Sandplay & symbol work : emotional healing & personal development with children, adolescents, and adults

Symbols and informal play sessions are used increasingly by therapists to help clients towards personal development. This is an in-depth look at this form of counselling. Written in an easy-to follow, instructional style, this is an excellent guide for practitioners. Contents 6 Introduction The language of symbols 10 Chapter 1 The development of sandplay 13 How does sandplay work? 13 Differences between sandplay and symbol work 15 The evolution of sandplay as used in ERC 17 Sandplay and symbol work in ERC 19 Basic principles underlying ERC and sandplay practice 20 What supports emotional healing? 21 Sandplay literature and research 24 Sandplay as an aid to counselling in schools 24 Sandplay and multiple intelligences 27 Sandplay and academic improvement 29 Sandplay with abused children 30 Sandplay and grieving 32 Sandplay, symbol work and ERC in Australian group programs 32 Chapter 2 A gathering of wisdom–the Jungian heritage and contemporary sandplay 33 Some aims of sandplay 33 Emotional and psychological safety 35 How can sandplay help clients? 38 The value of play 40 Dealing with aggression 41 The role of the therapist 42 Stages in the sandplay process 43 After the sandplay 45 The contribution of play therapy 46 Sandplay and transpersonal psychology 47 Chapter 3 Sandplay and symbol work methods 50 Elements of the process 50 Some uses of sandplay 53 Trusting the inner healer 54 The free sandplay method 55 Overview of the process 55 Some ways of beginning 57 Gestalt role-play with sandplay figures 59 The focused method 59 Directed methods 59 Stages in sandplay sessions 60 Sandplay for families and groups 60 Sandplay with couples 62 Chapter 4 Symbol work exercises 63 The basic steps of a counselling session 64 Relationships 69 Families and school 70 Emotional and physical release 72 Self-esteem 76 Spiritual direction and personal review 78 Chapter 5 Expressive support processes 81 Bioenergetics 81 Music to support bioenergetic exercises and movement work 83 Energy release games 84 Drawing after sandplay and symbol work 86 Other media 87 Chapter 6 Professional orientation 89 Basic rules and advice for facilitators 91 Guidelines for facilitators 92 Learning to observe 93 Preparing the counselling room 94 Integration 95 Evaluation, review and recording 97 Equipment 97 Sandplay with different age groups 100 Contraindications 101 Sandplay and nature 102 Using symbols in professional supervision 103 Getting started with sandplay–a six-point plan 104 Advice for parents of child clients 105 Training 108 Conclusion 110 Sandplay Stories 112 Appendix I: Self-discovery worksheet: The different parts of me 132 Appendix II: Gestalt role-play exercise 133 Appendix III: Record form for sandplay sessions 134 References 136 Glossary 142 A 142 B 142 C 142 D 143 E 143 F 143 G 143 I 143 K 144 M 144 N 144 O 144 P 144 R 144 S 145 T 145 U 145 V 145 W 145 Photo Section 114 Index of exercises 146 General Index 147 A 147 B 147 C 147 D 147 E 147 F 147 G 147 H 147 I 147 J 148 K 148 L 148 M 148 N 148 O 148 P 148 R 148 S 148 T 149 U 149 V 149 W 149 Z 149 Designed for counselors, this book explores the usefulness of symbols and sandplay as forms of therapy. Through the juxtaposition of symbols, clients are able to convey complex ideas and personal issues that might not be explored in a conventional therapy session. Non-threatening and suitable for clients of all ages, it has demonstrated itself as an excellent means of getting to the core of people's personal problems. The book features: -- Discussion of the Jungian and Gestalt foundations of sandplay and symbol work; -- Case studies; -- Explanation of how counselors and facilitators can apply this therapy; and -- Color illustrations of the therapy in action.