Sand tray therapy is an effective and rich therapy for children, adolescents and adults who may have a difficult time expressing oneself verbally or who are suffering from symptoms of a past trauma. The use of creative nonverbal communication stimulates the right side of the brain - the emotional side of the brain that deals with things like art, music, and feelings. By using a tray of sand and a vast selection of miniature figures, clients can experience previously unknown thoughts and feelings that may become visible through the imagery and symbolic approach that is applied. This can make sessions feel very deep and powerful. 

When a therapist utilizes sand tray therapy, the therapist provides a client with a directive or a topic for the client to center their sand tray creation around. The therapist creates a safe and judgment-free space for clients to create as they need. Therapists process the sand tray creation with their client at the end of the session, at that point the verbal communication is stimulated with the left side of the brain. Sandtray therapy works towards a whole brain integrated treatment system, when whole brain healing can begin.