Sandplay Therapy
Sandplay therapy (sometimes called sandtray therapy) is a gentle yet powerful therapeutic method that uses a sandtray and collection of symbolic miniatures to support emotional expression and psychological healing. Clients use the miniatures to create scenes or images in the sand which reflect a ‘snapshot’ of their inner world. This process allows individuals to externalize complex thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Sandplay therapy is especially helpful for individuals who find verbal expression difficult, such as children, neurodivergent individuals or those impacted by trauma. The non-verbal nature of this method allows the therapy to unfold in a calm, contained and deeply respected way.
As a holistic and integrative practice rooted in Jungian theory and informed by neuroscience, sandplay therapy supports brain integration, emotional regulation, and healing from trauma. Clients often experience improved self-awareness, reduced anxiety and greater emotional balance.
Who can benefit from Sandplay therapy?
- Children, adolescents and adults with emotional or behavioural challenges
- Neurodivergent individuals
- People with disabilities
- Adults with dementia
- Anyone for whom talk therapy may feel overwhelming
Benefits of Sandplay therapy:
- Emotional expression without words
- Reduction of anxiety and stress responses
- Increased resilience and self-esteem
- Improved emotional regulation
- Calming and sensory experience
- Processing trauma, grief and loss
- Encouragement of creativity and self-healing
What is the difference between Play Therapy and Sandplay Therapy?
Sandtray Therapy
Non-directive
Sandtray and miniatures (people, animals, objects, fantasy figures etc)
Jungian base, Integrative
Symbolic expression, inner psyche
Observing and holding space. Can be active by inviting client to reflect on their tray
- Healing through symbolic integration
- Allows for unconscious conflicts and trauma to be safely seen and processed
- Helps bring balance between the conscious and unconscious
- Promotes self-healing and trauma processing
- Emotional release and regulation
- Reduces anxiety, overwhelm and trauma responses by calming the nervous system
Play Therapy
Non-directive
Range of toys, games, art materials
Psychodynamic
Behaviour, emotions, relationships, play themes
Observing and/or active
- Supports emotional expression and regulation
- Supports cognitive development such as problem-solving and decision making
- Reduces stress, anxiety and boosts confidence and self-esteem
- Improves social and communication skills
- Helps to process trauma and improve relationships
Our Fees
£100
Sandplay Therapy Session
🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ our Founder and Clinical Director Dr Fiona Wilson answers:
What are our Sports Services❓
Watch the reel and read the Our Services page on our website for more information:
https://edinburghpractice.com/service/sports-performance-psychology/
Check out our YouTube Channel for more videos about our services, therapies, and mental health issues:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheEdinburghPractice1
#sportspyschology #selfcare #mentalhealthawareness
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
👋 Welcome back to our `M` series! As April is #StressAwarenessMonth, this week at TEP, `M` is for Managing Stress.
While a little bit of pressure can help motivate us, too much stress and exposure for long periods of time can weigh us down and take a toll on our physical & mental health! 💛
This Stress Awareness Month, take time to notice how stress shows up for you. Remember, we also need to look out for the physical warnings, such as tense muscles, over-tiredness, headaches/migraines as well as emotional symptoms such as irritability or forgetfulness.
It`s important to know how to reduce stress and build resilience. We can`t make all the stress in our lives disappear, but learning coping skills can help make it easier to get through the stressful situations! 💛
#StressAwarenessMonth2025 #ManagingStress #BuildingResilience
🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ, we answer:
What is CloudRx❓
Scroll through the post to find out more and check out our blogpost:
https://edinburghpractice.com/introducing-cloudrx-online-pharmacy-medication-delivered-direct-to-your-door/#popup-maker
#mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy Monday! This week, `M` is for Maternal & Newborn Health - the focus for #WorldHealthDay2025! 💛
Today, we are spotlighting the importance of supporting mothers and newborns everywhere, because healthy beginnings shape healthy futures.
Here are some key messages from the WHO:
🌼 We can end preventable maternal & newborn mortality
🌼 Women`s health needs to extend beyond simply surviving childbirth
🌼 Access to sexual & reproductive health services underpin maternal outcomes
🌼 Investing in all aspects of maternal & newborn health brings immense benefits
#MaternalHealth #NewbornHealth #WorldHealthDay
🤔 For today’s #FridayFAQ, a client at The Edinburgh Practice answers:
Why bother with getting a late ADHD or Autism Diagnosis❓
Read the full story here:
https://edinburghpractice.com/blog-written-by-a-client-late-diagnosis-why-bother/
#autism #autismawareness
#adhd #adhdawareness
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy Monday everyone! This week, our `M` word is for Masking!
👤 Masking can be exhausting - constantly camouflaging traits to fit in and avoid judgement. For many neurodivergent individuals, it`s a survival strategy, but it often comes at the cost of mental and emotional wellbeing. Unmasking is a journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity and neurotypical people can play a huge role in lessening the load. Let`s create a world where everyone feels safe to be themselves! 💛
#Neurodiversity #Unmasking #MentalHealthAwareness
In today’s #Friday FAQ, one of our Art Therapists Amelia Mackenzie answers:
What is Art Therapy❓
Also check out the blog post “Five Benefits of Art Therapy” written by our other Art Therapist, Ella Davies:
https://edinburghpractice.com/five-benefits-of-art-therapy-by-art-therapist-ella-davies/
🎨🖌️
#arttherapy
#mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
This week, `M` is for Maladaptive Thinking!
🧠 Maladaptive thinking can sometimes prevent us from making adjustments that are in our own best interest. Recognising these thought patterns is the first step towards change. By identifying and challenging these thoughts, we can start to reframe them with more balanced, helpful perspectives.
Small changes can make a big difference! 💫
#MentalHealth #MaladaptiveThinking #CognitiveDistortions
It’s neurodiversity celebration week! 🥳
This week’s #FridayFAQ is:
What is neurodiversity❓
Scroll through the post to find out or visit:
https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/introduction
#neurodiversity #neurodiversitycelebrationweek #neurodiversitycelebrationweek2025
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
Also known as “psychological flexibility”, mental flexibility is being fully aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations in the present moment, accepting them as they are without judgment, and then choosing to act in accordance with our values regardless of our current experience. 💬👁️❤️
In other words, being aware, open, and engaged.
Greater psychological flexibility is linked with higher wellbeing and lower stress, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Low flexibility is correlated with lower levels of mental health. 👌
Increasing psychological flexibility requires practice. By employing mindfulness techniques and metaphors, we can bring more mental flexibility into our everyday lives. 🧘🏽
Scroll through the post to find out more, and check out:
https://www.actmindfully.com.au/about-act/
https://www.actmindfully.com.au/free-stuff/
#psychologicalflexibility #acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy
#mentalhealthmatters #selfcare #edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
🤔 In today’s #Friday FAQ, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Alex Beadel answers:
What do I need to know about medication for children and young people❓
If you would like to find out more about psychiatry, mental health, and other services at The Edinburgh Practice, visit our Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheEdinburghPractice1
#psychiatry #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
👋 Everyone say hello to our new Child & Young Person Psychiatry Co-Ordinator, Isabelle! Here are five facts about Isabelle:
🗓️ How long have you worked at TEP? - “Since the beginning of February 2025”
🤔 Why did you want to work at TEP? - “I wanted to work at The Edinburgh Practice because I was keen to work as part of a multidisciplinary team that prioritised providing high quality services with a client-centred approach.”
💬 What is your favourite quote? - “My favourite quote is “One man’s style must not be the rule of another’s.” from Emma by Jane Austen”
🍽️ What is your favourite restaurant in Edinburgh? - “My favourite place to eat out in Edinburgh is Makars Mash Bar.”
🧘♀️ What do you do to relax? - “To relax I read books (especially fantasy novels) and spend time with my pets.”
💊 Medication can sometimes help improve mental health. There are four main types:
1) Anti-depressants: for moderate to severe depression.
2) Anti-anxiety drugs (anxiolytics): to feel calmer and improve sleep.
3) Anti-psychotics: to reduce delusions, hallucinations, severe anxiety, and mania.
4) Mood stabilisers: to help with extreme mood swings, such as bipolar mania.
But how do we know when to take medication?
🥼Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, their severity, and the possible benefits and side-effects of medication. Medication often works best in combination with other treatments, like talking therapy. If medication is offered, you do not have to take it. You can always ask for alternative treatment options.
⚠️ However, stopping medication abruptly can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor first.
#psychiatry #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare
#selfcarematters #edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy International Women’s Day! 🎉
This year’s IWD theme is:
Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for gender equality. 💪
Scroll through the post to hear some of the team’s thoughts on how we can Accelerate Action for gender equality. Check out the team celebrating with some cupcakes (and wearing purple!). 💜 🧁
#AccelerateAction #IWD2025
#edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
Today is Employee Appreciation Day! ❤️
The Edinburgh Practice isn’t just a building, it’s a team! In recognition of our wonderful staff, this #FridayFAQ is:
Who are The Edinburgh Practice team❓
Watch the reel to hear a message from our founder and clinical director Dr Fiona Wilson. To find out more about team TEP check out Our Team webpage: https://edinburghpractice.com/our-team/ 💫
#employeeappreciationday #employeeappreciation #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #edinburghtherapy #edinburghtherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
