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Sandplay Therapists of America

von Gontard, Alexander. Idiopathic Toe-Gait: Stasis and Progression through Sandplay Therapy  

Volume 19, Number 2, 2010

Keywords: idiopathic toe-walking, idiopathic toe-gait, somatoform disorder, sandplay therapy, CBCL, symbol of the “stage.”

Abstract: Idiopathic toe-walking can be diagnosed after excluding organic causes. The case of a sandplay therapy of an 11-year-old girl is presented after physiotherapy had failed. The toe-walking ceased almost completely and emotional symptoms were also reduced. The case shows: (1) that even disorders with a severe functional somatic incapacitation can be treated effectively with sandplay therapy; (2) that the effects can and should be documented; (3) that the symptoms can be understood in terms of stasis and progression; and (4) that the symbol of the “stage” allowed a symbolic enactment and observation in therapy before the next developmental steps could be taken. A clinical case example is included.

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