SandPlay       <H1>SandPlay is a wonderful experiential method of working with “children of all ages.”  As an adjunct to talk therapy, or by itself, it invites a child to find a way to heal using tools as old as time itself, “SAND AND WATER.”  The beauty of SandPlay is that it lends itself to directive or non-directive play.  It was where play therapy was born.<H1> Margaret Lowenfeld, a pediatrician working in hospitals after WWI, was working with the most vulnerable victims of war, children, traumatized by their losses and experiences.  They had lost parents, home, brothers and sisters – their whole lives.  Dr. Lowenfeld noticed some crucial differences in the recovery of these children – those children who had an opportunity to play, did much better than those who did not have an opportunity to play. Having noticed this, she began to provide the children with small toys and sandboxes and continued to observe them.  From that rough beginning, a new manner of working with traumatized and wounded children evolved.  Today we know that as SandPlay Therapy.  Play Therapy is divided into areas: SandPlay, narrative-storytelling, music, art-drawing, painting and collage, and costume.  All of these therapeutic forms of treatment can be used to aid healing and adjustment. SandPlay therapy is an effective and research-based way to work with “children of all ages.”  The creative process of SandPlay is deep and rewarding.  It truly is the work of children! Play allows children to keep a safe distance from their problems and to express their true thoughts and feelings in ways best suited to their developmental level.  These tools allow the “inner-self” to express and “project” itself.  SandPlay is very helpful is aiding life challenges that present in the forms of: divorce, remarriage, blended families, moving to a new neighborhood and/or school, etc.  Asking a child or adolescent to talk about what is going on, may result in total silence.  This is often perceived as “oppositional.”  Most often, they do not understand or do not have the words to express the feelings about what has happened or is happening to them.  “Play is the work of children.”  Children will express themselves, given an opportunity and a safe therapeutic environment with firm boundaries.  A therapist working with SandPlay creates a “sacred space” where a child or an adolescent, can feel safe enough to “play” through their problems. <H1>Monica M. DuBina         Child Therapist,       Plainfield, Indiana,    known to the children    as the “Sand Lady”<H1>   Now accepting new clients Monday-Thursday: 10am-6pm        Friday: 10am-3pm        Monica M. DuBina, Child Therapist, Plainfield, Indiana   Now accepting new clients Monday-Thursday: 10am-6pm        Friday: 10am-3pm