ABSTRACT
Sand therapy has been used across the ages as a safe therapeutic space for play therapy clients to participate in healing, therapeutic work. It seems the constant question is: “How does that work?” This chapter articulates our current understanding of how Polyvagal theory intersects with the established therapeutic powers of play. The authors articulate how Polyvagal theory provides a way to conceptualize the sharing of nervous system states of the therapist and client during the sandtray therapy process. A figure is provided to graphically demonstrate movement throughout the autonomic nervous system during the sandtray session. A suggested reorganization of the therapeutic powers of play as related to brain functioning is also posited. The chapter closes with a worksheet used to assist parents in becoming attuned to the sandtray process before offering a joint or family session and a short case example of doing so.
