Mandelbaum, Debora
THE THERAPEUTIC CONTAINER IN SANDPLAY THERAPY
Palo Alto, California
Journal of Sandplay Therapy, Volume 17, Number 1, 2008
KEY WORDS: Research, therapeutic frame, container, free and protected space, transformation, Sandplay therapy, qualitative study, heuristic, participants.
ABSTRACT: This qualitative study explores the subtle qualities of Dora Kalff’s “free and protected space.” Twenty-three participants were interviewed using a heuristic qualitative method and thematic content analysis was applied to the data. The findings indicate that the free and protected space is dynamic, containing, sacred, transformative, and mysterious. It is essential for effective therapy.