Category: Sandtray Eco Art Therapy

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Eco Art Therapy & Processing Emotional Pain

Eco Art Therapy

Emotional pain, whether caused by trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, or life transitions, can be difficult to articulate through words alone. For many, traditional talk therapy may not offer the full depth of expression or healing needed to process deeply rooted emotions. This is where Eco Art Therapy steps in: a powerful fusion of expressive arts and nature-based healing that supports emotional integration and resilience.

Rooted in the principles of both art therapy and ecotherapy, Eco Art Therapy invites individuals to engage with natural materials and the outdoor environment as part of the therapeutic process. By creating art in and with nature, individuals not only externalize their inner experiences but also reconnect with the natural rhythms of life, which can be especially restorative for those processing emotional pain.

What Is Eco Art Therapy?

Eco Art Therapy is a therapeutic modality that combines creative expression with nature-based practices. It incorporates elements of traditional art therapy—like drawing, sculpting, and collage—with natural materials such as leaves, stones, twigs, sand, or water. Sessions may take place outdoors in forests, gardens, or parks, or indoors using materials gathered from the natural world.

Eco Art Therapy is rooted in the understanding that nature is not only a backdrop for healing but a co-therapist. In Eco Art Therapy, nature is a dynamic, responsive force that helps individuals regulate emotions, access intuition, and restore psychological balance (Buzzell & Chalquist, 2009).

Why Emotional Pain Needs Creative and Somatic Expression

Emotional pain is often stored not just in the mind, but also in the body and nervous system. Neuroscience research shows that traumatic memories are frequently encoded in non-verbal parts of the brain, making it difficult to process them through talk therapy alone (Van der Kolk, 2014).

Creative modalities like art therapy allow people to externalize inner turmoil, providing a safe container for experiences that may feel overwhelming or unnameable. When this creative work is done in or with nature, the healing effects are amplified by nature’s ability to reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and promote feelings of safety and calm (Ulrich et al., 1991).

How Eco Art Therapy Supports the Processing of Emotional Pain

1. Externalization of Inner Experience

When emotions are turned into physical forms, whether through sculpture, painting, or mandala-making, they become tangible. This process helps individuals view their pain from a new perspective, making it less overwhelming and more manageable.

For example, a person might create a sculpture from stones and sticks to represent the weight of grief. Seeing that weight physically represented allows for new insights and a feeling of release.

2. Connection to the Natural World

Many people in emotional pain feel disconnected from themselves, others, and the world around them. Nature, with its cycles of growth, decay, and renewal, provides powerful metaphors for emotional healing. Creating art with natural materials helps foster a sense of belonging and continuity, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their suffering.

Nature also offers sensory grounding that helps regulate the nervous system. The feel of bark, the smell of pine, or the sound of running water can calm the body and help anchor individuals in the present moment.

3. Mindfulness and Embodiment

Eco Art Therapy naturally incorporates mindfulness, as participants must slow down, observe, and interact with their environment intentionally. This sensory engagement promotes embodiment—the act of being fully present in one’s body—which is key for emotional integration and trauma recovery.

According to Malchiodi (2015), combining mindful awareness with artmaking can reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, particularly when practiced consistently in a safe, supportive environment.

4. Meaning-Making and Symbolism

Art made from nature often holds personal and symbolic meaning. A spiral made from shells might represent the journey inward. A broken branch tied together with twine might symbolize healing after rupture. These symbolic creations allow individuals to make meaning of their experiences, which is a central aspect of healing emotional wounds (Frankl, 2006).

The transient nature of many eco-artworks also mirrors the impermanence of emotional states, reinforcing the idea that pain, like seasons, will eventually pass.

Practical Eco Art Therapy Exercises for Emotional Healing

You don’t have to be an artist or even work with a therapist to begin exploring eco art therapy. Here are a few beginner-friendly practices:

1. Nature Mandala

Eco Art Therapy Mandala
  • Gather natural items like leaves, stones, feathers, or flowers.
  • Create a circular pattern on the ground, letting your hands move intuitively.
  • Reflect on the emotions that arise as you build. What does the pattern say about your inner landscape?

2. Emotional Sculptures

  • Use clay or mud mixed with natural materials to create shapes that represent your feelings.
  • Place them in a space that feels sacred or safe.
  • Observe how you relate to these forms—what might they need from you?

3. Eco-Journaling with Found Objects

  • Go on a mindful walk and collect one item that speaks to your emotional state.
  • Place it on a piece of paper and draw or write around it.
  • Ask the object, “What do you want to teach me about my pain?”

These exercises can be done alone or facilitated by a trained eco-art therapist for deeper exploration and support.

Final Thoughts

Eco Art Therapy offers a soulful, embodied way to process emotional pain by inviting nature into the healing process. It speaks to something ancient and intuitive in us…the need to create, to connect, and to find meaning even in suffering. By engaging with natural materials and letting emotions take form through art, individuals can move from silence to expression, from isolation to connection, and from pain to transformation.

In times of emotional distress, you may not always find the right words, but the earth is listening, and your hands already know what to say.

References

Buzzell, L., & Chalquist, C. (Eds.). (2009). Ecotherapy: Healing with nature in mind. Sierra Club Books.

Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man’s search for meaning. Beacon Press.

Malchiodi, C. A. (2015). Creative interventions with traumatized children (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(05)80184-7

Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.

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NOW AVAILABLE! Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice Online Homestudy Course
  • Target Audience: Mental Health Professionals
  • Online Home Study Continuing Education Hours: 20 (Twenty)
PURCHASE COURSE

Course Description

This self-paced online course offers a comprehensive introduction to Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy (SEAT), a unique therapeutic approach that integrates mindfulness, nature-based practices, and creative expression.

Participants will explore the foundational principles of both sandtray therapy and eco-art therapy, learning how to blend these modalities to create powerful interventions for clients in clinical settings. Through case studies, illustrations, and practical exercises, students will gain hands-on experience in facilitating SEAT interventions, promoting emotional healing, self-awareness, and personal growth.

We will also look at the history of sandtray therapy and eco-art therapy, list materials used for each, and discuss multiple interventions with Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy that may be used with your clients.

Finally, we will delve into the ethical and legal issues unique to the practice of Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy.

Ideal for therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals seeking to enhance their practice with eco-therapeutic tools.

The course is based on the textbook, Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice by Charlton Hall, MMFT, PhD and includes a pdf copy of the textbook plus several course documents that may be used in your clinical practice.

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Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice Course Information Packet

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to

  • Explain the core principles, techniques, and benefits of using sandtray in therapeutic settings.
  • Discuss how nature-based art practices can enhance emotional expression and mindfulness.
  • Explain how to combine these two modalities into a cohesive therapeutic approach.
  • Create a healing environment that supports SEAT interventions.
  • Describe how mindfulness and nature connection enhance the effectiveness of SEAT.
  • Explain and facilitate the structure and flow of SEAT sessions, from initial assessment to closure.
  • Fully implement SEAT interventions, including preparation, facilitation, and processing.
  • Implement and facilitate a variety of interventions designed for different client needs and therapeutic goals.
  • Describe and discuss real-world applications of SEAT with diverse populations and clinical settings.
  • Utilize methods for tracking progress and measuring the effectiveness of SEAT interventions.
  • Address the ethical implications and cultural sensitivities involved in SEAT practice.
  • Explain some of the cutting-edge developments and potential future trends in Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy.

Instructor Qualifications and Contact Information

This course was created by Charlton Hall, MMFT, PhD.

Charlton Hall, MMFT, PhD

Charlton Hall, MMFT, PhD is a former Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor and a former Registered Play Therapy Supervisor (now retired from both those roles).

In 2008 he was awarded a two-year post-graduate fellowship through the Westgate Training and Consultation Network to study mindfulness and ecotherapy. His chosen specialty demographic at that time was Borderline Personality Disorder.

Dr. Hall has been providing training seminars on mindfulness and ecotherapy since 2007 when he founded what would become the Mindful Ecotherapy Center, LLC, and has been an advocate for education in ecotherapy and mindfulness throughout his professional career, serving on the South Carolina Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s Board of Directors as Chair of Continuing Education from 2012 to 2014.

He served as the Chair of Behavioral Health for ReGenesis Health Care from 2014 to 2016 and trained all the medical staff in suicide risk assessment and prevention during his employment at that agency.

Dr. Hall is also a trained SMART Recovery Facilitator and served as a Volunteer Advisor in South Carolina for several years.

Dr. Hall’s area of research and interest is using Mindfulness and Ecotherapy to facilitate acceptance and change strategies within a family systemic framework, and he has presented research at several conferences and seminars on this and other topics.

Click here for instructor contact information

Click here to see a biography and summary of credentials for the Instructor

The Mindful Ecotherapy Center, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7022. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Mindful Ecotherapy Center, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

All course materials for this online home study continuing education course are evidence-based, with clearly defined learning objectives, references and citations, and post-course evaluations. Upon request a copy of this information and a course description containing objectives, course description, references and citations will be given to you for your local licensing board.

All of our courses and webinars contain course objectives, references, and citations as a part of the course materials; however, it is your responsibility to check with your local licensure board for suitability for continuing education credit.

No warranty is expressed or implied as to approval or suitability for continuing education credit regarding jurisdictions outside of the United States or its territories.

If a participant or potential participant would like to express a concern about his/her experience with the Mindful Ecotherapy Center, NBCC ACEP #7022, he/she may call or e-mail at (864) 384-2388 or chuck@mindfulecotherapy.com. Emails generally get faster responses.

You may also use the contact form below.

Although we do not guarantee a particular outcome, the individual can expect us to consider the complaint, make any necessary decisions and respond within 24 to 48 hours.

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NOW AVAILABLE! Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

ABOUT Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice offers an innovative approach to mental health treatment by blending the tactile engagement of sandtray therapy with the expressive potential of eco-art therapy. This comprehensive guide shows clinicians how to integrate these two powerful modalities into a cohesive therapeutic framework, promoting healing and transformation in clients of all ages.

Designed for therapists who wish to incorporate mindfulness, creativity, and nature-based practices into their work, this book provides step-by-step guidance on how to create meaningful therapeutic experiences. It covers a wide range of topics, including clinical case studies, session outlines, and practical tools for addressing common mental health issues such as trauma, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to sandtray and eco-art therapy, Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to create a safe, nurturing space for clients to explore and heal through creative expression. This text is essential reading for mental health professionals seeking to deepen their practice by tapping into the healing power of nature and creativity, as it offers a way to introduce the healing power of nature through ecotherapy for therapists who may not have ready access to an outdoor therapy space.

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice offers a nature-based approach to therapy by combining the rich symbolism of sandtray therapy with the expressive, healing power of eco-art. This textbook introduces readers to a pioneering model that bridges two therapeutic methods, creating an innovative framework for clinicians working with individuals and groups facing various emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges.

Rooted in mindfulness-based ecotherapy, this text emphasizes the role of nature in the healing process, helping clients reconnect with the environment and, in turn, with themselves. Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy (SEAT) blends the tactile, reflective process of sandtray therapy—where clients use miniatures to build symbolic worlds within a sandbox—with eco-art therapy, which invites clients to work with natural elements like leaves, stones, and wood in their artistic creations. This combination enhances therapeutic outcomes by fostering emotional expression, self-awareness, and grounding in the present moment.

The book offers clear, step-by-step instructions for integrating SEAT into your clinical practice, covering practical considerations for setting up a sandtray eco-art space, selecting materials, and structuring sessions to facilitate healing conversations. Through case studies, clinicians will gain insight into how SEAT can be applied to a variety of populations, including children, adolescents, and adults, helping clients navigate issues such as trauma, anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges.

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice provides theoretical underpinnings that link SEAT to current trends in ecotherapy, expressive arts therapies, and mindfulness-based interventions. Readers will also find practical tips for tailoring SEAT to specific therapeutic goals, as well as methods for evaluating and documenting client progress.

Whether you are new to sandtray or eco-art therapy or are seeking to expand your existing toolkit with nature-based interventions, this textbook serves as a valuable resource. With a focus on creativity, environmental connection, and client-centered care, Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice offers a holistic path toward healing that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Perfect for therapists, counselors, social workers, and students, this text equips you with the knowledge and confidence to bring the benefits of nature and creativity into the clinical setting.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy in Clinical Practice

Charlton Hall, MMFT, PhD is the author of multiple books on using mindfulness and ecospirituality to facilitate change within families and individuals, and he has presented research worldwide at conferences and seminars on this and other topics. In 2020 Dr. Hall retired from his position as a Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor and Registered Play Therapy Supervisor to serve full-time as the Executive Director of the Mindful Ecotherapy Center, LLC. Learn more at www.mindfulecotherapy.org.

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Coming Soon: Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy is an innovative therapeutic approach that integrates the principles of ecotherapy with traditional sandtray therapy. Developed by Charlton Hall, PhD, this method utilizes natural elements in the sandtray, encouraging clients to engage with the environment in a creative and healing manner. In Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy, the client uses miniature objects, often made from natural materials, to create scenes or representations in the sand, which reflect their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This process allows for a deeper exploration of the self and one’s relationship with nature, facilitating emotional expression and personal growth.

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy allows therapists who may not have access to outdoor settings for ecotherapy activities to introduce the tools of Mindfulness-Based Ecotherapy into a more traditional clinical office setting.

Charlton Hall’s development of this method emphasizes the therapeutic potential of connecting with nature, both physically and symbolically, within the safe and structured environment of the therapy session. The approach is particularly beneficial for clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, or emotional blocks, as it provides a non-verbal and tactile medium for expression (Hall, 2025).

This certification course is scheduled to be available in early 2025.

About Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy has emerged as a unique and effective approach to emotional healing and personal growth. This innovative therapy, developed by Charlton Hall, PhD, integrates the principles of traditional sandtray therapy with the healing elements of nature. By combining creative expression with an ecological perspective, Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy offers clients a powerful medium for exploring their inner worlds, addressing trauma, and fostering a deeper connection to the environment.

What is Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy?

Sandtray therapy, a form of expressive arts therapy, has been widely used for decades to help individuals express emotions and explore personal narratives through the use of miniature figures and objects placed in a tray of sand. Clients create scenes that reflect their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences, allowing them to communicate non-verbally and access parts of the psyche that may be difficult to articulate with words alone.

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy builds on this foundation by incorporating natural elements into the sandtray process. The “eco” aspect of the therapy emphasizes the importance of nature in the healing process, encouraging clients to use objects found in the natural world—such as stones, leaves, shells, and twigs—in their creations. This integration of natural materials not only enhances the tactile experience of the therapy but also fosters a deeper connection between the individual and the environment.

The Benefits of Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy

  1. Connection to Nature: One of the most significant benefits of Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy is the connection it fosters between the client and the natural world. Research has shown that spending time in nature can have profound effects on mental health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression (Bratman et al., 2015). By incorporating natural elements into the therapeutic process, clients can experience the calming and grounding effects of nature within the context of therapy.
  2. Non-Verbal Expression: For many individuals, especially those dealing with trauma or emotional blocks, finding the right words to express their feelings can be challenging. Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy provides a non-verbal outlet for these emotions, allowing clients to communicate their inner experiences through the creation of symbolic scenes in the sand. This process can be particularly helpful for children, who may find it easier to express themselves through play rather than words.
  3. Personal Growth and Insight: The act of creating a sandtray scene encourages introspection and self-reflection. As clients arrange objects and figures in the sand, they often gain new insights into their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. The therapist guides this process, helping the client explore the symbolic meaning of their creations and how they relate to their life experiences. Over time, this exploration can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.
  4. Integration of Ecotherapy: Ecotherapy, or nature-based therapy, emphasizes the healing potential of the natural world. By integrating ecotherapy principles into sandtray work, Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy offers a holistic approach to healing that considers the individual’s relationship with the environment. This perspective can be particularly beneficial for clients dealing with issues related to environmental grief, climate anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from nature.

Applications of Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy can be used with a wide range of populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and families. It is particularly effective for individuals dealing with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. The therapy can be conducted in both individual and group settings, providing a versatile tool for therapists across various disciplines.

In addition to its clinical applications, Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy can also be used in educational settings, community programs, and environmental organizations. For example, schools may incorporate Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy into their counseling programs to help students manage stress and develop emotional resilience. Environmental groups may use the therapy to help individuals process feelings of loss and grief related to environmental destruction.

Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy represents a powerful fusion of traditional therapeutic practices and the healing potential of nature. By providing a non-verbal medium for expression and fostering a deeper connection to the natural world, this therapy offers a unique and effective approach to emotional healing and personal growth. As more therapists and clients discover the benefits of Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy, it is likely to become an increasingly important tool in the field of mental health.

References:

Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(28), 8567-8572.

Hall, C. (2025). Sandtray Eco-Art Therapy. Elder Grove Media.