Isn’t Sand Tray Just Playing with Toys?

Why Miniatures and Figurines Matter in Sand Tray Therapy?

When people first encounter sand tray therapy, they often notice the shelves filled with tiny figures: animals, people, houses, trees, vehicles, symbols, even mythical creatures. At first glance, they can look like toys. But in the therapeutic process, they serve a much deeper purpose.

Why Miniatures?

Miniatures provide a language beyond words. They allow clients to express experiences, memories, or inner states that may be hard—or even impossible—to articulate verbally. Much like dream symbols, figurines carry layers of meaning that can speak directly to the unconscious.

For example:

• A client may place a bridge between two areas of the tray, representing a desire for connection or reconciliation.
• A dragon might symbolize a looming fear, a protective force, or hidden power.
• A small child figurine might capture vulnerability or an inner younger self.

The beauty of sand tray work is that meaning isn’t dictated by the therapist. The client imbues the figurine with their own personal, emotional, and symbolic significance.

The Role of the “Toys”

These objects act as external representations of internal experiences. When placed in the sand, they create a tangible scene that mirrors the client’s inner world. This externalization is powerful: it provides distance, perspective, and a safe way to explore feelings, memories, and conflicts.

In therapy, we often bump up against the limits of language. Some experiences are pre-verbal (formed before we even had words), others are too painful to name, and still others live in the realm of image and sensation. Miniatures bridge that gap, giving form to what lives beneath the surface.

Not Just for Children

While sand tray therapy is often associated with kids, adults find the process just as meaningful. Many adults discover that placing figures in the sand helps bypass self-editing and intellectualizing, allowing them to access deeper truths and emotional clarity.

A Doorway to the Unconscious

Ultimately, the figurines are not “toys” at all—they’re tools. They are archetypal and symbolic objects that open a dialogue between the conscious and unconscious, helping clients see and process what has been hidden, avoided, or unspoken.

In the next part of this series, we’ll explore what it feels like to “enter” the world of the tray and how the process itself creates movement and healing.