# Virtual Sandtray > Digital sandtray therapy tool for mental health professionals. (iPhone/iPad app by Chris Ewing.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-sandtray/id916460128 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Chris Ewing](https://appshunter.io/developer/916460127) - Category: Business, Education - Price: $169.99 with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.40/5 from 14 App Store ratings · 12 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 13.0 · 1.5 GB - Languages: American English, European Spanish - Released: 2015-12-03 - Data updated: 2026-08-09 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-sandtray/id916460128/reviews.md ## What is Virtual Sandtray? The Sandtray is a tried and true process used by many Play Therapists with clients of any age. The Sandtray process is ‘elementally therapeutic by promoting play and relationship’ (Homeyer and Sweeney, 2011). However, difficulties of the traditional office Sandtray set up can include cost, portability, storage and display of the tray, sand and miniatures. The Virtual Sandtray App is a revolutionary tool for therapists to utilize in multiple settings where these concerns prohibit traditional Sandtray use. With the Virtual Sandtray App, a qualified therapist can work with clients in settings such as hospitals, crisis intervention sites, practicum and internship sites. Basically, any settings where traveling with traditional Sandtray setup is cumbersome or impossible. In addition, the virtual elements allow for the expansion and use of items and concepts which are impractical in traditional Sandtray. These elements include saving of environments for later use, screenshots of environments, backgrounds, rotation of the tray, weather elements, fire, limited animation and resizing items. Expansion packs can be purchased in addition to the basic sandtray pack and a fabulous collection can travel with the therapist anywhere. ## Key features - Digital sandtray for therapy - Portable and cost-effective - Virtual elements (weather, animation) - Save and screenshot environments - Expandable with purchase packs ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: $169.99. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Animals - Adorable | $1.99 | one-time | | Animals - African | $1.99 | one-time | | Animals - Cats & Dogs | $1.99 | one-time | | Animals - Fish | $1.99 | one-time | | Buildings - Castles | $5.99 | one-time | | Fantasy - Dragons | $6.99 | one-time | | People - Family | $1.99 | one-time | | Props - Bridges | $1.99 | one-time | | Props - Fences | $0.99 | one-time | | Buildings - Castle Builder | $1.99 | one-time | | Props - Fire | $0.99 | one-time | | Effects - Magic | $0.99 | one-time | | AutPlay VSA | $14.99 | one-time | | Characters - Fighting | $4.99 | one-time | | Buildings - Landmarks | $2.99 | one-time | | Expanded Remote Clients | $49.99 | one-time | | Fantasy - Unicorns | $1.99 | one-time | | Animals - Tropical Fish | $1.99 | one-time | | Furniture - Beds | $1.99 | one-time | | Treasure - Coins | $1.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 12) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-sandtray/id916460128/reviews.md ### 3/5 — Not worth $200 but it’s a bit useful for Telehealth *2024-10-21* This app is not worth 200 dollars. I spent this money years ago on it. Once you are logged out and you forget your login information it is very difficult to get back in. It took a while but I was finally able to get a response with my login info. I have now been using it. I say it isn’t worth $200 because the app is still a bit difficult to use and I foresee my clients eventually getting bred with it. I only use this in Telehealth so, I am not using it enough to warrant the cost. If you are a Telehealth only provider you may fine better use for it. It is also limited to iPad so, if my client does not have an iPad then it can’t be used. Making the app easier to use and available on android would make it more worth the cost. ### 1/5 — Not worth $200! *2024-09-23* This app is not worth 200 dollars. I wanted this money years ago on it. Once you are logged out and you forget your login information it is very difficult to get back in. I keep getting an error code when I try to retrieve my login info. This is why I never use this app and if I can’t login it it useless. It is also not easy to use nor easy for clients to connect. So, even if I could login, it is not worth the money I waste on this. ### 3/5 — Didn't work *2021-01-24* I downloaded this to my iPad, but when I open it, it just shows the opening page for a few seconds and then closes out. Would like a refund if possible. ### 5/5 — Incredibly powerful immersive sand tray experience *2020-08-15* I adopted the virtual Sandtray app, which now allows the client to build their tray remotely, when Covid forced me to work remotely. I’ve used it successfully with kids from 5 to adults. It offers some things that traditional sandtrays don’t, including a more animated gaming-like experience that is VERY appealing to tweens, teens, and many adults. It is emotionally powerful. You really feel like you are IN the world. While gaming isn’t my thing, I will continue offering it as a therapeutic alternative to traditional sand tray work even when I’m working face to face again because it is so appealing to many and such an amazing therapeutic tool. I’ll be honest. It is such a powerful program that there is a learning curve in getting comfortable with it, but the developers offer live support (free) and kids seem to grasp it immediately. It’s worth the little bit of effort to master it because it is such a powerful therapeutic tool. I’m an “old fart”. I think people that have grown up more in the digital world will find it pretty intuitive. ### 5/5 — Wow! *2020-08-14* Fabulous tool for the therapy office - but the addition of the remote feature (allowing therapist to witness the client creating the tray during tele-health sessions) makes this an important addition to virtual play therapy work. Amazing to be able to connect to clients using this platform during this time we can’t physically share the same space. ### 5/5 — Amazing and engaging *2020-08-13* Virtual Sandtray App has allowed my clients to delve into sand tray the way they really like to work. There are so many options and their trays are alive with healing properties. I believe it is most satisfying to clients when they are able to see the figures animate. This combination of fun and therapeutic healing follows along with the true Therapeutic Powers of Play. ### 5/5 — Game changer *2020-08-12* The app was and continues to be a game changer in my ability tO provide quality Telehealth and in person services! As a therapist I was very sad to think that I would not be able to use Sandtray in my practice due to Covid-19. The Virtual Sandtray App and team has not disappointed! The customer service is second to none and there could not have been more thought put into the app to keep it true to tenets of Sandtray and confidentiality! ### 5/5 — Perfect transition for telehealth and more *2020-08-12* Love this app! I love sand tray work and was missing it so much with switching to telehealth. I had heard of VSA but digital play therapy hasn’t been my thing. So glad I challenged myself so that my clients, family and I can work on sand trays to process situations and feelings! ### 5/5 — Awesome tool *2020-08-12* This app is a game changer for therapists looking to engage our clients virtually. My clients adore it. Absolutely worth every penny. ### 5/5 — Simply Amazing *2020-08-12* I’ve used this app for a few months now. Purchased as an addition to my practice as an online psychotherapist. Incredible attention to detail and creatively stunning. I’m trained to use traditional sandtray but this is an absolute must for working online. Really helpful customer support make the whole experience of having this app a total joy!! They go the extra mile to make sure you have tips, training and ideas on how to get the best from the app. ## Frequently asked questions about Virtual Sandtray ### What is Virtual Sandtray used for? Virtual Sandtray is a digital tool for therapists to conduct sandtray therapy sessions. It replicates the traditional sandtray process in a virtual environment, making it accessible in various settings where physical sandtrays are impractical. ### Who can use Virtual Sandtray? The app is intended for qualified therapists and mental health professionals. It is designed to assist them in their therapeutic practice with clients of all ages. ### What are the benefits of Virtual Sandtray over a traditional sandtray? Virtual Sandtray offers advantages such as portability, reduced cost, and easier storage. It also provides expanded virtual elements like weather effects, animations, and the ability to save environments, which are not possible with traditional setups. ### Does Virtual Sandtray have ads? No, Virtual Sandtray does not contain advertisements. The app is a paid product with optional expansion packs available for purchase. ### What devices does Virtual Sandtray support? Virtual Sandtray is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to be compatible with Apple's mobile operating system. ### How often is Virtual Sandtray updated? The latest version of Virtual Sandtray is 3.5.2, last updated on November 4, 2024. Updates are released periodically to improve functionality and add new features. ### What is the age rating for Virtual Sandtray? Virtual Sandtray has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users aged four and older, though its primary use is by adult therapists. ### Can I purchase additional items for Virtual Sandtray? Yes, expansion packs can be purchased in addition to the basic sandtray pack. These packs offer a wider variety of miniatures and elements to enhance the therapeutic experience. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.6.1 — 2026-08-07 Upgraded to be compatible with iOS 26.5 ### 3.6.0 — 2026-06-28 Reduced flashing of icons in UI. ### 3.5.2 — 2024-11-04 Updates and fixes ### 3.5.1 — 2024-06-29 Fix language errors ### 3.5.0 — 2024-06-25 Added new models to collections ## More apps by Chris Ewing - [Virtual Sandtray - Client](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-sandtray-client/id1519269015) All apps by Chris Ewing: https://appshunter.io/developer/916460127 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-09.*