Your own sandtray therapy room in Minecraft!

NewsProjects
Written By Ellie Finch

Since I first started using Minecraft as a therapeutic tool, I've been aware of how vast its worlds are (up to eight times the size of Earth!) and the importance of creating safe, defined spaces for clients during their sessions. 

Up until now, I've achieved this by using island worlds or creating walled spaces in flat worlds where clients can build and create. This approach is similar to using Minecraft as a digital sandtray.

I wanted to expand this idea and create a Minecraft world for therapists and other practitioners to use with their clients that combines the digital sandtray experience with the familiar elements of the game. Dan Noble from Outsidetheblocks has helped bring this vision to life, and together we've created a Sandtray Therapy World in Minecraft! 

Our goal was to make the world resemble a traditional therapy room where sandtray work takes place. In the world you can access the over 1000 items in your ‘inventory’ but you also have access to items that we’ve added or modified for use in the sandtray. 

For example, now you can create scenes using your favourite Minecraft mobs but instead of wandering off they will stay where you put them!

Want to take a look?

You can access the Sandtray Therapy Minecraft World for free here.

We are also holding a free demo event on Thursday 12th Sep 7pm-8pm UK time. Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/958709334427

Ellie Finch

Ellie Finch, MA MBACP (Accred), is a clinical supervisor, counsellor, and social worker specialising in support for neurodivergent clients and families of children with additional needs or complex conditions.

Her work is rooted in a neurodiversity-affirming approach, which values neurodivergence as a natural variation in human experience and focuses on building supportive, respectful environments rather than 'fixing' difference.

Ellie is known for her innovative use of creative digital tools and videogames like Minecraft in therapy to create accessible, engaging support. She is founder of PlayMode Academy, a non-profit social venture that trains professionals in the therapeutic use of creative digital tools.

PlayMode® Academy is part of Ellie Finch Counselling, Consultancy and Training Ltd, a non-profit company limited by guarantee (a structure often used by social ventures in the UK).

Ellie is also part of the University of Cambridge research team behind Bridging the ChASM: Creating Accessible Services using Minecraft - a project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) that explores the therapeutic potential of videogames and how they can be used to create more inclusive mental health support.

NOT AN OFFICIAL MINECRAFT SERVICE. NOT APPROVED BY OR ASSOCIATED WITH MOJANG OR MICROSOFT

https://www.playmodeacademy.org
Previous

University of Cambridge research project: Bridging the ChASM: Creating Accessible Services using Minecraft
Next

Unlock the power of digital sandtrays in your practice! New self-paced, online training...