Creative Therapies Training- Sand or Rocks?

As a proponent of Creative Therapy Techniques, I was delighted to see these embraced in the training I presented at University of Iceland. I demonstrated the way Green Cross Academy Trauma Teams use plain rocks to represent the family system. Thanks to the construction underway at the Student Apartments, I had a large rock pile from which to choose.  I waited until evening when work crews finished so they would not wonder "what is the crazy American doing"? Gave those rocks a nice bubble bath to be ready for therapy demo. 

Next I showed the Therapy Rocks, which are painted with unique images as another type of projective technique.   Each rock has a unique image which the client can interpret. At times it is easier to tell the story of the rock which begins to relate to individual emotions and personal story.

The rock images can be happy or sad. As with any art the meaning is individual. The rocks both painted and plain are something to hold on to while talking which for some people is calming and grounding.

Sandtray received the most enthusiastic responses. I brought a limited collection of figures and

objects to use in the tray. I decided before leaving that carrying even a small bag of sand from Florida would probably get me a long "what is it" conversation with TSA. 

Dr Siguroardottir brought sand and boxes. Here is the real surprise - - Icelandic sand is black! Its a rich color that is silky soft to touch. In this demo group, both the Psychology student and experienced Social Worker found value in this creative therapy technique. Thanks to Amy Flaherty, Southern Sandtray Institute, for enhancing my knowledge of Sandtray with what I have learned from her.