Somatic Expressive THERAPY

Information for Parents

As an observer of Somatic Expressive Therapy, it may appear that your child is simply playing. The sand tray especially becomes a setting for children, adolescents, and adults to gain a different or new perspective on a situation. The process connects with unconscious material, allowing the child to ‘sort’ out and make sense of experiences and information.

‘Bullying’, being either the victim or the perpetrator, is another common theme in the sand tray. Children are often asked to explain behavior or to verbalise how they feel. The child may not know why they behaved in a certain way or how they feel, and may not have the capacity or understanding or to verbally express their behaviors. Symbols provide a means for expression and exploration in non-verbal form. Children can unconsciously process an issue by representing it in the sand, movement roleplay and art.

Allowing free creation, and working with the ‘story’ can help to modify acting out behavior. For example, anxieties about school once expressed through sand play may be reduced or resolved. By manipulating the symbols, the child has ‘control’ of the situation. Many children are overwhelmed with the problems of the world and are able to gain a new perspective by expressing this in their creations in the sand tray.

Generally, children will create a sand tray without direction or a theme, allowing free play and the mystery to unfold. The symbols are not interpreted by anyone other than the child. It can be confusing for a child to have an adult or sibling comment on the sand tray or a symbol if the comments are not consistent with the child’s own interpretations. For example, a monster may represent feeling powerful for the child. An adult labelling it as scary or horrible can be counter-productive. Commenting that a sand tray is ‘lovely’ or ‘very good’ may undermine the child’s confidence if the sand tray represents frustration.

Although it is not usual practice for parents to see the tray at the end of the session, your child may wish to talk about it and share the picture of the sand tray. It is helpful to ask the child to tell you something about it and refrain from expressing your own opinions and comments. A good start could be: “Would you like to share anything about your sand tray?” “What would you like to share with me about your sand tray?” Your child may not wish to share at all and parents are encouraged to accept this too.