EMDR Sandtray Therapy

EMDR Sandtray Therapy

EMDR Sandtray Therapy is a powerful, integrative approach that blends Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with sandtray therapy, allowing healing to happen beyond words.

At HeARTS for Hope Therapy, this modality is offered by Jody Greene, who is specially trained in EMDR Sandtray and brings a grounded, compassionate presence to this work.

What is EMDR Sandtray?

EMDR Sandtray combines the bilateral stimulation of EMDR with the symbolic, tactile process of creating scenes in the sand using miniature figures. Instead of relying solely on verbal processing, clients externalize internal experiences—memories, emotions, body sensations, and parts of self—into the sand. This allows the nervous system to process trauma in a way that feels safer, more contained, and often more accessible.

This approach is especially supportive when experiences feel overwhelming, fragmented, or difficult to put into words.

How It Supports Healing

EMDR Sandtray can help:

• Gently process trauma stored in the body and nervous system

• Reduce emotional intensity tied to distressing memories

• Increase a sense of safety, control, and grounding

• Access insight and integration through symbols and imagery

• Support parts work and inner child healing

• Bypass overthinking and cognitive overwhelm

The sandtray acts as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious, allowing new associations and adaptive information to emerge naturally during EMDR processing.

Who This Is Helpful For

EMDR Sandtray may be a great fit for:

• Adults who feel stuck in traditional talk therapy

• Clients who are highly visual, creative, or body-aware

• Individuals with developmental trauma or early attachment wounds

• Those who feel flooded or shut down when discussing past experiences

• Anyone wanting a more gentle, contained way to approach trauma work

No artistic ability is needed. The focus is on meaning, sensation, and inner experience—not “doing it right.”

What Sessions Are Like

Sessions are paced collaboratively and guided by your readiness. Jody supports you in building safety and resourcing first, then gently integrating sandtray scenes into EMDR processing as appropriate. You remain in control the entire time, with options to pause, adjust, or shift focus as needed.

This work honors your nervous system, your story, and your unique healing rhythm.