Searle LeBel, Ellen
BODY, SAND AND SELF: SOMATIC EXPERIENCE IN SANDPLAY THERAPY

Journal of Sandplay Therapy, Volume 18, Number 2, 2009

Keywords: somatic experience, authentic movement, body, sandplay therapy, somatic transference, image, emotion, sandplay therapy, clinical example, female, loss, grief, lotus, symbol, unconscious material, integration, interpersonal container, somatic awareness, traumatic loss, flower, mandala, symbolic, image.

Abstract: Sandplay therapy links image and emotion through body movement and symbolic play. This article describes authentic movement as a practice that can be integrated with sandplay to develop somatic awareness and integrate unconscious material within a strong interpersonal container. With increased awareness, therapists can observe their own kinesthetic responses as they witness client’s movements, postures and gestures. The story of Luba’s traumatic loss of her son illustrates an embodied approach to sandplay therapy where her grief is expressed and symbolized in a lotus mandala.