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