House, tree, pet, sun, water in the sandtray for Sand Tray Therapy Class Assignment

by Sand Tray Therapy Student
(Decatur, GA)

House, tree, sun, pet, water picture for Sand Tray Therapy Class assignment

House, tree, sun, pet, water picture for Sand Tray Therapy Class assignment

I was not really sure how to go about this for my sand tray therapy class assignment. I've drawn these before, but putting it in the sandtray is a different dynamic. So, I chose pictures that I liked and printed them out.

I chose a house that I would love to have; I used to see them in Western Pennsylvania. The dog looks like my Zoey. I love ponds with water plants in them. And, the sun is stylized. I added colored sand to make green grass and a blue sky.

If the house symbolizes how I feel about or perceive myself, my house has very strong lines in those logs. The lines mean strong boundaries, which I do have around myself. The house is large, and I really wish I had a large house, but that can mean I feel overwhelmed by my family. That part is true. (I should not, though, that I was tempted to use a picture of a small, English cottage.)

My roof has a lot of detail, which could mean that I concentrate on fantasy. I do, as a matter of fact. I do a lot of, "I wish...."

There are many windows, doors, and even a patio in front of my house. That can mean that I am very open to interacting with other people. I am.

I should note here, though, that my front door looks pretty small compared to the rest of the house--that is architectural. That could mean I am also guarded. I am.

Overall, though, it is a welcoming, warm house, and I am a welcoming, warm person.

There are bushes around the house which could be a sign that I can be hesitant to open up to people. I am.

My trunk of the tree is relatively small which could mean weak ego. The way the picture printed left it without visible roots, which can mean instability. I always am seeking stability in my life.

The leaves of the tree are full and lush, which means that I can successfully connect with others. I can. When I was student teaching ESOL this summer, the supervising teachers commented on my rapport with the students.

My tree touches the house. That means I could need a way to escape, which is what I feel at times.

The water is a decorative, garden pond. Well, my mother was sometimes just there for decoration, rather being a warm, supporting mother. The water is separated from the house by a large patio and fire pit. There is separation between my mother and me.

The sun is pretty close to the house. I did not mean to make him so large. The sun, representing my father, is not smiling. Ours was a pretty grim relationship.

The dog is my dog, Zoey, who I adore. She does look at home in the sandtray. She gets her food from inside the house--home cooked. In the sandtray, she does look like she is guarding the house. She does guard me in a sense, with her love and devotion.



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Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.

*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed  mental health professional immediately.

"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.

For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.

Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of study.

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