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Sandplay Therapists of America

Searle LeBel, Ellen. Body, Sand and Self: Somatic Experience in Sandplay Therapy  

Volume 18, Number 2, 2009

Keywords: somatic experience, authentic movement, body, sandplay therapy, somatic transference.

Abstract: Sandplay therapy links image and emotion through body movement and symbolic play. This article describes authentic movement as a practice that can be integrated with sandplay to develop somatic awareness and integrate unconscious material within a strong interpersonal container. With increased awareness, therapists can observe their own kinesthetic responses as they witness client’s movements, postures and gestures. The story of Luba’s traumatic loss of her son illustrates an embodied approach to sandplay therapy where her grief is expressed and symbolized in a lotus mandala.

 

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