Sand Play Therapy
Sand play therapy offers a safe, creative space to explore emotions and release trauma.
About Sand Play Therapy
Sand play therapy is a creative, non-verbal healing method that allows emotions, memories, and inner conflicts to express themselves through symbols rather than words. Using a tray filled with sand and a collection of miniature figures or natural objects, the client creates small worlds that mirror the inner landscape of the mind.
This process bypasses the logical brain and engages the imagination and intuition. It’s particularly powerful for trauma recovery, stress, or emotional confusion because it allows healing to unfold safely and naturally without pressure to “explain.”
The therapist simply holds space, observing as the client’s symbolic story takes shape and reveals what the psyche is ready to heal.
The Power of Sand Play Therapy
In the therapy, every figure or movement in the sand has meaning. As the scene evolves, hidden emotions surface, and the client begins to reconnect with forgotten strengths and inner resources. The tactile nature of sand also grounds the body, bringing a sense of calm and presence.
Main Benefits:
• Encourages deep emotional release and insight
• Reduces anxiety and restores a sense of safety
• Strengthens creativity and self-expression
• Helps integrate unconscious feelings into awareness
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is your Sand Play Therapy practitioner and where was she trained?
Lara completed her professional Sand Play Therapy training in Cape Town in 2023/2024 under the guidance of Dr. Celia van Wyk, a respected international educator in Jungian and Sand Play methods. Lara also completed her clinical supervision hours with Dr. Barbara Turner, a globally recognized expert in expressive therapies.
Her approach blends depth psychology, symbolism, and gentle nervous-system support, helping clients access inner clarity and emotional integration in a safe, structured way.
Do you offer Sand Play Therapy outside of the retreat?
Yes. Lara offers Sand Play Therapy throughout the year in her private therapy room in Slovenia, where she works with adults seeking emotional clarity, inner grounding, and symbolic processing.
For clients in the United States, she also provides online counselling sessions, which you can access through her dedicated counselling page.
Why is Sand Play Therapy included in your wellness retreats?
Sand Play Therapy is a powerful modality for emotional release, symbolic understanding, and reconnecting with deeper layers of the self. It supports trauma healing, self-expression, and intuitive insight — making it a natural fit for retreat work.
Lara includes Sand Play sessions selectively within the retreat programs where deep emotional processing, identity work, or inner-child themes are part of the wellness journey. This therapy is offered only when it genuinely supports the client’s pathway and retreat goals.
Is Sand Play Therapy suitable for beginners with no therapy experience?
Absolutely. Sand Play Therapy is gentle, non-verbal, and accessible to anyone, even if you’ve never tried therapy before. Clients do not need prior experience — the process unfolds naturally. Lara guides each session with sensitivity, presence, and clear structure, ensuring you feel safe and supported at every step.
