Sandtray Worldplay is a type of sandplay therapy that was developed by Gisela Schubach De Domenico. It is a therapeutic technique where clients create miniature scenes or “worlds” inside a sand-filled tray using figurines, objects and sometimes water. It allows people to express thoughts, feelings, memories and aspects of their inner world symbolically through these three-dimensional sand scenes.
This approach is hands-on and expressive enabling communication and exploration without relying solely on verbal language. Sandtray Worldplay is used across all developmental ages as well as with couples and groups.
Clients select and arrange various miniature figures; like people, animals, houses or fantasy figures – to construct their personal experiences in a sandbox. This box becomes a symbolic space reflecting their inner life, often revealing unconscious material that might be difficult to access or articulate through traditional talk therapy. It can help clients explore and reflect on their emotions, relationships, trauma and personal transformation in a safe, nonverbal and creative way.
Julie Bellamy and Caron Leader are both trained in Sandtray Worldplay. They have trained Margaret Svec, and Blake Steagall, in this method as well.
To learn more about this method of Sandtray as well as others visit:
