Stories from the Sandbox: Reflections from children, teens and young adults living with Cancer and Blood Disorders

Book Cover of Stories from the Sandbox

Stories from the Sandbox Cover Art: Untitled Sandtray, © 2016 Jennifer Gretzema, All Rights Reserved. Cover Design by Aki Yao. 

Term:
2016
Published:
January 3, 2017

The images and stories in this book were created by patients and families living with Cancer and Blood Disorders. Their expressions, created in the sand and conveyed through the written word, provide insight into what it is like to live with health challenges. Sand tray therapy is a recognized therapeutic modality used with children and adults, providing a sacred space to process experiences using symbols instead of language. Sometimes meaning is further revealed through talking about a sand tray. Other times, it can remain a private expression that holds significance only to its creator. It is a helpful way for youth to process their past and present medical experience, help them set goals, and to teach others about their needs. Sand tray is a window into the thoughts, feelings, and coping styles of youth struggling with illness and hospitalization. Importantly, as youth with chronic medical illnesses often experience pain and discomfort as part of their treatment, the ability to have positive tactile experiences can be a very healing process. This collection of photos and personal stories, facilitated by the Child and Family Life Department, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan, was compiled so that other patients, their families, and their friends can share the authors’ journeys as we all continue to battle these difficult diseases.

You can purchase the full book on Amazon, or look at the Materials Tab for full length book chapters. 

About the Creators

Jennifer Gretzema is a Certified Child Life Specialist at University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. She works with pediatric Hematology/Oncology patients and their families to provide psychosocial support during treatment.  She also has a private counseling practice called Connections Counseling of Michigan in Brighton, Michigan where she sees children and adults.  In addition to traditional talk therapy, Jennifer has seen the benefits of other creative therapies such as sand tray therapy and medical play therapy in building rapport and providing a safe space for expression, healing and growth.

Book Cover of Stories from the Sandbox

Stories from the Sandbox Cover Art: Untitled Sandtray, © 2016 Jennifer Gretzema, All Rights Reserved. Cover Design by Aki Yao. 

Term:
2016
Published:
January 3, 2017

Miscellaneous

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Jennifer Gretzema

Texts

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01: Front Matter

Jennifer Gretzema

02: Gabby

Jennifer Gretzema

03: Jillian

Jennifer Gretzema

04: Griffin

Jennifer Gretzema

05: Justin

Jennifer Gretzema

06: Anthony

Jennifer Gretzema

07: Angeleena

Jennifer Gretzema

08: Chloe

Jennifer Gretzema

09: Maleah

Jennifer Gretzema

10: Isaac

Jennifer Gretzema

11: Juan

Jennifer Gretzema

12: Braden

Jennifer Gretzema

13: Daniel

Jennifer Gretzema

14: Alaysia

Jennifer Gretzema

15: Kailynn

Jennifer Gretzema

16: Dalton & Drew

Jennifer Gretzema

17: Zachary

Jennifer Gretzema

18: Lauryn

Jennifer Gretzema

19: Kassondra

Jennifer Gretzema

20: Bronwyn

Jennifer Gretzema

21: Back Matter

Jennifer Gretzema