Kalffian Theory and the Self in Sandplay (6 hours)

Register online now!

The mystery of the unfolding psyche, the sense of awe experienced in the temenos, the caring, available therapist who protects but does not intrude, and the healing inherent in the sand experience itself are all quintessential Kalffian ideas. (Cunningham, 2006)

Kalffian theory is the foundation of Jungian sandplay therapy. Because of Kalff’s emphasis on the free and protected space, delayed interpretation, and her definition of transference as protection for the client, and her contemplative orientation, many clinicians who are not trained in depth methods have a difficult time understanding this theory. In this training, we examine Kalff’s basic principles, and witness them in action through case material.

Educational objectives

1. To be able to use Kalffian theory in the practice of sandplay
2. To understand Kalff’s basic terminology
3. To bring a Kalffian sensibility to the practice of sandplay

Learning objectives

1. Describe the “free and protected space.”
2. Discuss the mother child unity.
3. Explain Kalff’s reasons for using transference as protection, rather than in the classical sense.
4. Discuss the importance of noninterpretation / delayed interpretation.
5. Describe the importance of the constellation of the Self for Kalff.

Course meets the qualifications for 6 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Linda Cunningham is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. Linda Cunningham maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content. Provider #017288.

Linda Cunningham, PhD, MFT, CST-T is a Certified Teaching Member of Sandplay Therapists of America and International Society for Sandplay Therapy. She is the author of Sandplay and The Clinical Relationship (2013) and a chapter, “Attuning to the Flow of Relational Energies in Sandplay: Healing Complex Trauma in Adults” in The Routledge International Handbook of Sandplay Therapy (2017). Over the past 25 years, Dr. Cunningham has written many articles for the Journal of Sandplay Therapy on the topic of the therapeutic relationship in sandplay. Dr. Cunningham created Sandplay Training Worldwide in 2013 to offer sandplay trainings for professional therapists and trainees. Since then, she has introduced sandplay and depth psychotherapy to hundreds of therapists and counselors. Dr. Cunningham has provided special trainings for sandplay therapists in United States, Ukraine, Taiwan, Chile, South Africa, China, and Russia. Dr. Cunningham is a frequent presenter at sandplay conferences. Read about Dr. Cunningham’s teaching style. She practices in Gig Harbor, Washington, specializing in anxiety, preverbal trauma, and blocked creativity.