Definition

Sandplay is defined by the ISST (International Society for Sandplay Therapy) as a therapeutic method developed by Dora M. Kalff, based on the psychological principles of CGJung. This approach is a creative form of therapy using the imagination,"a concentrated extract of both physical and psychic life forces". (CGJung) It is characterized by the use of sand, water and miniature figures in the creation of images within a "free and protected space" of the therapeutic relationship and the sandbox. A series of images represented in the tray creates a continuous dialogue between the conscious and unconscious aspects of the client's psyche, which activates a healing process and the development of the personality.This therapeutic method can be applied with adults and children.

 

Technical

The principle consists in shaping the desires and psychic complexes of the consultant from situations, feelings or others. The consultant chooses figurines/miniature objects then places them in the sandbox to make them evolve if necessary. These miniature objects serve as projection supports and archetypes symbolizing aspects of the seeker's life and personality.

 

Goals

• Encourage self-expression

• Storytelling in symbolic language

• Explore and unify aspects of self

• Materialize aspects of your inner/outer life to clarify sometimes unconscious concerns

• Refocus, take stock of your priorities, desires, needs and deep aspirations

• Free yourself from contained emotions

• Release the stress

• Revealing one's resources and potential to improve self-esteem and self-confidence

• Improve your relationship to yourself, to others and to events

​

Traditional device

The device requires special equipment: a container containing sand, a carafe filled with water and a whole collection of figurines of all kinds and various and varied materials.

​

Sand box = container

The wooden box is designed to the dimensions of a person's field of vision: long. 75 cm x width. 50 cm x height. edges 7 cm.

The interior of the tank is painted blue so as to facilitate the representation of the water (sea, lake, river, etc.) and air (sky, horizon, etc.) elements.

The tray acts as a psychic container, thanks to its solid edges and its dimensions, neither too small nor too large, which offer a space for free and reassuring expression.

 

Sand = sensoriality, materiality, malleability…

The sand is natural and has the particularity of being able to be worked both dry and wet. It represents a raw material that invites you to let go, to the sensory experience that brings you back to the body and to the present moment. It encourages a regression to the pleasure of playing and facilitates spontaneous and authentic expression. It also allows you to build and deconstruct, stabilize objects, bury them, raise them, etc.

 

Items = symbolic projection supports

The collection of objects is heterogeneous and consists of characters, animals, means of transport, natural elements, historical, mythological and fantastic figurines, small objects and symbols relating to different aspects of life and, finally , materials of all kinds. The more diverse and varied the collection of objects, the greater the possibilities of expression. It is also possible to make them (modeling clay, clay, paper mache, wood, etc.)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​

​

​

​

​