Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Use Of Sandplay Therapy In Urban Elementary Schools As A Crisis Response To The World Trade Center Attacks, Christine J. Yeh, Sara M. Aslan, Violeta E. Mendoza, Mio Tsukamoto

School of Education Faculty Research

We evaluated the use of sandplay therapy with a sample of 32 elementary school students, who were evacuated from school during the World Trade Center Attacks of September 11, 2001. We collected qualitative and quantitative data on each of the students who participated in sandplay therapy. Qualitative data included detailed case notes and photos from each sandplay session with the students. Quantitative data included academic and school-based pre and post-test data. Results reveal student improvements in test scores, counselor and teacher ratings, attendance, behavioral referrals suspensions, and counseling status. Finally, we offer recommendations for the use of sandplay therapy as …