September 2025 Week 2
Happy Monday!
Today we’ll be talking about Technique #1 from my Powerpoint: Using non-directive play therapy activities in the sand.
Now this can look pretty unique and different in each of our neurodivergent clients, but a good checklist to remember in session with them is:
- Track
- Reflect
- Summarize
- Provide Feeling Words
- MOST IMPORTANT - BE WITH your client, allowing their nervous system to borrow from yours (window of tolerance!), so they can progress into the green zone WITH you
Some helpful tips and tools you can utilize with the ‘neurospicy’ population include having various options for them when it comes to textures, fidgets, and miniatures.
Here is my list of resources for you:
- Jurassic Sands (This is where I purchase all the unique sand types for my trays!)
- Sensory Bin List (An article written for parents, but contains long lists of items and themes for creating sensory bins that are great inspo for us therapists too 😉
- Sensory Processing Disorder Sensory Bins and Sensory Play
- Sensory-N-Stuff - everything you need for your sensory bins
Another tip would be evaluating the amount of miniatures and items you have placed out in the open - consider how overwhelming it could potentially be for your client(s).
There’s lots of ways to hide and cover our miniature shelves! Depending on your set up, packing minis away in containers could be most efficient! Or using fabric/sheets with velcro to quickly cover & uncover the full shelves!
And today’s final tip is a reminder: something you’ll hear me say again and again is that “Progress happens below the level of consciousness.”
It can seem like nothing is happening or changing on the surface or within our sessions, but that’s totally normal!! The actual work and processing really starts after their session with us, while they’re going about their day and life.
So take a deep breath, you’re doing so great!!
Talk next week,
Amy & SSI Team