Simply described, a sand tray is a small sand box designed for indoor use. Sand trays are used in working with children and sometimes adults. Participants may have a variety of diagnoses, but sand tray therapy is probably most often used with children who have been traumatized. They are also used as an adjunct to other techniques. For sand tray therapy, additional equipment includes a wide variety of toys, and high quality sand.
Some therapists use wet sand, but high quality dry sand is also effective.
Carl Jung theorized that the moisture in the sand, the colors of the box, and the wide variety of toys, help the child go into a slight trance to tap the child's unconscious processes. Most therapists use sand tray therapy to assess the child's current dilemmas and help the child resolve them. The Sandplay Therapy Process by Estelle L. Weinrib. Some professions want a lid or cover for their sand tray. Please note that sand is not included.