emotions that they were often unable to communicate in words.

Sandtray therapy, also known as sandplay therapy in some contexts, was developed by Margaret Lowenfeld and later expanded upon by Gisela and Tom S. F. D. Oaklander. It draws on principles from play therapy, psychodynamic theory, and object relations theory. In sandtray therapy, clients are provided with a shallow tray filled with sand and an assortment of miniature objects, toys, or figures. Clients use these objects to create scenes or narratives in the sand, guided by the therapist's directives or themes.

Sandplay therapy was developed by Dora Kalff, influenced by the work of Carl Jung. It is based on the idea that the psyche has its own natural healing capacity, and the therapist's role is to create a safe and supportive environment for the client to access this healing process. In sandplay therapy, clients are provided with a tray filled with sand and an array of miniature figures representing various objects and symbols. Clients are invited to create scenes or landscapes in the sand using these figures, without specific guidance from the therapist.

Kalff's pioneering work in the 1950s laid the foundation for the therapeutic use of sand trays, which would eventually find its way to Australia.

Introduction to Australia

The journey of sand tray therapy into Australia began in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Pioneering Australian therapists were introduced to the method through international workshops and training programs. These early adopters recognised the potential of sand tray therapy to offer a fresh perspective on traditional therapeutic practices, particularly in the context of Australian mental health care.

Key Milestones

Training and Professional Development

In the 1990s, sand tray therapy began to gain traction within professional circles. Organisations such as the Australian and New Zealand Play Therapy Association (ANZPTA) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS) began offering workshops and certification programs in sand tray therapy. These programs were instrumental in training therapists and expanding the use of this innovative approach across various clinical settings.

Incorporation into Educational Settings

By the early 2000s, sand tray therapy had started to be incorporated into educational settings, particularly within programs for children and adolescents. Schools and educational psychologists recognised the value of sand tray therapy in addressing emotional and behavioural issues, leading to its broader application in supporting student well-being.

Cultural Adaptation and Growth

As sand tray therapy continued to grow in popularity, Australian therapists began adapting the approach to better align with local cultural contexts. This involved incorporating Australian symbols, figures, and themes into the sand tray practice to make it more relevant and resonant for clients. This cultural adaptation was crucial in ensuring that sand tray therapy remained effective and meaningful for diverse Australian populations.

Contemporary Practices and Innovations

In recent years, sand tray therapy has become a well-established modality within Australian mental health services. It is widely used in various settings, including private practice, schools, and community health organisations. Contemporary practices often involve integrating sand tray therapy with other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care, to enhance its effectiveness.

The Future of Sand Tray Therapy in Australia

Looking ahead, the future of sand tray therapy in Australia appears promising. As mental health awareness continues to grow and the demand for diverse therapeutic approaches increases, sand tray therapy is likely to remain a vital part of the Australian therapeutic landscape. Ongoing research and professional development will contribute to refining and expanding the practice, ensuring that it continues to meet the evolving needs of clients.

Sandtray Therapy Association of Australia (STTAA)

The Sandtray Therapy Association of Australia was founded in 2024 and is in its early stages. The STTAA's Mission is:

To promote the ethics, development and practice standards of education and training in all the disciplines of the sand therapy techniques. These are known as Sandtray Therapy and include Sandtray Play & Sand tray terminology. We respect and support the diversity of approaches within the field. We support a united training standard for current and emerging practitioners, to foster professional identity, support training and research, and ensure public accountability