Beyond the Miniatures: Using Gestalt Theory in Sandtray Processing

Across the helping professions, sandtray has historically been used as a play-based intervention with children. As therapists expand sandtray work with a variety of populations and client issues, its power as a tool in healing is increasingly realized and growing in the literature. Our intent here is to underscore specific techniques used by the Gestalt therapist in processing tray work with adult clients. The emphasis is on how Gestalt methods are used to promote the client's deepening of self-awareness and integration of unknown or negated aspects of self.