Understanding Children through the
Sandtray
An Introduction
European Association for CounsellingMalta Conference 2013
Workshop
Mary Rose Baldacchino MA
MA Education Accredited Play Therapist (Christ Church Uni) Family Therapist (Tavistock Clinic) School Counsellor (Uni of Malta) Certified Supervisor and Course Director Filial Play Practitioner Sandplay Practitioner
Workshop 1
Images and symbols are the language of the unconscious
Carl Jung
Video:
• Sandplay Therapy with Barbara Turner
1-20 min
Review of History of Sandplay
o In 1928 Margaret Lowenfeld set up clinic for difficult and nervous children.
o Influenced by HG Wells … 1911 … Floor games.
o In 1929 ‘World Technique ‘ was born.o This comprised of sand, water and
miniatures. It was limited Not bound by convention (agreement) Offered freedom of play with the therapist care. Interpreted and interacted with the client.
Review of History of Sandplayo In 1937 Jung attended a demonstration in
Paris – interpreted and analysed the process
o Jung and Kalff lived and worked closely together
o In 1954 Kalff attended lecture/demonstration of the world technique
o In 1956 Kalff studied with Lowenfeldo Kalff recognised that within Lowenfeld’s
technique there were 3 paradigms at work
• Play & Symbol• Eastern Philosophies• Jung’s Theory of Individuation
Carl Gustav Jung
The Tray
• Specific dimensions … what the vision can take in.
• 2 trays … one wet and one dry• Fine sand• Set it up perfectly flat … a blank canvas• With under 4s … on the floor• Wide supply of object
• Have some order on your shelves / display of objects
o In ample numbers Different categories
The Helper … in sandplay therapy
Needs to create an empathic presence Provides a free and protected space
Assimilates the feelings and atmosphere of the process
Might reflect on the content of the tray Enters the sandtray … in an emotional
sense Does not do any validationof the tray.
o physically psychologically
The Child
• As sandplay process develops and deepens a sense of wonder is felt “I can do anything I want”.
• Decides whether to clear the tray or not
• Sometimes it is bettero to leave the tray as is to clear the tray to see a picture of the tray.
Building a helping RelationshipAxline’s principle
Skills Needed.
from handouts
• Empathy
4 mins
Video:
Workshop 2
• Sandplay Therapy with Barbara Turner
40-50 (10 min)
Video:
Case Study
JasonSchool Phobia
The Role of the Symbol
• Symbols are the smallest units of metaphor - words, objects, mental images - in which a richness of meaning is crystallized
Symbols
• A conceptual form• Greater depth than the obvious
outward meaning• More than a sign• A sign is clear and direct
• A symbol has a depth beyond its external form
• A powerful symbol may lead to many thought paths
Symbol Exercise - 1
• Think of a person
Symbol Exercise - 2
• Think of a message
Symbol Exercise - 3
• Think of a colour
Symbol Exercise - 4
• Think of a an emotion
Symbol Exercise - 5
Think of an experience
Symbol Exercise - 6
• Think of a place
Case Study
MariaIntrusive Thoughts
There are 2 levels of Thinking
a) The ordinary thinking … the verbal way of communication
b) The unconscious / non-conscious level of thinking, whose language is Symbols and Mythologies … the stories those symbols tell
Fundamental
We must not assume that a symbol takes on a limited
meaning for all people … …
… … or that we know the personal meaning of the symbol for someone other than ourselves
Chaos
• Chaos is always about transition and change.
• Chaos is of value because it is about change … transition.
• Chaos and peace are mirror images of each other.
Burying
• Valuable, precious objects,
• A wonderful aspect of self which we do not acknowledge
• So tell me about it.
• Because it is so painful … do not want to look at it right now.
Ignoring
• Ignored or rejected objects represent represses or rejected parts of the psyche. (McNally 2001:13)
Benefits of Sandplay
• Facilitates the individuation process
• Frees creativity, inner feeling perceptions and …………… bringing them into outer …….
• Creates bridges from the unconscious to the conscious.
• Invites spontaneous play, no right or wrong way.
What to Look for when Observing
The Sandplay ProcessThe Therapist
• Prepare the sandtray. Blank canvas • Center himself and become still• Brief instructions
• Follows the client
The Client
• Collect the symbols.• Creates his world picture• May or may not talk about it during or after the
process
• Client leaves the room• Therapist will dismantle the tray.
• This is the sandtray.Those are the miniature toys.you may do what you need to do.
Video:
• Sandplay Therapy with Barbara Turner
50 -60 (10 min)
Thank you