Play Therapy in California | Blue Oak Counseling Services

Sandtray Therapy for Kids and Teens

ChatGPT Image Sep 24, 2026, 04_21_43 PM.png

Sometimes the story is easier to show than to tell.

Sandtray therapy at Blue Oak Counseling Services offers a gentle, hands-on way for children, teens, and adults to explore their feelings, make sense of their experiences, and find a path toward healing.

What Is Sandtray Therapy?

Sandtray therapy is an expressive, evidence-informed approach that uses a tray of sand and a collection of small figures, such as people, animals, buildings, trees, and everyday objects. Clients choose items and arrange them in the sand to create a scene, their own small "world."

These scenes often reflect thoughts, feelings, relationships, and experiences that are hard to put into words. With the guidance of a caring therapist, clients explore what they've created and discover new insights, new perspectives, and new ways of coping.

There's no right or wrong way to build a sandtray. The process is personal, creative, and entirely your own.

Contact Form

How Sandtray Therapy Can Help

Sandtray therapy can support people who are experiencing:

Anxiety and worry, including stress, fears, and feeling overwhelmed
Trauma and difficult experiences, explored gently and at a comfortable pace
Depression or low mood
Grief and loss
Major life transitions, such as divorce, moving, school changes, or new family dynamics
Family and relationship challenges
Self-esteem and identity concerns
Emotional regulation, including anger, frustration, and big emotions

Why It Works

Sandtray therapy engages the senses and the imagination, which can make hard topics feel more approachable. The sand itself is calming and grounding to touch.

Building a scene creates a little distance from painful experiences, so clients can look at them from the outside rather than feeling overwhelmed by them.

Through sandtray work, clients can:

Express feelings and experiences without needing the "right" words
Feel more in control while working through difficult memories
See their situation from a new perspective
Practice problem-solving and imagine new outcomes
Build self-awareness and emotional resilience

Our therapists may combine sandtray work with other approaches, such as play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and strengths-based care, to fit each client's needs and goals.

ChatGPT Image Sep 25, 2026, 10_06_25 AM.png

Who Is It For?

Sandtray therapy is especially helpful for:

Children, who naturally communicate through play
Teens, who may feel guarded or unsure about traditional talk therapy
Adults, who want a fresh way to access emotions or feel "stuck" in talk therapy
Anyone who has experienced trauma, since it allows processing without having to retell every detail
Visual, creative, or hands-on thinkers

What to Expect

Getting started: We begin by learning about your goals, or your child's needs if you're a parent, and answering any questions you have.

In session: You'll be invited to choose figures from our collection and place them in the sand however feels right. Sometimes the therapist offers a prompt, such as "Create a world about your week," and sometimes the scene is completely open-ended. Afterward, the therapist gently helps you reflect on what you created, only as much as you're comfortable sharing.

Partnering with families: For children and teens, parents and caregivers are important partners. We share general progress while protecting the trust your child builds with their therapist.

Schedule a in-person appointment in Ontario, CA

Finding the right support for your child can make a lasting difference. At Blue Oak Counseling, our therapists are dedicated to helping children feel understood, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Call us or fill out our contact form. We'll answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help match you or your child with the right therapist.