Questions for Reflection1

Find a Symbol: Let it Choose YouFind a symbol and work with it as you are
working through this course. First, find a symbol that attracts you to it. It could
be anything--a small figure or treasured object around yourhome, something
you find in nature such as a stone, a branch, a leaf, a flower. Something you
see in a store that you are drawn to. Let it choose you! Then,keep this symbol
with you as you work with the sandplay concepts offered here. From time to
time, touch it, hold it, examine it. Notice how it feels to you and what
associations come to mind. You might want to write your associations down and
see how theydevelop throughout the course. You might also want to use color to
help you experience the emotions evoked in you by the symbol. Feel free to
draw, paint, scribble using colored pencils, pastels, felt pens, etc. to find your
resonance with the symbol, fleshing out what it means to you and how you feel
somatically and emotionally.

Questions for Reflection2

1. What kinds of therapeutic experience have you had with "following the
process" and "following the client?" Is this familiar to you or have you
been trained to "lead" the client to healing by following protocols or giving
assignments, or providing psychoeducation?
2. How do you feel about following the client?
3. How do you feel about play? How do you feel about messiness?
Therapists have different tolerance levels for messiness in the sandplay
room. But some messiness is inevitable if you work with children.

Questions for Reflection3

Sandplay Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves creating scenes in

the sand with "miniatures" or "figures." Building a collection of sandplay figures
is an important part of sandplay practice, and requires thoughtfulness and
planning. Reflection on the following topics can help guide the process:
  Where are you in the process of building a sandplay collection?
 Do you have a full collection, or are you just beginning to gather figures?
 Where do you plan to look first for new figures?
 What kind of shelving will you use to organize your collection?
 How will you organize your collection?

Reflecting on these aspects of sandplay practice can be helpful in creating a

well-rounded sandplay collection that represents every part of the world. And
yet, as we become engaged with collecting figures, we see desirable figures in
the oddest places, like garage sales and thrift stores, or when we travel.
Creating and adding to the collection seems to be a favorite hobby of sandplay
therapists everywhere.

Questions for Reflection4

Sand has many associations and memories for us all. It is a reminder of the
sights and sounds of the beach, but there is more to it than just these
memories. Sand is composed of tiny particles of rock or minerals. It can travel
long distances through air or water, and there are over 20,000 varieties of sand
in the world.

Sand is the "most important solid substance on Earth, the literal foundation of
modern civilization. ...Sand is the main material that modern cities are made of.
It is to cities what flour is to bread, what cells are to our bodies: the invisible but
fundamental ingredient that makes up the bulk of the built environment in which
most of us live" (Beiser, 2018).

Sand makes up the buildings we live in, the roads we drive on, the glass we
look through, the silicon chips that run our computers and smart phones. "Sand
lies deep in our cultural consciousness. It suffuses our language:" we have lines
in the sand, castles in the sand, we hide our heads in the sand, we see the
world in a grain of sand. "In creation myths of indigenous cultures from West
Africa to North America, sand is portrayed as the element that gives birth to the
land" (Beiser, 2018). The beginnings of civilization sprang from the vast desert.

Sand is ancient, yet it is a symbol of impermanence. Wind, water or the weight

of an object can change the shape of the sand. The sand in a sand tray
symbolizes the maternal body or womb or a blank canvas. There are infinite
separate particles of sand on any beach, in any desert. Yet when combined with
water, the sand becomes almost solid, one image sculpted from the many
grains. This image can easily be swept away. The symbol of sand is mysterious
and numinous.

When we think of sand, we are often transported in our minds to the beach.
Imagine the last time you visited the beach. Perhaps you were aware of the
salty air filling your nostrils and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Perhaps the sound of waves lapping the sand was calming and you enjoyed
watching and hearing calls the birds and seagulls surrounding you. The fresh
yet fishy smell of the ocean air, the feeling of the hot sand between your toes,
and the tranquil energy of the beach environment are special sensory
experiences to remember.

What are your associations to and memories of sand?

Do a quick online search and find three things you didn't know about sand.

Describe your last time at the beach. What are the sensory experiences that
stand out for you? Get to know sand.

Reference

Beiser, V. (2018). The world in a grain: the story of sand and how it transformed
civilization. Riverhead Books.

Reflecting on images can be a powerful connection to our inner worlds, helping us to

connect with our thoughts, emotions, memories, and even body sensations. Here are a
few questions to consider that can help foster a deeper connection with images:
  How did it feel to resonate with these images?
 How did it feel to hear others' associations?
 What other associations did you make?
 What were your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations?

Questions for Reflection

What are the three pillars of sandplay? Which ones are you familiar with from
previous studies or interests?

Briefly describe the history of play therapy with children.

Who was Margaret Lowenfeld? Why is she important in the history of Kalffian
sandplay?

Who does Margaret Lowenfeld credit with creating sandplay?

How did Dora Kalff change Lowenfeld's model of sandplay?

How did the two basic models of therapeutic sand work arise as "sandplay" and
"sandtray?"
Questions for Reflection, and Answers Too!

Do I need to be certified in order to use sandplay with clients? No, you do not need
to be certified in order to ethically use sandplay with clients. In order to use sandplay
without supervision, and to stay within the requirements of your professional license,
however, you will need to get continuing training, education and experience so that you
can show that you are competent in sandplay (or any psychotherapeutic method).

Will I be deemed "competent" to use sandplay after this course? Not quite! In order
to demonstrate competence to practice sandplay without supervision, you will need
more training. This training should include: a personal sandplay process, a total of 36
hours of education by a certified sandplay therapist-teacher (CST-T), around 30 hours
of consultation with a CST-T individually or in a group, or a combination of individual
and group consultation.

If I use sandplay, is it okay to use other methods such as art therapy or play
therapy too? Yes! Sandplay works very well when integrated with other methods such
as verbal therapy, art therapy and play therapy.

Why do I need to understand the unconscious when working with sandplay?

Sandplay works with the unconscious, bringing certain shadow aspects more into
integration with the totality of the personality. There are risks in working with the
unconscious. The better you understand unconscious psychodynamics, the better you
will be able to keep clients safe.

How can I better understand transference, countertransference and co-

transference in sandplay? I recommend that you get some education on the clinical
relationship, either generally or specifically with sandplay. the book Sandplay and the
Clinical Relationship (Cunningham, 2013) gives an introduction to the importance of
the relationship dynamics in psychotherapy. Then it goes further to explore the
importance of the relationship in sandplay. I also offer two courses on the relational
unconscous in psychotherapy: The Alchemy of Relationship: Transference,
Countertransference and Co-Transference in Sandplay and Healing Complex Trauma
in Sandplay. Both are offered in Webinar format.

Is sandplay a protocol-based method? No. In sandplay, we provide the Free and

Protected Space, which is a space for the client to do whatever they need to do within
the limits of safety and security in the presence of an empathic, inviting, curious
therapist. We do not follow a protocol when using Jungian-Kalffian Sandplay.

How does sandplay help if I don't tell clients what to do? In sandplay, we trust the
unconscious to bring forth images and feelings that need to come into awareness in
order to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety or depression. Sandplay therapists naturally
come to trust this process through experience.

linda@sandplaytrainingworldwide.com
Suggested reading for more background on the history of sandplay (books):

Friedman, H. and Mitchel R. R. (1994). Sandplay: Past, Present and Future. New
York, NY: Routledge.

Bradway, K., Signell, K. A., Spare, G. H., Stewart, C. T., Stewart, L. H.,
Thompson, C. (1981) Sandplay Studies: Origins, Theory & Practice. Boston: Sigo
Press (this is a very old book and is out of print, but sometimes you can find a used
copy)

Reflection: Explore your thoughts and feelings about the noninterpretive stance
of sandplay

Many therapists have strong thoughts and feelings about sandplay's non-interpretive
stance when they first hear about it. We are immersed in a therapy culture of "doing to"
rather than "being with." Sandplay brings an attitude of honoring the unconscious as it
unfolds, bringing forth whatever needs to be integrated. This may feel in direct conflict
with solution-focused, protocol-based therapies in which you've been trained. Write the
thoughts, feelings and somatic experiences you were aware of as we compared the
differences between sandplay and sandtray.

Reading: Bradway, Transference and Countertransference in Sandplay

Kay Bradway's seminal article on transference and countertransference in sandplay, in

which she coins the term "co-transference."

Bradway, K. (1991/2022/2023). Transference and Countertransference in

Sandplay. Journal of Sandplay Therapy, Volume 31 (2).

Link: https://www.sandplay.org/journal/articles-journal-of-sandplay-therapy-jst/
transference-and-countertransference-in-sandplay-therapy-with-an-introduction-by-
judy-zappacosta/

Exploring your experience of a full sandplay process

Write about your experience of viewing an entire sandplay process. Was it what you
expected? What are your questions? What are the surprises in this? Does this experience
affect your views on sandplay vs. sandtray? Were you able to be an empathic witness?
Explore your reactions to Kalffian Theory. Write what you are drawn to, and also note
anything does not seem useful to you. We understand any theory of psychotherapy
through our own psychological lens. You may ask yourself these questions:

What is Kalff's Free and Protected Space? How do we provide it?

What is the mother-child unity? Why is it important? How do we know it is happening?

What is the Self? Why was the constellation of the Self so important to Kalff?

Does Kalff's developmental model fit with current theories of attachment? How might it
differ?
Note the Jungian concepts embedded in Kalff's model.

The V Diagram is one way to conceptualize the healing trajectory of the sandplay
process. The V Diagram shows a deepening into unconscious material, and as this
material is integrated within the ego, the process deepens. More and more
unconscious material is differentiated, sorted out and then integrated. When the
sandplay process reaches the deep archetypal layer of the unconscious, called by Jung
the Collective Unconscious (the place in the psyche where archetypes live),
tremendous healing and integration happen. The sandplay therapist may then witness
the client making what has been called a "Self tray." This is a numinous moment. After
this, the therapist may witness the client integrating more and more material, as they
move back into consciousness, or "back to the marketplace." The V Diagram serves as a
visual aid to help us remember that we are on a journey of descent and return. And in
the return from this journey into one's own unconscious, transformation occurs.

Readings: Kalff's Theory

One of Dora Kalff's earliest articles, "The Archetype as Healing Factor," outlines her
main ideas on the archetype as a healing force. It explores the transformative power of
archetypes in the therapeutic process.

 Kalff, D. M. (1966) The Archetype as Healing Factor: Link to Article

The article "Revisiting But Is It Kalffian?" by L. Cunningham appeared in the Journal

of Sandplay Therapy in 2007 and also, with a new introduction, in 2023. This article
delves into the evolution of Kalff's theories. It examines both the 2023 and 2007
versions of the article, providing insights into the development of Kalffian theory over
time.

 Cunningham, L. (2007/2023). Revisiting But Is It Kalffian? (2023) and But Is It

Kalffian? (2007): Link to Article

Questions for Reflection

What aspects of Kalffian theory do you find useful?

Which parts are you still struggling to understand?

Here's a list of some of the main concepts:

 The Free and Protected Space

 The Mother-Child Unity
 The Constellation of the Self
 Individuation can be seen in the tray
 The psyche, given the right conditions, is self healing.
 Non-interpretation, sometimes called delayed interpretation
Witnessing a Sandplay Process

When we witness a sandplay process, we need to slow down and attune to the rhythm
and flow of psychic energy as it arises, stops and starts and flows. In order to do this, we
need to attend to both the visual and somatic manifestations of psychic energy. With
this sandplay case, we have the opportunity to really practice tuning in to unconscious
processes.

Reflection: Understanding Sandplay Images That Have No Figures

Sometimes, clients do not use figures in the sand, but instead they work the sand,
immersing themselves in this tactile experience. Sometimes sandplay therapists may
feel disappointed that there are no figures, but this work in the sand, building and/or
destroying landscapes, is actually very deep work and is often seen when we work with
complex trauma. It is helpful to notice our own emotions and body sensations to
understand the meaning of these sandtrays. As you have seen from the case material,
these kinds of trays can lead to profound healing and wonderful results in the
sandplayer's life.

Write about your own visceral and emotional experience as you witnessed this sandplay
process. You may need to watch it again to be able to tune into the information found
within your own affective states.

The Jungian View of the Unconscious

Questions for Reflection

I imagine that most of you have never really learned about Jungian theory.

What are your impressions of Jungian theory?

How does it compare with your favorite theories?

With which concepts can you relate?

Can you think of other theories that might explain the image in a sandtray?

Would you like to learn more about Jungian theory?

Below is PDF with a list of Jungian terms regarding the structure of the psyche.
These terms are used frequently in sandplay. The best way to learn these terms is
to work with them! If you re-watch the video on Jungian theory, you will be able to
fill in the definition for each term. Or, if you'd rather delve into the literature, take
a look at these publications. They're all classics:

Highly recommended: Weinrib, E. (2022) Diagram of the Psyche. Journal of

Sandplay Therapy 30(2). Link: https://www.sandplay.org/journal/articles-journal-of-
sandplay-therapy-jst/diagram-of-the-psyche/

Samuels, A., Shorter, B., Plaut, F. (1986). A Critical Dictionary of Jungian Analysis.
Routledge.

Jung, C. G., Adler, G., et al. (1970). The Structure and Synamics of the Psyche
(Collected Works of C.G. Jung, Volume 8).
Stein, M. (1998). Jung's map of the soul: an introduction. Chicago, IL: Open Court
Publishing Co.

Practice Witnessing the Creation of a Sandtray

As you watch the video of a sandplay being created, allow yourself to be immersed in
the process and the image as it changes through time. Do not reach for interpretations of
symbols, but rather stay in the empathic flow of changing energies. Notice your own
body sensations, emotions and felt experiences. Remember to follow the affect.

Write about your experience. Have you experienced a new level of understanding?
Describe it.

Use the Handout: "Beginning to Understand a Sandtray" and Martin Kalff's article, "21
Points to be Considered in the Interpretation of a Sandplay" to help you deepen your
understanding after you've experienced the somatic/emotional resonances.

Then, notice symbols that stand out to you. Perhaps do a little symbol research by
looking at credible sources online or in symbols dictionaries. Find meanings that
amplify the meaning of the image in the sand tray. I highly recommend The Book of
Symbols (2010) published by Taschen, and also Cirlot's and Barbara Walker's symbol
dictionaries.

Cirlot, J. E. (2020) A Dictionary of Symbols. This book has been reprinted many times
and you can easily find a used copy.

Walker, B. G. (1983). The Women's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects.

Questions for Reflection

Ethics in Sandplay

After finishing this course, you are ready to begin using sandplay in your practice.
What else might you need on an ongoing basis to assure your competence? Further
courses? Consultation/supervision? Personal Sandplay Process? More experience
working with clients?

What are your thoughts on "cultural competence" vs. "cultural humility?"

How will you know if defenses, biases or prejudices are activated in yourself?