"Sand Play for the Soul" by Paula Petrovic: Book Review

Sand Play for the Soul: Awakening the Power ofprovide a three dimensional means in which to have
YOU to New Worlds of Possibilitythis communication. She believes, "releasing set beliefs
and habitual patterns which often hold us captive and
Soul House Press (2006)causes mental, emotional, and physical suffering is no
ISBN 0977791408easy feat. However, being able to see your life story
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/06)symbolically laid out before you helps you to put
I had the pleasure of reading "Sand Play for the Soul"things into perspective and to be able to respond
while I was camping in Flagstaff. Flagstaff is nearbywith clarity." What I really like about this form of
Sedona, where the book was created and wherecommunication is that it is something that you can do
Paula Petrovic does her Sand Play sessions. Heron your own and continue to benefit from over time.
writings really touched me on a deep level. It made itSand Play helps you to discover what is right and
feel more special to know that I was nearby wheretrue for you coming from, "the knowing place within
this incredible work takes place.your soul." You can open communication up with your
My initial thought about reading the book was basedsoul in a way that is "supportive, empowering and
on my ego. I felt that it would enhance myrespectful." Sand Play is meant to be enjoyable and
counseling background to read about a different formenriching. I would love to attend one of Petrovic's
of communication. I was familiar with play therapy,workshops, but for now I can practice this on my
but Sand Play goes so much deeper than that. Myown.
heart knew that I needed to read this book forIn addition to providing a wealth of information about
myself and for the work that I needed to do onhow and why Sand Play works, Petrovic also has a
healing and connecting with my soul.large section in the book called, "Sand Play Stories." In
Through Sand Play, you use a tray filled with sandthis section she writes about the healing experiences
and small objects to make this connection. How youof her clients. The people whose stories are told
place meanings on these objects and where youcome from a variety of ages and backgrounds. Each
place them in your tray gives you answers that youstory will touch your heart in a different way. The
need to understand yourself and to see where youhealing experiences that these people encounter are
need to heal. You communicate with your soul, andincredible. I recommend this book to readers that are
allow it to tell you what work needs to be done.looking for a deeper means to connect with their
Petrovic says, "There is nothing you cannotsouls and who are seeking answers that really can
accomplish when you and your soul are in league asonly be found within themselves. I also recommend
'One.'""Sand Play for the Soul" to counselors who would like
The purpose of the sand tray and objects is toto teach their clients to engage in self-discovery.