Effects of Sand Tray Therapy on Mental Health Problems in Abused Children

Main Article Content

Pornuma Kamnerdnond
Papaporn Waiyawuth
Panomporn Phoomchan
Suchada Sakolkjrungroj
Uea-anut Tanomwong

Abstract

This academic review aims to present the history of sand tray therapy, the therapeutic processes involved, and its application for addressing mental health issues in abused children. It provides examples of using sand tray therapy to alleviate mental health problems in children who have experienced abuse. The author has gathered information from relevant documents published between 2009 and 2024, utilizing electronic databases such as Thai Journal Online (ThaiJO) and Google Scholar. The data collection results indicate that reveal empirical evidence of the benefits of sand tray therapy in addressing mental health issues in abused children. These include reducing anxiety levels, helping children adapt to negative past memories, and improving emotional and cognitive development. Sand tray therapy is particularly suitable for children who struggle to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. It is a childcentered approach where the therapist encourages the child to reflect on their problems or situations, allowing them to freely express themselves through the sand tray. Thus, sand tray therapy serves as a
form of play therapy, enabling children to release inner feelings, overcome communication barriers, and explore and express their thoughts, emotions, and feelings more effectively than through verbal storytelling. This technique delves into the deeper levels of the psyche, fostering a new positive understanding of oneself. Additionally, it serves as a tool to support growth and enhance creative development. The process involves detailed explanations of the methods, techniques, and equipment used in sand tray therapy for children. Therapists practicing this method should possess specialized expertise and undergo proper training in sand tray therapy.

Article Details

How to Cite
Kamnerdnond, P., Waiyawuth, P., Phoomchan, P., Sakolkjrungroj, S., & Tanomwong, . U.- anut. (2025). Effects of Sand Tray Therapy on Mental Health Problems in Abused Children. Thai Journal of Clinical Psychology (Online), 56(1), 80–90. retrieved from https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tci-thaijclinicpsy/article/view/281889
Section
Review articles

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