On the first day, we will focus on the miniatures, briefly outlining the essential components necessary in a collection. Participants will delve into the meanings of figurines for the client and their significance to therapists, who offer these objects as tools for symbolic expression. The afternoon will feature a detailed case study of a female client highlighting how symbols emerge in the sand, in dreams, and in the client’s life. The day will include an experiential component, allowing participants to engage directly with personal symbols.

1. Understand the foundational elements of Jungian Sandplay therapy, including the use of sand, water, and miniatures.
2. Describe and contrast the function of symbols in analytical psychology versus their common use in language.
3. Explore the symbolic nature of miniatures including their personal, collective, and archetypal dimensions.
4. Recognize the clinical importance of developing of a symbolic attitude in therapy.
5. Examine the dynamics of transference and countertransference in Sandplay therapy.
6. Foster a deeper connection to the psyche by developing a symbolic attitude in clinical work.

On the second day, we will explore and experience the symbolic role of the sand and the importance of working hands-on in the sand to access the unconscious.

A case example, presenting with a ”puella complex”, will illustrate the changes that occurred in the therapeutic process between initial trays where the client used figures without touching the sand, to later phases of therapy when the client actively explored the sand.

1. Describe the symbolic importance of the sand in sandplay therapy
2. Recognize the therapeutic importance of interacting with the sand
3. Describe Jung’s perspective on actively transforming the psyche.
4. Explore how the sand stimulates awareness of the psyche-body connection.
5. Describe how shadow aspects can become visible in sandplay.
6. Describe how shaping the sand can bring deeper understanding of oneself.

On the final day, we will explore the transformative symbol of water and its emotional impact on emotional impact on both, client and therapist when introduced into the work in the sand tray.

The workshop will include and introduction to the alchemical process of Solutio and its stages, illustrated case vignettes of adults and children. In the afternoon, participants will analyze a detailed case study of an 8-year-old girl, who consistently flooded her sandtrays using this process as a non-verbal means to express and transform her emotions.

1. Explore the vast symbolic meanings of water in the psyche and its transformative effects.
2. Understand the practical use of water in Sandplay therapy.
3. Explain the alchemical process of Solutio and its relevance in therapeutic practice.
4. Examine the sensory and symbolic impact of combining water with sand.
5. Identify key themes related to excessive water use in Sandplay.
6. Describe the difference between symbolic and literal use of water in clinical practice.