4th Edition
Sandtray Therapy A Practical Manual
Sandtray Therapy is an essential book for professionals and students interested in incorporating this unique modality into work with clients of all ages. The fourth edition includes important discussion of the neurobiological aspects of trauma and sandtray therapy, further exploration of sandtray therapy in the context of the DSM-5, and a renewed review of the sandtray therapy literature. Readers will find that the book is still replete with handouts, images, examples, and resources. The authors’ six-step protocol guides beginners through a typical session, including room setup, creation and processing of the sandtray, cleanup, post-session documentation, and much more.
1 Introduction 2 Origins and Rationale 3 Sand and the Sand Tray 4 Miniature Figures: A Curated Collection and Display 5 Protocol for a Sandtray Therapy Session 6 Processing the Sandtray Therapy Session 7 Integrating Sandtray Therapy with a Variety of Approaches and Chapter 8 Group Sandtray Therapy 9 Sandtray Therapy with Couples and Families 10 Sandtray Therapy and Trauma 11 Neurotypical Developmental Indicators and Diagnostic Signs 12 Research Appendix A Resources Appendix B Possible Sandtray Prompts Appendix C Session Notes and Other Forms Appendix D Sand Tray Assessment Worksheet Appendix E Selected Bibliography
Biography
Linda E. Homeyer, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, is retired after 25 years as a professor at Texas State University. She continues to write and provide trainings and consultations in play therapy and sandtray therapy.
Daniel S. Sweeney, PhD, LMFT, LPC, RPT-S, is a professor, clinical director, and director of the NW Center for Play Therapy Studies in the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University in Portland, Oregon.
"This book is the first stop for any therapist wishing to explore the world of sandtray therapy. Just as the grains of sand congregate in the sandtray, Homeyer and Sweeney have captured the essential grains of wisdom to pull together the clinical work of sandtray therapy: its history, scope, movement, and therapeutic power. Sandtray Therapy integrates cultural and theoretical considerations, research evidence, and the art and science of the process with sound practical advice."
Judi Parson, PhD, RN, BAPT, APPTA, RPT-S, senior lecturer and discipline lead for play therapy at Deakin University, Australia
"This book grabs readers’ attention from the very beginning and holds it right through to the final page. It is the most comprehensive text on its subject and ought to be required reading for all therapists who utilise sandtray therapy with clients of any age. It is an impressive, comprehensive text that addresses everything you need to know regardless of your theoretical orientation. I love this book and can’t recommend it highly enough!"
Eileen Prendiville, SIAHIP, IAPTP, director of academic affairs at the Children’s Therapy Centre, Ireland
"If you would like to enrich and expand your understanding of how to effectively conduct sandtray therapy, then this is definitely a must-have book! Using the latest research on how the brain works, the manual defines and explains sandtray therapy, outlines the steps using detailed case examples, describes the characteristics of various theoretical orientations, and explores how to conduct sandtray therapy with a wide range of populations. I absolutely endorse this manual to all sandtray clinicians worldwide."
Akiko Ohnogi, PsyD, cofounder of the Japan Association for Play Therapy
"The fourth edition of Sandtray Therapy is a treasure trove. The content has been updated and new sections added, making it an essential guide for your playroom. Highly recommended for both experienced and new practitioners. This is the most genuinely playful book that I have seen for some time!"
Sue Jennings, PhD, professor of play with the European Federation of Dramatherapists and pioneer of Neuro-Dramatic-Play, United Kingdom
