Sandplay Process of a Boy with Complex Partial Seizures

Sachiko Taki-Reece, EdD, MFT, JA, CST-T

Abstract

This article describes an 8-year-old African American boy in a special education class and a day treatment program, suffering from an explosive temper and aggressive behavior. During 4 months of sandplay therapy, his play began to reveal two explosive centers: the fire-spitting volcano symbolizing rage, and another of two stones representing the seizure site. His specific needs became visible in play. His identification with a monstrous power complex underwent transformation. His numinous experience (seizure), was seemingly incorporated into practical, constructive life assuring energy and self confidence. The explosive centers have become a tunnel, underground crossroad. He was stabilized after making 13 sandplay pictures, saying "I have done this.” Pictures, made before and after medications and hospitalizations, revealed also how the psyche coped with change brought by these interventions.

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