Sandplay Therapy (Psychological)

Sandplay therapy is a non-verbal psychotherapy technique grounded in Jungian psychology. With a sandbox, miniature figures, and professional accompaniment, a safe, free, protected space is created. By playing with sand and miniatures, the child bypasses the language barrier, freely expresses their inner world, releases anxiety, builds an understanding of rules, and gradually develops social and communication skills. The method rests on four theoretical foundations: the mechanism of projection (figures 'reveal' inner states), non-verbal communication, individuation (activating the self-healing resource), and symbolic expression (a foundation for abstract thinking).

At the H&B Neurolife International Rehabilitation Center in Shangrao, sandplay therapy is an important supportive method for a wide range of conditions: ASD with emotional and behavioural difficulties, anxiety and depressive symptoms, OCD symptoms, sleep disorders, emotional instability, self-injurious and aggressive behaviour, tics, enuresis on an anxious background. Three formats are available: individual (in-depth accompaniment, focused work with emotions and behaviour), parent–child (improving interaction patterns within the family), and small group (modelling social situations — cooperation, sharing, competition).

Advantages of the method as delivered at the centre: work without pressure — nothing is demanded or probed; individual accompaniment at the child's pace; visual interpretation — the child's work allows the inner state to be 'read'; the parent–child format is available; ecologically safe — psychological support only, no side effects.

What matters for the parent

Sandplay therapy proceeds without pressure — nothing is demanded or probed. This is natural healing through play, where the professional accompaniment of the specialist turns work with sand and figures into a tool for emotional regulation and symbolic work. For non-verbal children the method is especially valuable — it gives a channel for expressing the inner world without the need to speak.