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
👋 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

This week’s #FridayFAQ is ‘What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?’
We are sharing a deeply honest and personal blog written by one of our clients about their experience with RSD – often linked with ADHD and autism that can make rejection (including perceived rejection) feel overwhelming. They have generously allowed us to share their story in the hope that it will help others feel less alone.
You can read the full blog on our website (link in bio!) We’d also love to hear your thoughts and if any part of this resonates with you 💛
#RSD #RejectionSensitiveDysphoria #NeurodivergentVoices #ADHDAwareness #AutismAcceptance #TheEdinburghPractice

Team TEP is taking on the @edinburghmarathonfestival Hairy Haggis Team Relay this Sunday, and we couldn’t be more excited! 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Best of luck to Madeline, Georgia, Helen and Kelly as they hit the course! We’re running to raise funds for our partner charity, @crusescotland, which provides vital support for those affected by bereavement. 💛🌈
Please support us by donating through our JustGiving page (link in bio). Every contribution makes a difference! ✨🙏

Last week was Mental Health Awareness week! 💚
Team TEP got together every weekday to partake in an activity that boosts mental health, including Art Therapy, good nutrition, exercise, nature, and socialising. Each day, we posted a reel of a TEP clinician explaining the benefits of the activity. 🎨🥑 🚴♂️🌳☕️
Scroll through the post to see pictures of Mental Health Awareness week at The Edinburgh Practice.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

It’s Friday in Mental Health Awareness Week! 💚
Today, we’re all getting together to have a chat over coffee and cake. 🍰
Watch the reel to hear our Founder and Clinical Director Dr Fiona Wilson talk about socialising and mental health.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity #socialising #TheEdinburghPractice

It’s Thursday in Mental Health Awareness Week! 💚
Today, went on a guided nature walk through Holyrood Park with rangers from Historic Scotland.
Watch the reel to hear Clinical Psychologist Maddison Campbell talk about the mental health benefits of nature. 🌳🦌🦋🌻
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity #nature #TheEdinburghPractice

It’s Wednesday in Mental Health Awareness Week! 💚
Today, we’re doing a yoga session together. Watch the reel to hear Clinical Psychologist Madeline Dykes talk about the mental health benefits of exercise. 🏋🏿♀️ 🏃♀️ 🚴♂️
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity #healthymindbody #yoga #TheEdinburghPractice

We are back for Mental Health Awareness Week! 💚
Today, we’re coming together to enjoy a mindful and healthy lunch. Tune in as our dietician, Karen explains how good nutrition support both your body and your mind. 🍓🥕🥑🌿
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity #Nutrition #HealthyEating #TheEdinburghPractice

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! 💚
This year’s theme is the importance of community. The TEP team are coming together every day this week to partake in activities that support our mental health.
Today, we are going to have an art therapy session with our Art Therapist Ella Davies. Watch the reel to hear Ella talk about the benefits of art therapy. 🎨🖌️
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity #ArtTherapy
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

🤔 In today’s #FridayFAQ, we answer:
What is TEP up to during Mental Health Awareness Week ❓
This year’s theme is community. Every workplace is a small community and so are we! Each weekday next week, we’ll do an activity together that boosts mental health, along with a post from one of clinicians explaining the benefits.
Scroll through the post for more information.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity
#EdinburghTherapy #EdinburghTherapist #TheEdinburghPractice

Welcome back to our ‘M’ series! This week, ‘M’ is for #MaternalMentalHealthAwarenessWeek!
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a campaign organised by @perinatalmhpartnership and is dedicated to talking about mental health problems before, during and after pregnancy 🤰
The Perinatal Mental Health Partnership conducted a survey which showed that women do not feel listened to concerning their mental health in parenthood. This week especially, it’s important to highlight the power of women knowing it is okay to express their needs, feelings and experiences related to their mental wellbeing 🌸
Let’s talk about postnatal depression, anxiety, birth trauma and the importance of early support. Whether you’re a new mum, expecting, or supporting someone who is - your mental health matters 💛💫
#MaternalMHMatters #MumsMatter #PerinatalMentalHealth #MMHAW
