2020, Vol.11, No.2

Journal of Symbols & Sandplay Therapy 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.44

pISSN : 2234-0556 / eISSN : 2288-5188
https://journal.kci.go.kr/sandplay

In this article, we discuss the numinosity of play in terms of the origin or unique essentiality of play based on analytical psychology, rather than the evolutionary necessity of it in terms of only biological instinct or innate nature, or as something instilled through education. Attempts to explain play in this way lead to the conclusion that play is healing, and play has a powerful relationship with healing in psychotherapy. We also discuss the still point experience and transference- countertransference and the relationship between the therapist and client regarding intersubjectivity, which are concepts related to the numinosity of play. In conclusion, the essentiality of play, which has an archetypal origin, is numinous and divine and has the ultimate teleology of integration and healing of personality, namely individuation. Other people in close relationships perceive the constellation of archetypal energies in an individual because of the working principle of archetype, and all humankind universally shares it and constellates archetypal energy to the other. This, of course, happens in therapeutic relationships, and finally it brings healing to both the client and therapist involved in archetypal play.

The authors analyzed the effects of group sandplay therapy on the psychological health and resilience of adolescent survivors 16 months after the 2015 Nepal earthquake, and explored the themes these adolescents expressed during counseling. Group sandplay was found to have significantly decreased the adolescents’ internalizing problems such as anxiety/depression and withdrawal/depression, while their resilience had also significantly improved. The narrative analysis in turn yielded seven themes: magical wish fulfillment/hope for recovery; direct expression of danger of disaster; relationship with gods revealing human’s identity; desire for protection and care from danger and damage in reality; recovering the order of life from chaos; creation of a new world from the chaotic world; and return to their normal daily life.

This study aimed to heal the experience of attachment trauma and promote the self-development and growth of children through sandplay therapy. We conducted 17 sessions over 6 months with a school-age child, and we include 17 sand photos from these sessions. This child had not separated from the mother because of unstable attachment, which delayed their self-development towards autonomy and independence. The child could not express their feelings and intentions voluntarily and had a strong tendency to depend on the mother, which limited the experience of positive communication with other children at school. In improving self-relationships along with self-development while playing with sand, the child improved their ability to form intimate relationships. Through the experience of the relationship with the therapist, the child resolved and adapted to the conflict in their social environment while maintaining stable emotions. As a result, the child showed positive changes in their ability to accept themselves and others, developed emotional regulation, and improved school adaptation.