The terms “Sand Tray Therapy” (or sometimes “Sandtray Therapy”) and “Sandplay” tend to be used interchangeably, but is there actually a difference between the two? Though it is somewhat difficult to distinguish one from the other, they do indeed represent separate therapeutic approaches.
 
According to some research I’ve done, the primary difference lies in what each individual technique aims to achieve. Specifically, Sand Tray Therapy is a more generic term and is used in hopes of attaining an assessment or interpretation of the client’s issues. The information gleaned (largely through symbolism) is then used by the therapist to address these issues, often with various play therapy techniques. Sandplay, on the other hand, is more strictly Jungian in its approach and is used in the interest of catharsis through individuation as opposed to assessment and evaluation. This method aims to achieve resolution and healing through the imaginative play; providing the opportunity for the client to reveal personal information to him or herself that they typically find too painful to express or confront.   
 
Still a bit confusing, huh? I’m certain there are other differences, big or small, between the two when the subject is dealt with in-depth—and there's probably a better way to understand it than what I have offered. If anyone has any further insight into this, I’d love to hear it. Please feel free to leave a comment.