Ellen Searle LeBel, MS, LMFT, MC-DMT, CST-T
Journal of Sandplay Therapy
Volume 18, Issue 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.
Suggested Citation
LeBel, E. S. (2009). Body, sand, and self: Somatic experience in sandplay therapy. Journal of Sandplay Therapy, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.61711/jst.2009.18.2.092
