Cases studies
After an initial intake interview for the first session, the second counseling session is an introductory session in which a client can make a tray to show life from the inside, and the reason for seeking therapy at this time. This information allows the counselor to gather additional information in order to make a more comprehensive treatment plan. Worldview, treatment priorities, challenges, strengths, and inner conflicts are often revealed in this intake tray. From a therapist perspective, it is a window that allows visual access into the client’s inner world.
Case studies one and two describe trays containing symbols or themes identified at the time of the intake interview. These themes were developed in more depth in subsequent sessions, and often referenced by the client later in the therapy.
The third case is that of a young adult client who was working in the sand tray for several months after a suicide attempt. It was the client’s first disclosure of childhood sexual abuse. This kind of sand tray is like a bridge from the world of the client into the therapeutic training and experience of the therapist.
Although it is possible for the therapist to interpret subconscious messages in the sand trays, it is advised to let clients interpret their own sand tray when they are ready to do so (Kalff, 1980), especially when working in a cross - cultural context. If something is important to the healing of the client, it will come up again until it is resolved. If a counselor chooses to share an interpretation with a client, it is important that it is done for the sake of the client, and not for the sake of the therapist (Homeyer & Sweeney, 2011).