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 we answer:
What is “I’m Autistic – A New Musical” at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe❓
Check out their promotional video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPRWvqx_kcg
The Genuinely Confused Theatre Co said:
“This year, we are absolutely over the moon to be taking our original musical, I`m Autistic - A New Musical, to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In order to do this, we need to secure enough funding to help cover the many costs that come with this project!”
Find their crowdfunding page here:
https://crowdfund.edfringe.com/p/im-autistic--a-new-musical
Thanks @genuinelyconfused_theatreco and @imautistic_musical for this important project!
#autism #autismawareness
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy Monday everyone! This week, M is for ‘Mental Boundaries’ 🧠✨
Mental boundaries are the invisible lines we draw to protect our thoughts, energy, and emotional wellbeing. Setting these boundaries helps us stay true to ourselves, reduce overwhelm, and maintain healthy relationships - both personally and professionally.
Swipe through to learn what mental boundaries are, why they matter and how to start setting them. Your mind deserves rest, space and protection! 🌷
#MentalBoundaries #Mindfulness #MentalHealthAwareness #PsychologyTips #TheEdinburghPractice
🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ we answer:
What are the team’s favourite ways to relax this summer❓
Scroll through the post to find out more.
#relaxation
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
🧠 This week, M is for Maladaptive Perfectionism! Perfectionism isn’t always helpful — especially when it gets in the way of living your life.
Maladaptive perfectionism involves setting unrealistically high standards, being overly critical of yourself, and tying your self-worth to your achievements. It can lead to:
💭 Constant self-doubt
😞 Fear of failure or making mistakes
📉 Procrastination or burnout
😣 Anxiety, low mood, or stress
While striving for excellence can be motivating, maladaptive perfectionism tends to be rigid and self-punishing rather than healthy and growth oriented.
✨ The good news? Perfectionism isn’t fixed. With support, it’s possible to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and build self-compassion. Progress > perfection 💚
#Perfectionism #MaladaptivePerfectionism #MentalHealth #MentalWellbeing #TheEdinburghPractice
🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ we answer:
How are we supporting Cruse Scotland, our nominated charity in 2025❓
Scroll through the slides and check out our blogpost:
https://edinburghpractice.com/our-nominated-charity-for-2025-is-cruse-scotland/
@CruseScotland provide compassionate bereavement support for all. You can also join their fantastic fundraising events, donate directly, or even volunteer. To find out more, visit:
https://www.crusescotland.org.uk
#CruseScotland #Grief #Bereavement #BereavementSupport
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ, we answer:
How are Smls and TEP supporting young people to get free therapy❓
Those aged 16-18 can find themselves stuck between CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and AMHS (Adult Mental Health Services), making it hard to get the right support.
Smls are creating a new, easier way for young people to access free mental health therapy. Launching with Victoria GP Practice and TEP, Smls are building a new pathway where young people can be directly referred by their GP to free therapy sessions.
To find out more and join Smls’ fundraising events visit:
https://www.smlsgoods.com
Including the PAIN ultramarathon:
https://www.smlsgoods.com/events/event-two-rs59k
To donate directly visit Smls’ Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/smls-youth-pathway?utm_medium=CR&utm_source=CL
Thank you everyone @smlsgoods for this fantastic initiative!
#smls
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
🧠 Think about thinking — sounds intense, right? But you`re probably already doing it! That’s metacognition — knowing your strengths, spotting what’s tricky, and using smart strategies to learn better.💡
The two key parts are:
✅ Metacognitive knowledge — “I focus better after lunch”
🔧 Metacognitive regulation — “I didn’t get that part, let me try a new strategy”
📈 The more you practice it, the more tools you build in your learning toolbox. 🧰
It’s not about working harder — it’s about working smarter.
👇 Let us know your go-to learning strategies or moments when you realised you needed a new approach!
#Metacognition #ThinkToLearn #ThinkingAboutThinking
🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ, we answer:
How can you submit feedback at TEP❓
As client satisfaction is our priority, your feedback is vital. We’ve simplified the way we collect feedback. Scroll through the post to find out more!
#clientsatisfaction
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
Mourning is a natural response to loss – it’s the process of grieving and adjusting to life without someone or something important to us. Grief doesn’t follow a neat timeline – it can come in waves, feel unpredictable, and look different in everyone.
Here are a few gentle reminders if you are mourning, or supporting someone who is:
✅ There’s no ‘right way’ to grieve – your feelings are valid.
✅ Be kind to yourself – rest, cry, talk, or sit in silence; do what you need.
✅ Stay connected – sharing memories can bring comfort.
✅ Seek support – from friends, family, or a mental health professional.
It’s okay to feel okay sometimes too – moments of relief or joy don’t mean you didn’t care enough.
If you’re struggling with grief and loss, you’re not alone – help is available 💛
🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ, our Career and Leadership Coach Laura Ogilvie-Jones answers:
How can coaching can help when you are feeling stuck in your career❓
For more information about Career and Leadership services at The Edinburgh Practice, visit:
https://edinburghpractice.com/service/career-leadership-coaching/
To find out more about Laura Ogilvie-Jones visit:
https://edinburghpractice.com/our-team/
To read Laura’s blog on our website visit:
https://edinburghpractice.com/feeling-stuck-at-work-youre-not-alone-consider-career-leadership-counselling/
#careercoach #leadershipcoach #personaldevelopment
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
👋 Welcome back to our Monday `M` series! This week, `M` is for Motivational Goals! 🎯
Whether you`re aiming to reduce stress, build confidence, or improve routines - your `why` matters.
Approach goals often help us stay motivated longer than avoidance goals ✅
#MotivationalGoals #ApproachGoals #Values #MentalHealth #TheEdinburghPractice
June 2-6 is Dieticians Week! 🥗
🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ, our Dietician Karen Brereton answers:
What are dietetic services❓
Watch the reel to find out more. For more information about dietetic services at The Edinburgh Practice, visit:
https://edinburghpractice.com/service/dietetics/
#DW2025 #dietitian #dietetics
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
👋 Happy Monday! We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. This week, M is for Masculinity & Mental Health.
Men`s mental health is often overlooked - not because it`s less important, but because it`s less talked about. Deep-rooted societal expectations can cause men to hide their feelings and stay silent but it`s so important to challenge these expectations!
Let`s keep breaking the stigma around men`s mental health. If you`re struggling, you are not alone - and you don`t have to go through it alone either! 💛
#MentalHealthAwareness #MensMentalHealth #ToxicMasculinity #EndTheStigma #TheEdinburghPractice
Caption
🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ, our Practice Manager Kelly Alexander answers:
What is TEP’s prescription process❓
Watch the reel to find out more. Log into the client portal to access the Request a Prescription form: https://edinburghpractice.com/portal/
#psychiatry #prescriptions
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice
Welcome back to our Monday ‘M’ series! This week, ‘M’ is for Multidisciplinary Team! 🧠💬🎨🧩
At The Edinburgh Practice, care is never one size fits all - and that is where the strength of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) comes in. An MDT beings together professionals from different specialties to provide holistic, joined-up support tailored to each person’s unique needs.
👩⚕️ Clinical Psychologists
🧑⚕️ Psychiatrists
🗣 Speech & Language Therapists
🎭 Play Therapists
🎨 Art Therapists
🧩 Occupational Therapists
📚 Educational Psychologists
🏉 Sports Psychologists
🥗 Dieticians
Each clinician sees the person through a different lens — and together, we collaborate to develop comprehensive, personalised care plans. Mental health is complex — your support should be too 💛
#MultidisciplinaryTeam #MDT #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #TheEdinburghPractice
