Comparing the Effectiveness of Art and Sand-play in Reducing PTSD Among Refugee Children

Sandplay Therapy - The objects involved in this form of therapy are: sandtray, sand, multiple figurines in all categories (people, animals, buildings, vehicles, vegetation, structures, natural objects and symbolic objects). The subject engaging in this therapy is instructed to build a sand picture with the minatures present. There is no time limit to these sessions; however, they tend to be 20-30 minutes long. Upon completion of their sand picture the child, if comfortable, may elaborate on their creation.

"Art Therapy - The instruments used in this form of therapy are: a blank 8 x 11 paper and coloring utensils (markers, crayons, and color pencils). During each 30-minute session, the subject is informed to draw whatever they feel with the coloring utensils provided. Possible drawing topics may include: their family, a memory of their life back in their country of origin, or something from their imagination."