Using Sand Trays and Miniature Figures to Facilitate Career Decision Making

Sand tray therapy has earned status as a respected, often powerful, therapeutic modality. Counselors have used sand trays and figures for a variety of purposes with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups. This modality can also be used to facilitate career decision making and related issues as clients create visual representations of their career history, goals, dilemmas, barriers, opportunities, resources, and options. The authors present an overview of the therapeutic use of sand trays and figures, a brief historical review, and a theoretical context. Recommendations for implementation with clients requesting career counseling are provided and illustrated.