Sand Tray Therapy Class: My Family, an almost first sand tray with translation, Student #1

by Jackie Wall
(Mercer University)

Sand Tray Therapy Class: My Family, an almost first sand tray with translation, Student #1

Sand Tray Therapy Class: My Family, an almost first sand tray with translation, Student #1

This is a sand tray for sand tray therapy of my family. I chose the mother kangaroo to represent myself because first I am a mom, and I love to carry my babies with me wherever I go. Even when they are not with me, I think about them constantly. My children are surrounding me. I chose a Koala Bear for my oldest because it reminds me of the story Koala Lou, I do love you. My son is strong and athletic as well as sweet and cuddly. The lion cub is for my ten year old who is a lot like a little/big lion cub. He can be strong and loud or soft, sensitive, and sweet. He can be quiet and sneaky or pounce and roar. I chose the sweet parakeet for my daughter because my little bird is beautiful, loves to fly, and has a sweet voice that chirps all the time. Finally I choose the meerkat for my husband because the meerkat can be playful but can also be still and quiet.
I chose some items to represent things we love to do as a family. I chose the Mr. Potato Head because we love to be playful and enjoy games and time together as a family (and all of my children loved to play dress up). Then I chose the cat bus because our favorite movie is the favorite movie is Totoro, which is a lovely and sweet story, and we love to watch movies together. I chose some items to represent Tybee Island where we love to go and play in nature, which is why I put the turtle and a little whale (like a dolphin) with the flowers that my daughter brought to me. They are almost a purple, my favorite color, and my mother’s favorite flower in all the world. She is also a beautiful presence in my life with gentleness, kindness, beauty and love. Finally, I included a dog because our dogs are part of our family and connect us in some ways, always present.
I decided to represent the people in my family in another way as well. So I chose the little pink poodle to represent my daughter who is prissy and cute, though she can bark, and loves to get all fancied up like a princess. I chose the Yoda for my oldest son because he is older and wise and willing to fight for good as well as see the good in everyone. I chose Shrek for my middle child because he is big and strong but soft, sweet, and is of course very funny, a lot like Shrek’s best friend Donkey. I chose Buzz Lightyear for my husband because he's in a very protective suit that sometimes hard to through. And while he can be a strong and protective presence, he is often quiet and a bit of a loner.
Finally I chose several characters to represent different parts of me First is the incredible girl who loves to put a protective bubble around my family and willing to fight for good to protect those I love. I chose Mickey Mouse because I like to be playful but can be serious, thoughtful, and quiet as well. I also love stories. I am not sure why I chose Big Bird maybe because of the teacher part of me and because Big Bird sometimes seems to say too much. I chose Sebastion the crab because he's the part of myself warning me to be good and not be too risky.
Sand tray therapy class assignment.

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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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