Sandtray Therapy & Play Therapy
Sandtray therapy and play therapy increase emotional expression and release emotional experiences in a safe way. Through pretend play, children create stories that represent their internal conflicts and they find resolution along the way. Each session encompasses “talk time” and “play time”, which creates a supportive balance to approach healing.
How to get kids to talk
We can all agree that it is not easy to talk about the hard things. In fact, some kids may even shut down, hide or yell when it is time to discuss something challenging. In session I let kids know that we usually talk about one hard thing each time in order to make things easier in the future and I remind them that they are not in trouble. Although “talk time” is the least preferred part of each session, these opportunities strengthen the child-parent attachment. During this time, I facilitate mindful parenting, role plays, coping strategies and other skills, activating the child’s left brain or logical brain. Then we move into using the right brain or emotional brain where the child experiences self- exploration through play.
Play Time
“Play time” is usually the most preferred part of each session. This is where the deepest work occurs when children borrow my calm energy to achieve a Zen like state where they become fully present to work through deep wounds, non-verbal emotions and trauma through spontaneous play. Both play therapy and Sandtray therapy provide a medium where children express themselves through symbols and metaphors. In this state, children tap into their authentic self. The element of pretend creates a distance from the reality of their difficult experiences and allows them to dive in. Children also benefit from the tactile experience of using the sand and objects where they can connect to their internal world to rework challenges. Deep healing occurs when children tap into their logical and emotional brain. And even though we face challenges, it can be a lot of fun too.
Alli Domers, MSS
Alli Domers specializes in working with children and their families., especially ages 3 to 12 years old with trauma. Alli is trained in child development, attachment, mindful parenting, sensory integration, behavioral challenges, Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression and grief and loss. She utilizes Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, art, movement and Mindfulness-Based-Play-Family Therapy and is proficient in American Sign Language. To book your free 15-minute phone consultation with Alli in Bryn Mawr or West Chester, click the button below: