SAND TRAY SESSION

Facilitator Observation & Session Form

Participant Facilitator Date Time Session # Approx. Creation Time

1. Preparation & Safety

Type of Tray

Free / spontaneous Memory Trauma-focused Story

Other Starting Prompt / Instructions Given

2. Initial Response & Choosing Miniatures

Initial Response

Other / Initial Comments

Selection Process

Notable Objects Touched but Not Selected Objects That Appeared to Receive Special Attention

3. How the Tray Was Constructed

Changes in Pace, Intensity, or Manner

Sequence of Significant Selections / Placements

Order	Object / Figure	Where Placed / What Happened
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

4. Use of Sand & Space

Area Containing Greatest Concentration of Objects Area Containing Most Empty Space

5. Object Relationships & Patterns

Patterns / Notable Positioning

6. Notable Characteristics of Miniatures

Record distinguishing characteristics without assigning meaning: size, color, texture, expression, posture, condition, etc.

Object / Figure	Observed Characteristics

7. Participant Behavior During Creation

Observable Physical Changes Spontaneous Statements Made While Building Noticeable Emotional / Behavioral Shift Occurred When

8. Completion of the Tray

How Did the Participant Indicate the Tray Was Finished?

Appeared satisfied with completion Continued adjusting the scene Had difficulty deciding when finished Stopped abruptly

9. Participant's Description of the Tray

Important: Record the participant's meaning—not the facilitator's interpretation.

Title / Name Participant Gives the Tray Participant's Description of What Is Happening Meaning Participant Gives Important Figures / Objects

Open-Ended Exploration

Would you like to tell me about your tray? What is happening here? Tell me about this figure / object. What stands out to you when you look at your tray? Is there anything in the tray you want me to understand? Is there anything else you would like to add or change?

Participant Responses / Additional Notes

10. Facilitator Observation Notes

FACTS I OBSERVED — what I actually saw or heard, not what I think it means THEMES THE PARTICIPANT IDENTIFIED AREAS THAT MAY NEED FURTHER EXPLORATION

Safety / Triggering Concerns

None observed Participant became emotionally activated Grounding / support was needed Participant requested a pause Session direction changed for safety Follow-up recommended

Safety Notes

11. Session Closing

Participant given adequate time to transition out of activity. Emotional state checked before ending. Participant had opportunity to discuss what emerged. Appropriate grounding / support provided if needed. Follow-up needs discussed. Permission obtained before photograph.

Photograph

Participant's State at Conclusion Follow-Up / Next-Session Notes

Facilitator Signature / Initials Date