Transformative Expressions Sand Tray Deck

Kurt W. Oster, LCSW-S, RPT™, RST™

Photos courtesy of Alisha Denham, LCSW, RPT-S™ and Catherine Denham, LCSW, RPT-S™ of Momma Owls Minis

Building on the Two-Volume series of Transformative Expressions in Play Therapy Working with LGBTQ+ Clients, the Transformative Expressions Sand Tray Deck draws on material from all 32 chapters of the series to inform the development of the cards. Each card in this deck encourages participants to build sand tray scenes using miniature figurines and materials, promoting storytelling, metaphor, and self-expression in a safe, nonverbal setting. Rooted in strengths-based, trauma-informed practice, this deck is particularly attuned to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and families navigating complex identity intersections.

This sand tray card deck includes over 90 therapeutic prompts organized into six interconnected domains that support identity development, emotional expression, relational awareness, and cultural context. Through symbolic play, metaphor, and narrative exploration, the deck encourages clients to explore their authentic selves, improve emotional understanding, affirm and celebrate LGBTQ+ identity, and consider how relationships, school environments, and broader cultural systems influence well-being. Prompts focus on themes such as authenticity, resilience, emotional regulation, visibility, belonging, safety, and intersectionality, providing clinicians with a versatile tool suitable for work across different developmental stages and levels of verbal readiness. Overall, the deck is especially helpful for gender-expansive youth, LGBTQ+ clients seeking affirmation, trauma survivors, neurodivergent individuals, and those dealing with cultural or relational tensions. Through engaging with these prompts, clients can develop coping skills, increase self-awareness, articulate their values, and grow a stronger sense of agency both personally and systemically, ultimately promoting healing, empowerment, and more cohesive identity stories.