Sandplay Therapy Studies

What is Sandplay Therapy?

Sandplay therapy is a recognized therapeutic modality for both children and adults, based on
the psychology of C.G. Jung and developed by the Swiss psychotherapist and teacher Dora
Kalff. It is particularly useful for identifying and reconciling internal conflicts that manifest as
anxiety and depression, as well as penetrating the depths of personality to experience the
Self directly. Sandplay therapy establishes a safe and protected space, where the
complexities of the inner world are explored and integrated into the psyche for emotional
healing. Clients place miniature figurines in a small sandbox to express confusing feelings
and inner experiences. This creates a visual representation of the psyches contents and
reveals unconscious concerns that are inaccessible any other way. As materials contained in
the unconscious emerges visually and symbolically, it is integrated into a persons sense of
self and can be activated to elicit behavioral change. The effectiveness of sandplay therapy
comes with an understanding of Jungian psychology, as well as the archetypal and personal
symbolism that appear in the sand. Knowledge of symbolic language creates a foundation
not only for sandplay therapy, but also for dream analysis and all non-verbal therapies
involving art and play. It provides a way for material from the unconscious to become visible,
healed, and integrated into the consciousness, thus allowing life to be lived in a more
conscious and authentic way.

Related Research
Neurobiological research supports the fact that emotional memories and traumatic sensory
experiences are stored in the limbic system and right hemisphere of the brain, along with
non-verbal, sensory experiences such as images, body sensations, and emotions. Nonverbal therapies like sandplay are the most effective ways to access and release these
unconscious feelings and experiences and bring them into consciousness, where they can
be healed. Sandplay also provides a visual and non-verbal avenue for the psyche to develop
and become whole. It is a direct method to establish an inner connection with the greater
Self, which Carl Jung encouraged as an essential step for healthy psychological
development.

Sandplay or Sandtray?
Sandplay therapy is often confused with sandtray, which is a generic term describing how
boxes of sand are used with small toys as part of a childs play therapy program. The
underlying principles and therapeutic use of sandplay and sandtray are quite distinct,
although symbolic images and sandtrays are used in both modalities. Sandplays are created
in a free and protected space, where the therapist does not interpret, interfere with, or direct
the clients symbolic expression. The sandplay therapist maintains an attitude of receptivity
and acceptance, so the client can bring unconscious material into consciousness without
censure. It follows the principles of Carl Rogers client-centered therapy and allows the
psyche to develop into a natural and fundamental state of wholeness.