Sandtray Supervision: An Integrated Model for Play Therapy Supervision

The current article proposes the use of sandtray through the use of person-centered and Gestalt approaches as a play therapy supervision technique. These theories are discussed in the context of play therapy supervision, and a 3-phase model for utilizing sandtray techniques in the play therapy supervision process is described. The phases-introductory, working, and culminating-guide the supervisor through multiple aspects of a play therapy session. This model offers a creative approach for enhancing the supervisory working alliance, while deepening the supervisee's self-awareness and promoting counselor development. The authors offer support for sandtray supervision and review commonly utilized supervision models, making a case for play therapy supervision through the use of sandtray as a play medium. Suggestions are included for pairing the technique with specific aspects of supervision by combining discrimination and integrated developmental models of supervision. A case example is also provided to illustrate the model as utilized with a beginning practicum supervisee.