03/24/2026
Want to know what one of my favorite forms of therapy is?
Sandtray.
Yes, it looks like play (hear me out!) and it also does some deep work your brain already knows how to do.
When words get stuck (trauma, overwhelm, “I don’t even know where to start”), your brain keeps working. It shifts into images, symbols, body sensations, and emotion instead of language. I’ve been in my own sessions where my words just… don’t come. And that can make traditional talk therapy feel frustrating. It's why I'm pretty passionate about:
Right fit between therapist and person.
Right time.
Right approach (talk therapy isn't the only type out there).
In the sandtray, you get to build what your inner world feels like, move things safely that feel immovable in real life, create distance from heavy experiences without avoiding them (my personal favorite), and access insight without overthinking every step.
And yes, this is absolutely for adults. Many of the people I do Sandtray with end up saying, “wait… why is this so helpful?” halfway through. My personal favorite is reflection later on when clients say: “why do I keep picturing this Rosie the Riveter figurine and feel better afterward?!”
Because it sidesteps the pressure to say it “the right way” and lets you connect with what’s actually true. Theres no perfect wording required, and honestly, a lot of people thrive with hands on or visual interventions more than talk therapy.
Also… tiny figurines and sand? Weirdly satisfying.
Fun fact: I actually hate the feeling of sand 😂 and yet this is still one of my favorite modalities. Tweezers, tiny rakes, and a little strainer tool for the win.
