What is Sandplay?
What is Sandplay Therapy?
Sandplay is an effective and in-depth therapeutic method that can be used by adults and children. It is spontaneous, encouraging and a concrete way to give expression of the person's inner world. Sandplay involves the use of sand in trays, water, and miniature figures in order to bring forth that which lives in our unconscious world. This type of therapy allows for an in-depth exploration of the person's inner world.
A free and protected space
for children and adults
Sandplay is a therapeutic method developed by Dora Kalff in the 1950's. This method is based in the theory of Carl G. Jung with elements of eastern philosophy and the World Technique of Margaret Lowenfeld. It is primarily nonverbal and symbolic and encourages a spontaneous and creative experience in which adults and children work in what Kalff called the "free and protected space".
It was her opinion that this "free and protected space" was created by the tray and the relationship with the therapist and that Sandplay, over a period of time, allowed a person to build concrete expressions of their inner world.
EMDR*
EMDR is highly effective in accessing and reprocessing traumatic memory. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic intervention technique mainly used for individuals who have experienced severe trauma which remains unresolved.
EMDR is a tool using bilateral stimulation to help traumatic memory finish processing in the brain and body. It is believed that traumatic memory often gets stuck in its original form, known as "state specific", often causing emotional, psychological, and physical distress. EMDR helps to complete the processing thereby releasing the impact of the traumatic memory.
EMDR
*Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic intervention technique mainly used for individuals who have experienced severe trauma which remains unresolved.
Strengthening and awakening
of the whole person
It is believed that Sandplay allows for, through the symbolic work with the sand and the miniatures, a healing within a person at an unconscious level. This type of therapy allows for a re-experiencing at both a pre-verbal and nonverbal state. The efficacy of Sandplay comes through the creative process of building in the sand rather than through the cognitive process around the completed tray.
As Sandplay allows for work in the parts of the self, the process allows for a strengthening and awakening of the whole person. Sandplay is typically used in conjunction with talk therapy which allows for the processing aspects of the psychotherapeutic work.