What is sandplay therapy?
Sandplay Therapy is a non-verbal, non-directed therapy in the tradition of Dora Kalff based on the theories of C.G. Jung. Kalff studied with Margaret Lowenfeld in London and learned about the use of a sandtray and miniatures. After her year of studying with Lowenfeld, Kalff developed what is known as Sandplay. Her desire was to create “a free and protected space” where clients could work in safety and experience healing and change. Sandplay is for individuals of all ages - don’t let the word “play” mislead you! Though it certainly is a type of play, what is completed in the sand is work. That is how we refer to a client’s time in the sand - working in the sand. The essentials of Sandplay therapy are a specially proportioned sand tray, shelves of minatures of multitude variety, and an empathic therapist who provides the freedom and the protection that encourages the sandplayer to experience their inner, often unrealized, selves in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Dora Kalff
C.G. Jung
Who can Benefit from Sandplay?
Almost anyone! Sandplay appeals to and is avaliable for all ages. Adults are sometimes more reluctant than children to begin work in the sand, though, once they begin, they are often enthralled with the sand and the hands-on, symbolic process. There are multiple reasons why people choose Sandplay including life transitions, relational difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, and so many more. Jung, Kalff and Sandplay therapist believe that the “psyche knows what it needs to heal itself.” An individual’s process is driven by their unconscious and that is why the therapist does not provide directives to client’s work in the sand Another aspect of Sandplay is that it is considered a non-verbal therapy. This means that an individual does not need to talk in order to gain the benefits and healing that go along with Sandplay.
Sandplay vs. Sand Tray
Sandplay and sand tray are sometimes confused due to both utilizing a sand tray, sand, and many miniature figures. They are, however, very different. Sandplay requires certification and memership through a professional organization. In the U.S. that organization is the Sandplay Therapists of American (STA). Sand tray has no professional organizaiton or certification. Sandplay is Jungian in nature; sand tray is open to several different theoretical orientations. Sandplay uses a specific tray size; sand tray is open to the use of various size trays. Sandplay is a one-on-one therapy; sand tray may be used with individuals, couples, groups, etc. The Sandplay therapist gives no directives to the client while sand tray utilizes directives.
Sandplay and sand tray are both deeply connected to the world of symbols. Symbols allow the unconscious to begin to “express the inexpressible”. The Sandplay process is a deep journey that the client and therpist embark on together. As the therapist provides the free and protected spce and helps hold that for the client, the client is able to engage in powerful healing work in the sand. Sometimes it is evident what is being worked on in session though more often there is not a conscious connection to their work in the sand. Transformation and healing are occurring; there is a mysterious element present in the Sandplay process. Sandplay is powerful and effective when a person is willing and able to freely engage while working in the holding presence of an empathic therapist.
