This blog is written by one of our child and adolescent therapists, Eimear Foley, who works with children as young as 6 and young adults up to the age of 24
Teens very often struggle to explain how they are feeling, often saying things like
“I don’t know what’s wrong.”, “I just feel weird.”, “Something feels bad, but I can’t explain it.”
There are a few reasons for this:
Their brain is still developing, particularly the part that helps label and manage emotions.
Some emotions can feel confusing and overwhelming, making it hard to describe.
Sometimes they fear they’ll be misunderstood or judged.
They may not fully understand what is happening themselves.
So when a teen says “I don’t know,” they usually aren’t being difficult, they truly may not know.
This is where creative therapeutic tools, such as the sand tray, can become incredibly valuable.
The sand tray is a simple, yet powerful medium used in therapy. It usually consists of a rectangular tray filled with sand alongside a collection of miniature figures, objects, and symbols. These may include people, animals, buildings, natural elements, fantasy characters, and everyday objects. Young clients are invited to create scenes in the sand using these items, building a small world that reflects their inner experiences. The scene they create may represent relationships, fears, hopes, or challenges they are facing, often revealing insights that might not emerge through conversation alone
One of the most valuable aspects of sand tray work is the creative space it encourages. The process allows young people to explore their thoughts and feelings in a way that feels natural and safe. Rather than being asked direct questions, the child leads the activity, choosing objects and arranging them in ways that make sense to them. This sense of control can be particularly empowering for young clients who may feel overwhelmed or unsure when talking about their emotions.
Importantly, the sand tray does not require artistic skill or a “right” way of doing things. The focus is not on creating something perfect, but on allowing the young person’s internal world to take shape in visible form.
For many young clients, the sand tray becomes a space where they feel understood without needing to explain everything in words. The therapist’s role is to provide a calm, supportive presence while observing and reflecting on what emerges.
By offering this space within therapy, we allow children and adolescents to explore their emotions safely, at their own pace, and in a way that meets them where they are.