Cultivating Symbolic Literacy
In-person workshop
When: Saturday, October 23rd, 2021; 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM EDT
Where: Center for Jungian Sandplay 1756 Georgetown Road, Christiana, PA
Presenters: Betty Jackson, LMSW, CST-T in collaboration with Ruth Castellano, MA, RSP, LPC
Brief description and objectives: 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 sandtrays? 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. The workshop will include one session of experiential group Sandplay process and is therefore limited to 12 participants.
Registration fee: $230 (includes lunch and one session of experiential group Sandplay process)
Limited to 12 participants
To register: http://www.sandplayforhealing.com
More Information: Cultivating Symbolic Literacy Workshop