Sand tray therapy

Sand Tray Therapy is a creative, nonverbal approach to exploring your inner world. Using sand, figurines, and objects, you create a “scene” that reflects your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It can help you express feelings that are hard to put into words and discover new insights about yourself.

Not at all. Sand Tray Therapy is not about art skills or making something “look good.” It’s about expression and meaning. What you create in the sand tray is unique to you and often reveals feelings or patterns you didn’t realize were there.

Sand Tray Therapy can be especially helpful for processing trauma, grief, anxiety, relational struggles, or times when you feel stuck. It allows emotions and memories to surface in a safe, symbolic way, often leading to deep healing and clarity.

I’ll invite you to create a scene in the sand tray using figurines and objects available in my office. Once you’re finished, we’ll reflect together on what you’ve created—though sometimes just the act of building the tray is therapeutic in itself. You’re always in control of how much you share.

Not at all. While it is often used with children, Sand Tray Therapy is incredibly powerful for adults as well. Many clients find that it bypasses their “thinking brain” and allows them to connect with emotions and insights they hadn’t accessed before.

No. Sand Tray Therapy is one tool among many. Sometimes you might want a traditional talk session, and other times you may choose to use the sand tray. It’s always your choice.

Sessions are 55 minutes long. You may spend the entire session engaging in Sand Tray Therapy, or part of the session may include talk therapy or other creative approaches, depending on your needs and goals.

Yes—and for some people, it can even go deeper. The process engages both mind and body, allowing you to access healing in ways that words alone can’t always reach.

Sand Tray Therapy is generally safe and supportive, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. Some clients may find it uncomfortable to express feelings nonverbally or may initially feel unsure about the creative process. It can also bring up intense emotions quickly, so it’s important to work with a therapist who can provide guidance and containment. For clients who prefer traditional talk therapy exclusively, Sand Tray might feel unfamiliar at first—but many find that, with time, it becomes a powerful tool for insight, expression, and healing.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. Sand Play Therapy is a structured therapeutic approach developed by Dora Kalff, based on Jungian psychology, where the therapist follows specific principles and the process is highly symbolic and guided. Sand Tray Therapy is a more flexible, client-directed approach that uses the same tools—sand, f igurines, and objects—but can be adapted to your needs and combined with other therapeutic techniques. In practice, both methods allow you to express thoughts and feelings nonverbally, explore patterns, and gain insights, but Sand Tray Therapy may feel more informal and tailored to your personal goals.

Unfortunately, no — Sand Tray Therapy is only offered in person. Because this approach involves using physical sand, figures, and objects to create scenes, it’s best experienced face-to-face.

I currently provide in-person Sand Tray Therapy in Menifee, CA. 

Therapy sessions cost $195 per session and are typically 55 minutes long. The frequency depends on your needs, budget and availability in my schedule.

Acceptable forms of payment are credit card, or Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

I am licensed in California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona and offer video therapy using a HIPPA compliant program.

The short answer is no.

I have made a conscious choice not to accept insurance in my practice. Why? Because I believe that the therapeutic relationship is sacred between you and me.

If I were to accept insurance, your insurance company may ask to see your charts, which is a breach of the privacy and safety we create when you undertake therapy. I believe strongly that you should be free to say whatever you want in therapy without fear of it becoming part of an official record.

However, I can give you a statement so that you can apply for reimbursement for out-of-network benefits if you wish to do that in your own way.