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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting sand tray therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Program, Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Program, Aetna, +19 more
Military / Veteran, Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +6 more

As a white, Christian woman, I believe you are the expert of your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challen... As a white, Christian woman, I believe you are the expert of your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Read more

Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Program, Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Program, Aetna, +22 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, +10 more

As an open-minded, compassionate mother with eclectic life experiences, I understand many diverse personalities and situations.

Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Program, Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Program, Aetna, +22 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, ADHD, Anxiety, +2 more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | BCBS - HMO, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | BCBS - PPO, +5 more
Military / Veteran, Domestic Abuse, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +8 more

As a multicultural counselor, I understand the importance of your perspectives being heard and understood.

Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Program, Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Program, Aetna, +22 more
Behavioral Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, Relationships, Anxiety, +3 more

Starting Sand tray therapy

What is sand tray therapy?

Sand tray therapy is a therapeutic method that fosters non-verbal emotional expression through the use of sand and assorted toys, tools, and figurines. This technique helps individuals cope with conditions like stress, anxiety, and trauma through self-expression.

How does sand tray therapy work?

Sand tray therapy is a structured setting in which clients are given tools and toys along with a sand tray, and are asked to express themselves with the sand. This can give therapists a way to connect with clients or lead them to ask more specific questions. It also gives individuals the time and space to clear their minds and process their emotions and experiences, as well as allowing them to spend their energy on feeling their feelings rather than finding ways to articulate them. This can be freeing for both children and adults.

Is sand tray therapy conducted in person or online?

Sand tray therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does sand tray therapy last?

Sand tray therapy can be used for a few minutes at a time or as the main focus of sessions. Depending on the concerns of the client, their symptoms, and the effectiveness of the technique, sand tray therapy might be implemented for anywhere from one session to many sessions over the course of years.

Need more help deciding?

What Is Sand Tray Therapy? – Counselors and Coaches in Alpharetta

Sand tray therapy is a technique which can be used to facilitate healing in adults, adolescents, and children, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings when words alone are not enough. In addition to its therapeutic use, sand tray can be a tool for personal growth and the development of creativity.

A sand tray therapist’s office is equipped with a specially proportioned sand tray with a blue interior, water and a large collection of miniatures, including human figures, fantasy and folklore figures, animals, buildings, objects from nature, vehicles, and others. The miniatures represent all of the elements of life-the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the comforting, the frightening, the happy and the sad. The therapists at Thriveworks Alpharetta who have been specially trained in the use of the sand tray provide an accepting environment in which the client is invited to create a world in the tray using the sand and miniatures.

How Does Sand Tray Therapy Work?

People think not only in words but in images. The use of the sand and miniatures activates this nonverbal manner of thinking, allowing the client to express images, emotions, perceptions, and conflicts about which they may not be able to talk. New solutions to emotional struggles can be experimented with through the “play.”

The meaning of the work in the sand tray emerges as the client shares the world with the therapist. Through the use of the sand tray, emotional struggles which previously were not conscious or could not be talked about are brought into awareness so that they can be understood and resolved. An increased capacity for self-expression, self-awareness and communication can be developed through the use of sand tray.

Who Can Benefit from Sand Tray Therapy?

The use of sand tray is very effective with children who are not yet mature enough to express complex thoughts and feelings. Most children take to the use of the sand tray very readily.

However, sand tray therapy is also a powerful therapeutic tool for adolescents and adults, with whom it can be used along with verbal therapy. Working in the sand tray allows clients to move to a deep level more quickly than they might when relying on words alone.

Sand tray therapy can be particularly helpful with adults and teenagers when they are “stuck” in verbal therapy. Using the sand and the miniatures can open the way to feelings which we have been unable to reach by talk alone. For people who tend to rely too much on their intellect to the exclusion of their emotion, struggle with perfectionism, have a history of trauma or loss, or have unresolved family issues, the use of the sand tray can be especially effective. Sand tray therapy can also be employed in counseling families or couples.

Schedule Sand Tray Therapy at Thriveworks Alpharetta

If you think you could benefit from sand tray therapy, reach out to Thriveworks in Alpharetta to get scheduled for your first session. We offer evening and weekend appointments, and accept most major insurances. Call today to get started.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Alpharetta therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Program

  • Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Program

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | BCBS - HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | BCBS - PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Alpharetta
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
She is the best therapist I've ever had in my life I love her and I've been going to therapy for over 10 years and by far I have learned the most from her in a short time than in years. I believe she is an angel sent from God. Couldn't be more pleased and I'd recommend her to everyone.
Read more She is the best therapist I've ever had in my life I love her and I've been going to therapy for over 10 years and by far I have learned the most from her in a short time than in years. I believe she is an angel sent from God. Couldn't be more pleased and I'd recommend her to everyone.
Angela Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Melissa is the best!. She does outstanding work.
Makhtar Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist is really helping me a lot.
James Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Having someone to listen and who will tell me the truth!
Josephine Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I feel like I am beginning to heal. I feel hope.
Gloria Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Melissa, is great! She is very respectful and takes time to listen to you. She is a good listener and has a lot of experience. She has helped me so much!
Enoabasi Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mark has been a fabulous help to me. He listens well and remembers our previous conversations. He understands my concerns and offers insightful feedback. I would highly recommend him and your company to anyone who needs assistance. He is a great resource and a great representative for the business.
Read more Mark has been a fabulous help to me. He listens well and remembers our previous conversations. He understands my concerns and offers insightful feedback. I would highly recommend him and your company to anyone who needs assistance. He is a great resource and a great representative for the business.
Dale Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Excellent therapist! Mark, is an expert in his field! The only therapist I will ever use! Definitely recommend Mark to anyone in search of a quality therapist!
Alpharetta Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alpharetta is located on Powers Pl just off N Main St, a few minutes northeast of Wills Park. We share a building with Dream Seeker Elizabeth, and our neighbors include CITGO Food & Wine, Monkey 68 Kitchen & Bar, and From Hair On Salon. The closest bus stop to our building is N Main St & Mayfield Rd. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(770) 676-3078

Languages spoken by GA providers

  • English
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm

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