When Worlds Collide: Impacts of Personal Self on Counselor Identity through the Sandtray Lens

This qualitative study employed the experiential and symbolic modalities of sandtray therapy to examine the professional identity formation of counselors-in-training (CITs). The findings highlight the significance of incorporating reflective and creative practices into counselor education, moving beyond traditional models emphasizing academic achievement and technical skill development. Engaging CITs in symbolic expression through sandtray work promotes deeper self-awareness, facilitates the integration of personal and professional identities, and fosters resilience throughout their developmental journey. The results underscore the need for a holistic, experiential, and relationally attuned approach to counselor training that honors the complexity of becoming a professional counselor.