This is a Social Worker’s account of her journey towards Sandplay Therapy.
“I started out as a Social Worker in 2009, in a Family Service Centre. My work was with families and I often brought toys along and engaged in play with the children when they were present. The children were relaxed at play and I realised it was a good avenue for them to talk about themselves.
Intrigued, I decided to pursue the study of Play Therapy. This included a Graduate Certificate course in Hong Kong in 2011. Back at the FSC, in my practice, I noticed that the children would naturally gravitate towards sandplay among the other tool kits I provided. I began to wonder if there was more to be learnt about sandplay. I followed my curiosity which resulted in me taking the plunge to do the full Jungian sandplay training in 2017.
It has been an enriching journey as I learnt and grew alongside my clients.
I particularly like how Sandplay creates a safe and protected space for the client. This is needful especially for our young clients, who may not have the experience of playing and expressing themselves freely. It is a process where the unconscious works at its own pace. I am amazed that in providing an environment for playing in the sand with the range of figurines, we can be instruments to help facilitate healing for the client. In play therapy, the child leads the process. similarly in sandplay, we give our clients that same respect.
This sits really well with me as I believe it is both person-centred, and an empowering process especially for children who may find themselves having a hard time being heard.” Jas
Come join us on 23 & 24 October Jungian Sandplay Symposium. Perhaps, we will learn what is meant by the phrase “unconscious works at its own pace”.
