Sandtray and Sandplay in the Treatment of Trauma with Children and Adolescents: A Systemic Review

Abstract

Experiencing a traumatic event during a developmental stage, such as childhood and adolescence, is related to an increased risk of physical and mental health problems during the rest of life. Given the high prevalence of traumatic experiences in childhood, there is a need for techniques such as Sandplay, which allows working with trauma in a way that is adapted to these children. The objective of this review is to compile the existing evidence on the efficacy of Sandplay Therapy (ST) in the treatment of trauma in children and adolescents. The results show a significant effect of ST on post-traumatic, internalizing, and externalizing symptoms, as well as on adolescents' adherence to therapy and on the well-being of children who have suffered collective traumatization (natural disasters, bombings, etc.). Although the studies in this review show encouraging evidence, there is a lack of studies, and it is necessary to subject Sandplay Therapy to more research with different populations and contexts. This way, the benefit that this tool can bring to the treatment of childhood trauma in the field of clinical psychology and child protection services will be confirmed.