Bedford-Strohm, Deborah
PREPARATION FOR DEATH IN SANDPLAY THERAPY: A JOURNEY INTO LIGHT
Ahorn, Germany

Journal of Sandplay Therapy, Volume 17, Number 1, 2008

KEY WORDS: Death, preparation for death, journey, breast cancer, Sandplay therapy, female, adult, woman, integration, symbolic imagery, transition, Self.

ABSTRACT: Ten sandplay scenes created by a 50-year-old woman with breast cancer show a preparation for death: religious and spiritual symbols, symbolic images of the “beyond” and of the trip to the beyond are discussed. The last trays show an integration of opposites in various ways. The client finds symbolic imagery in the work in the sand which support her in her final transition, and she also creates a tray where the Self is represented.