We integrate Sandplay Therapy
A Powerful Path to the Inner Self for Adults and Children
Sandplay therapy is known since the 1930's, has recently
become increasingly popular. Therapists from all over the world are
reporting astonishing results not just with disturbed children and
adults, but also with advanced cancer patients. Therapists also find
that sandplay helps them personally to stay centred and avoid burn-out.
In fact anyone who feels at times stressed, depressed, or anxious
finds a sandplay session invigorating. Most importantly however, people
report discovering spiritual dimensions in themselves which they did
not know existed.
The approach is deceptively simple. The client is invited
to move sand around in a shallow rectangular tray half filled with
sand. On the walls of the room are many shelves with hundreds and
hundreds of small items and figurines, miniatures of anything to be
found in the world including trees, rocks, people, animals, houses,
bridges, cars, etc.
There are no rules or instructions. The client simply
chooses whatever items appeal to him or her and places them in the
sandtray, thereby creating a little world or scene. The therapist
does not in any way interfere with this process, but sits some distance
away. No interpretation is offered. When a sandworld is completed,
it is not dismantled until the client has left and several photographs
have been taken for later discussions and to preserve a record of
the development. Some people like to talk about things while building
their world, others are silent.
The process allows the client to project a 3-dimensional
picture of the psyche at the time. Conflicts, pain, anger, or any
inner material can be worked through somewhat like a waking dream
letting conscious and unconscious aspects interact.
The result is often a feeling of release and liberation.
Split-off parts of the personality get a chance to be integrated and
people are often surprised to discover a richness in themselves that
has a powerful healing effect with spiritual overtones.
Interpretations or even intellectual understanding
are not necessary. The meaning of the process becomes clear to the
client later. Our unconscious is a piece of nature and intellectual
understanding can only cover a fraction of the mysterious universe
we are part of. Healing takes place on a deep feeling/intuitive level
far beyond shallow intellectual interpretation. The therapist shares
the sandplay process with the client on this deep level and provides
a safe, secure and protected space for the process to occur.
The therapist must stay fully alert and tune in to
the client's psyche without directing, judging or expecting anything.
And unspoken bond develops based on trust. Instead of an all knowing
authority figure, the therapist's role can perhaps be compared to
that of a midwife, assisting the client to give birth to his of her
own unique psychic contents.
Anyone can sometimes feel depressed, empty or anxious
in the normal struggle for survival in our stressful society. Sandplay
has an almost miraculous effect on lifting such black moods and renewing
out connection with what is really important in our lives.
The inner child, with its creative potential is alive
and well, if only given an opportunity to come out and play once in
a while.
As a picture can say more than a thousand words, a
symbolic figure of scene can express feelings, emotions, and conflicts
that mere words never could. The effect of sandplay is healing, but
even more important, it can lead to a deep connection to the centre
which is the source of the human spirit and the seat of the soul.
Literature on Sandplay Therapy:
Sandplay, A Psychotherapeutic Approach
to the Psyche
Dora M.Kalff
Sigo Press 1980, ISBN 0-938434-00-4
Images of the Self, The Sandplay Therapy
Process
Estelle L.Weinrib
Sigo Press, 1983, ISBN 0-9384343-16-0
Jungian Sandplay The Wonderful Therapy
Joel Ryce-Menuhin
Routledge, London, NewYork, ISBN 0-415-04776-5
Symbols Come Alive In The Sand
Evalyn T. Dundos
Coventure, London, Boston, 1978/1990, ISBN 0-904575-41-1
Sandplay Silent Workshop of the Psyche
Kay Bradway and Barbara McCoard
Routledge, London, New York, 1997
Sandplay, Past, Present and Future
Rie Rogers Mitchell and Harriet S. Friedman
Routledge, London, New York, 1994 The World Technique
Margaret Lowenfeld, reprint 1979
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