Sandplay Therapy is available for Children and Adults

How it works

Sandplay uses two trays of a particular size filled with sand (one dry, and one damp with water) that can be moved and formed, and a variety of miniatures that can be placed in the trays to create a scene or image. In this very simple act of creation, the trays provide a means of expressing and processing experiences and feelings that bypass the thinking brain and access more of the unconscious. This can bring to light what is not otherwise visible. Healing can come, not from the interpretation of the “completed” Sandtray, but in the expression of the image itself.

Why it works

Carl Jung wrote that “often the hands know how to solve a riddle with which the intellect has wrestled in vain.” Our thoughts often lead in circles; engaging a different and more visceral form of expression can break the cycle and create new and deeper understanding. Sandplay provides a non-directive opportunity for the thinking, analytical brain to step aside and allow the psyche, the unconscious, to express itself in safety.

“In Sandplay Therapy, through the free and protected space, the individual is able to penetrate the depths of the personality and experience the Self. From this ground, a more naturally balanced relationship between the ego and the Self manifests. When this occurs, one has the opportunity to live life in a more conscious, authentic manner.” — Sandplay Therapists of America

Children and sandplay

Sandplay with children is also highly beneficial; while imagery and symbol is the deepest language of the psyche for all of us, children in particular use symbols (i.e., the miniatures) as their language. Though they may have no words for what they need to express, the miniatures provide a clear means of communication.

History

Sandplay therapy was developed in the mid 1900s by Dora Kalff, a Swiss Jungian therapist. There were three strong influences in her work with Sandplay. She was a neighbor and student of Carl Jung, and embraced his theories of psychology and the power of the unconscious. She also adapted what she learned from contemporary child therapist Margaret Lowenfeld’s extensive work with children, toys, and play. And during her own life, Dora Kalff housed Buddhist monks who had temporarily fled their own country for political reasons. The Buddhist concepts of creating a sacred, quiet space for healing and being present in the moment also became central in her development of Sandplay therapy.

Sandplay Therapy and Sandtray Therapy

Sandtray therapy is also a modality of therapy, but it differs from Sandplay in that it is more directive, analytical and diagnostic. Sandplay therapy is founded on the principle that providing a free and protected space allows the psyche to do the work it most needs to do.

Karen’s Certification in Dora Kalff’s Sandplay Therapy

Karen is a Certified Sandplay Therapist (CST) with the International Society of Sandplay Therapists (ISST) and Sandplay Therapists of America (STA). ISST has over 400 certified members, in over a dozen countries.

The requirements for meeting this level of certification are set by the International Board. This rigorous and lengthy process ensures the continuation of Dora Kalff’s Jungian-based Sandplay Therapy and the vision she held in its creation.

Obtaining this certification is a years-long process of study and work with Sandplay Therapy. A minimum of 100 hours of personal development through a Sandplay process and personal counseling/analysis is required. The minimum 120 hours of education include training in Jungian theory, Fundamentals, Symbolism and clinical Sandplay practice. A CST has completed at least 80 hours of group and individual consultation with CST-teachers, specific to Sandplay.

A final requirement for certification is the completion of at least two 30-page papers on two different symbols, and a 50-page final case process, focusing on the journey of one person through their Sandplay therapy process. These papers must be reviewed and approved by CST-Teachers, nationally and internationally. In these papers, symbols are explored and amplified for their historical, practical, and archetypal meanings. Jungian theory and a highly respectful and curious attitude are bedrock in tracking and learning from the person whose Sandplay process is being considered.

Not every person working with STA has chosen this level of certification. Associate Members and Registered Sandplay Practitioners are also working with the same standards of respect, ongoing training, and personal development. The standards of excellence and adherence to Dora Kalff’s vision are paramount throughout all the levels of training. Regard for the person and the process are standards of excellence in STA and in ISST.