“I have always said to my pupils: Learn as much as you can about symbolism;
then forget it when you are analyzing a dream.”
Carl Jung
Learning how to read the iconographic language of Sandplay imagery is an ongoing,
lifelong task for the Sandplay therapist. This workshop will address how to begin to approach
the formidable task of cultivating symbolic literacy, of becoming erudite in understanding how
terrain and content of a sandtray creation mirrors the ‘inscape’ of the psyche.
It will begin with a focus on temporal and structural aspects to consider when reading the
symbolic language of Sandplay. What does the timing of when sandtrays are created in the
context of therapy mean? What is to be considered in evaluating initial sandtays? What do the
topographical aspects of the sandtray reveal? How can we understand the subtitles of shape,
contour, texture, and use of space? These questions and more will be explored as part of the
foundation for developing symbolic literacy in Sandplay.
Inherent in cultivating symbolic literacy is the paradox of needing to research and study as
much as possible, but without attachment, needing at the same time to meet each client and
view each sandtray with a fresh, open, ‘beginners mind’. The workshop will continue
exploration of many aspects to take into consideration in order to understand what is being
communicated symbolically through Sandplay imagery and accompanying fantasies. How can
we understand the selection, placement, and juxtaposition of figures? How can we hold
polarities of meaning when considering personal associations, narrative, cultural context, and
archetypal symbolism? How can we understand identify evolving themes and recognize
recognizing an unfolding unconscious story told through sequential images?
Concepts will be illustrated with Sandplay case material.