Application and progress of psychological sand table play therapy in children's rehabilitation
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By
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Xuemei He
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Chonyang Din
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Xueyan He
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Yun Liu
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June 16, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Advancements and Utilization of Sandplay Therapy in Pediatric Rehabilitation
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Psychological trauma, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, neurodevelopmental disorders, chronic diseases |
| Key Mechanisms | Non-verbal symbolic expression, therapeutic guidance, Jung's archetypes |
| Target Population | Children with psychological and behavioral issues, including those with chronic diseases and disabilities |
| Care Setting | Clinical psychological assessment and treatment |
Key Highlights
- Sandplay therapy facilitates non-verbal expression in children.
- Empirical evidence supports its efficacy in reducing anxiety and improving social competence.
- Therapy is beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder and chronic diseases.
- Current research is limited by small sample sizes and focuses primarily on case studies.
- The therapy promotes self-healing through a safe and creative environment.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize sandplay therapy as a tool for psychological assessment in children.
Management
- Implement sandplay therapy for children with emotional and behavioral dysregulation.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Observe children's interactions and emotional responses during therapy sessions.
Risks
- Limited research on effectiveness for special populations; potential for insufficient sample sizes in studies.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children experiencing psychological trauma, emotional disorders, or developmental delays.
Sandplay therapy can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve social interactions.
Clinical Best Practices
- Create a safe and non-judgmental environment for children during therapy.
- Encourage free expression and exploration of emotions through sandplay.
- Incorporate observational techniques to understand children's psychological states.
Related Resources & Content
