Natasha Salter-Ling
Journal of Sandplay Therapy
Volume 26, Issue 1, 2017
Keywords
Sandplay, bereavement, trauma, death, mother, maternal loss, grief, depression, great mother archetype, anima, independence, symbol, cat, snake, animal, witness, underworld, water, cow, adolescence, clinical material, male, boy, adolescen, renewal
Abstract
This paper examines the symbolism of the cat, within its mythological, cultural and biological contexts. In the clinical example of an adolescent boy grieving after the loss of his mother, the symbol of the cat appears in each of his sandplay scenes, leading the way to healing and resolution. This process is viewed through the lens of the cat as witness, a bridge to the underworld, the anima and together in a transformative role with the snake. The cat as a symbol holds the dichotomy between opposing aspects of the great mother archetype. Through the patient’s sandplays the author follows the image of the cat as it guides the client towards a deeper understanding of the trauma he has experienced and a growing sense of independence.
German / Deutsch
Auf der Spur der Katze durch Trauma, Trauer und Wiederherstellung Findet ein Jugendlicher Seinen Weg
ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Dieser Beitrag untersucht das Symbol der Katze in der Therapie eines Jugendlichen der den Verlust seiner Mutter betrauert. Der Klient beginnt die Heilung des Traumas und entwickelt seinen Unabhängigkeitssinn.
SCHLÜSSELWÖRTER: Sandspiel, Todesfall, Trauma, Tod, Mutter, Verlust der Mutter, Trauer, Depression, Archetyp der Großen Mutter, Anima, Unabhängigkeit, Symbol, Katze, Schlange, Tier, Zeuge, Unterwelt, Wasser, Kuh, Jugend, klinisches Fallbeispiel, männlich, Junge, Jugendlicher
Spanish / Español
Caminando por el Sendero del Gato a Través de Trauma, Duelo y Renovación: Un Adolescente Encuentra Su Camino
RESUMEN: Este artículo analiza el simbolismo de la lata en la terapia de un adolescente que está sufriendo por la pérdida de su madre. El cliente empieza a sanar del trauma y también crece su sentido de independencia.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Terapia sandplay, duelo, trauma, muerte, madre, pérdida materna, depresión, arquetipo de gran madre, anima, independencia, simbolo, gato, serpiente, animal, testigo, submundo, agua, vaca, adolescencia, material clínico, masculino, muchacho, adolescente
French / Français
Le Sentier du Chat par un Traumatisme, Chagrin et Renouvellement: Un Adolescent Trouve Son Chemin
RÉSUMÉ: Cet article examine le symbolisme de la boîte dans la thérapie d'un adolescent qui est en deuil de la perte de sa mère. Le client commence à se guérir du traumatisme et son sentiment d'indépendance augmente également.
MOTS CLÉS: Thérapie de sandplay, deuil, traumatisme, mort, mère, maternelle perte, deuil, dépression, archétype de la grande mère, anima, l’indépendance, symbole, chat, serpent, animal, témoin, pègre, eau, vache, l’adolescence, matériel clinique, mâle, garçon, adolescent
In Portuguese
Seguindo o Rumo do Gato Atraves de Trauma, Luto e Renovação: Um Adolescente Acha Seu Caminho
PALAVRAS CHAVE: Sandplay, falecimento, perda, trauma, morte, mãe, perda materna, luto, depressão, arquétipo da grande mãe, anima, independência, símbolo, gato, serpente, cobra, animal, testemunha, agua, vaca, adolescente, material clínico, masculino, menino, adolescente
Suggested Citation
Salter-Ling, N. (2017). Walking the path of the cat through trauma, grief, and renewal: An adolescent finds his way. Journal of Sandplay Therapy, 26(1). https://doi.org/10.61711/jst.2017.26.1.342
