The client creates any world in the sandbox without instructions. Full freedom of figure choice and composition. The therapist observes in silence, providing a safe presence.
Step-by-step guide
- Offer: "Here is the sandbox and the figures. Create any world you wish"
- Underline: "There is no right or wrong. Just do what you feel like doing"
- Observe in silence: do not comment, do not ask during the process
- Track: what the client picks up first, where they place it, how they touch the sand
- When the client has finished: "Tell me about your world"
- Photograph the composition from several angles
When to use
- Every Sandplay session
- The core procedure of the method
Key phrases
Here is the sandbox and the figures. You can create any world you like in the sand. There is no right or wrong way — just do what feels true. Take as much time as you need.
Follow-up questions
Tell me about your world. What is here?
Is there a figure that feels most important to you?
What happens if you stay with this image for a moment before you speak about it?
Is there anything you want to change before we stop?
Alternative phrasings
If you don't feel like using figures, you can simply work with the sand.
You can add water if you want. You can change things as many times as you like.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do NOT assign a theme. Freedom is the key condition.
- ⚠️ If the client asks "what should I do?" — repeat: "Whatever you feel like".
Source: Kalff, 1980; Lowenfeld, 1979
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.