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What is Sandtray Therapy?
Introduction Sandtray therapy was created by Margaret Lowenfeld, who got her ideas from reading H.G. Wells’ book Floor Games, where Wells spoke of the use of miniature toys while he played with his sons on the floor. This technique was adopted by many others, including Dora Kalff, a Swedish therapist who modified Lowenfeld’s knowledge of the use of sand and miniatures according to Jungian principles, and named her technique Sandplay (Homeyer & Sweeney, 2011). Sandtray therapy can be used with adults, children and groups, and it is a safe way for those who have experienced trauma to use miniature figurines to express themselves through metaphors. Resistance to exploring past trauma…
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Sensory Processing Disorder in Children
By Teresa Weeke, MA, PLPC *note: this article has been edited for readability, for the original, scholarly article, click here: Weeke Aug 2015 Original Article – Sensory Processing Disorder in Children What is it? Those who have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), formerly known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction, experience sensory integration problems such that the input the brain receives from the senses does not match up with an appropriate response. Examples of an inappropriate response might include: temper tantrums because a child does not like how clothing feels next to the skin; eating problems relating to food texture; difficulty with coordination; non-stop activity or lethargy after simply going to the playground. SPD…
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Technology & Your Kids: How to Set Appropriate Boundaries
by Carolyn Knarr, MSW, LCSW, Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services Technology is a reality which is not going to go away. It’s imperative to teach children to make good decisions about technology, limit the frequency of its usage, and keep access to appropriate and safe content. If parents see technology as the enemy, they will set themselves up for years of frustration and struggle with their children. Rather than viewing it as the devil incarnate, parents need to team up with their children and allow them to enjoy the benefits of technology without allowing it to take over their child’s life. Often the fear of technology comes from a parent’s…
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Healthy Play Time for Developing Kids
By Carolyn Knarr, MSW, LCSW, Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services Having been a child therapist for some time, I am amazed by the lack of time children spend playing with toys today, compared to 10 years ago. When I ask my young clients what toys they have at home and like to play with, often the only answer is video games or other forms of technology. Many spend hardly any time at all playing with toys. I understand the appeal of technology, as it is more portable, less messy, and unfortunately, somewhat addicting, but the transition from toys to technology comes with a high price. Hands-on play benefits critical areas…
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