One of my favorite activities as a therapist is to use sand tray with my clients- typically I use this once my clients are really comfortable in counseling and have gotten to know me well. Sometimes people can’t really identify what it is that’s going on- they might be overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain. Sand tray can be a way to get those emotions out without having to say a word. We use the metaphor of the figures instead. We often use verbal metaphors to describe our emotional situations. You’ve probably heard this before: I feel like I’m under water and I can’t seem to get my head above water, my life has lost it’s color, I feel like I won the jackpot, I feel like I live on an island and no one understands… etc. These are all ways we use metaphor to describe something that’s difficult to say.

Sometimes my clients can expand the metaphor through creative activities like sand tray. We use figures and sand- these are all symbols of what is going on inside. Clients are often fascinated by what they’re drawn to as they choose a figure to represent their situation. I have all kinds of figures: people, objects, animals, props, sets (like bridges, fences, ladders, trees, etc). These have incredible meaning, and seeing them in a tray all together usually creates a powerful moment of perspective. I like to think of it as a mental or emotional diorama. 

I have been trained in this technique and would be happy to answer any questions. If you’re interested in learning more about this, please email me at: morgan@eastdallastherapy.com or book an appointment online.

The counseling process depends on your goals and your teens goals (which can sometimes be different from each other). Many of my teen clients come in with teen depression or anxiety, social anxiety, or grief from losing someone close to them. Sometimes they’re processing the future like what career path to choose. I bet you have questions about this process- I’m happy to answer any questions before we book our first appointment. I want you to be involved as much as you would like. Call us to ask questions or click to book.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just I am, then I can change” -Carl Rogers

Common Teen Clients:

• teen depression
• teen anxiety
• fear
• withdrawal
• problems in relationships like bullying, assertiveness, social media
• test anxiety
• grief from recent death
• insecurity/self-confidence

You’re probably reading this because you are totally overwhelmed with life (or your parents want you to get unstuck in some way). In my office, counseling is for you. Whatever you come in with, I want to hear it and carry it with you. I’m not shocked or overwhelmed by much. I’m not thrown off by awkwardness either. I get that gaining your trust takes time and I’m willing to wait. I want to meet you right where you are. It might feel more comfortable to have your hands busy with sand, paint, drawing, or games. Or if you want to sit and talk we could do that too. I let you choose. Whatever you come in with, I’m honored you’re willing to trust me enough to show up.

Teens often come see me because they’re depressed, anxious, fearful, or someone has died and they’re grieving. You might relate to those things or you might need more self-confidence or assertiveness or want to learn how to have good relationships. Or maybe you don’t know what you want to do when high school is over and want some help to figure that out. You might identify with this or it might be totally different. I want to walk with you through whatever is going on.

“What’s comin’ will come, and we’ll meet it when it does.” -Hagrid