NCRSS is sharing this timely message from Sandplay Therapists of America with our community in Northern California. Please feel free to share it with other colleagues who practice sandplay or play therapy with sand trays. With these precautions, you can continue to safely offer sandplay to your clients and help them symbolically modulate the emotions of crisis and trauma.
Every day brings new developments related to the coronavirus, and the uncertainty can be unsettling. Our hearts go out to all people, especially those who are most vulnerable. The health and safety of our members is our highest priority. We are actively monitoring the changing landscape to inform our actions during this time. We will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus.
Here are some Sandplay-specific tips to stay healthy:
1. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds is recommended before and after sessions. (Sing Happy Birthday twice!)
2. Sanitize your sand. Sift through sand, thoroughly moistening with water. Bake at 300 degrees F (150 C) for up to 45 minutes.
3. Disinfect figurines after they have been used and other objects that are touched, such as door knobs and faucets.
4. Use hand sanitizer when water isn't readily available.
The Environmental Protection Agency released a list of disinfectant products approved for use against COVID-19 on surfaces. Can’t find products in stores? Here’s a DIY solution.
Homemade Sanitizing Gel:
1 cup of 91% isopropyl alcohol
½ cup of aloe vera gel (natural or store-bought)
15 drops of tea tree oil (or another antibacterial essential oil like lemongrass, lavender, or eucalyptus)
**Do-it-yourself sanitizers must contain at least 60% alcohol, by volume, to work. Isopropyl alcohol (better known as rubbing alcohol) or ethanol are both suitable varieties.** For more information, please visit CDC’s information for healthcare professionals. Your health and well-being is our utmost concern.
Warmly,
Lorraine R. Freedle, STA President