Art and Sand Play Therapy in Sydney: Creative Pathways for Healing and Growth
When given an opportunity, the hands will solve what the mind can't.
Art and Sand Play Therapy
At the Shirah Shulman clinic, I offer art therapy and sand play therapy in Sydney for adults, teens and children who are seeking a safe and creative space to explore emotions, build resilience, and support healing.
Art therapy and sand-play therapy use creative expression and symbolic miniatures to help you process experiences that may feel difficult or even impossible to express in words. These approaches can be especially supportive when navigating anxiety, trauma, family changes, relationship challenges, or times of emotional overwhelm.
Both modalities invite gentle exploration, allowing you to move at your own pace and discover new ways of understanding yourself and your inner world.
How Art and Sand Play Therapy Work?
Creative Expression
Art therapy offers a safe and playful outlet for emotions through drawing, painting or collages. The process encourages self-expression, emotional release, and a deeper connection to inner experience.
Symbolic Exploration
Sand play therapy provides a calm and imaginative space where you use miniature figures, natural objects, and the sensory experience of sand to create scenes that reflect your inner world.
The process often reaches deeper layers of emotion and meaning in a way that feels natural and unforced.
Many people are surprised by how much insight emerges, as the sand tray allows the subconscious to express itself through symbols, stories, and images that may be difficult to access through words alone. This gentle and symbolic exploration can bring clarity, emotional release, and a sense of integration.
Emotional Regulation and Resilience
Both art and sand play therapy support emotional regulation, confidence, and self-awareness. You learn to recognise your feelings, understand your patterns, and develop coping strategies that feel grounded and accessible.
Trauma-Informed and Emotionally Attuned Practice
In each session, I honour your lived experience and offer a warm and steady environment for healing. The work is guided by sensitivity, curiosity, and respect for your pace and needs.
Meet Shirah
With more than 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I bring warmth, creativity, and systemic awareness to my work with children, adolescents, and adults.
My approach is relational and collaborative, creating a space where clients feel safe to explore their inner world. I draw on art therapy, sand play therapy, trauma-informed psychotherapy, and emotionally attuned practices to support healing, resilience, and self-expression.
Sessions offer a validating and grounded environment where clients can move toward greater clarity, confidence, and relief.
Qualifications
• MA Psychotherapy and Counselling (Distinction) • Member of the ACA (Australian Counselling Association) • Dip Prof Counselling • Dip Transpersonal Art Therapy • Play Therapy and Sand Play Therapy training • Trauma Informed Psychotherapy • Neuro-affirming Therapy for ASD and ADHD • Somatic Work and Family Constellations • Extensive training in creative and relational modalities
Location and Accessibility
My practice is located in St Ives, Sydney, NSW 2075, with free parking and easy access to public transport. Online sessions are also available for comfort, flexibility, and accessibility.
Book Your Art or Sand Play Therapy Session
If you are seeking art therapy or sand play therapy in Sydney, for yourself or your child, I would be honoured to support your growth and wellbeing. Together, we can create a gentle and creative space for healing, expression, and emotional understanding.