Treating Youth Violence with Sandplay Therapy: A Multilayered Examination of Co-transference and Relational Interconnectednesss

Youth violence is often rooted in unresolved childhood trauma, including abuse, neglect, and chronic exposure to stress. These experiences can disrupt emotional regulation and attachment processes, increasing the likelihood that distress is expressed through aggression. Effective treatment requires a strong therapeutic alliance; however, traumatized youth are often guarded and distrustful—making engagement in therapy challenging.

Through a multi-layered examination of therapeutic presence, co-transference, and relational interconnectedness, this workshop explores how sandplay therapy can effectively treat violent and traumatized youth. A compelling case study is presented of a gang-involved young man who experienced childhood abuse and neglect and now faces adulthood largely alone. Together, we will take a heartfelt plunge into the clinical relationship in sandplay therapy, its mutual impact on both client and therapist, and what may unfold in the relationship long after sandplay has ended.

 Learning objectives

After this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Identify four components of sandplay that contribute to its effectiveness in the treatment of trauma
2. Define “co-transference” in sandplay therapy, distinguishing this concept from transference and countertransference in traditional psychotherapy practice.
3. Describe how sandplay supports the treatment of traumatized and violent youth through therapeutic presence, co-transference, and relational interconnectedness.
4. Apply insights from a clinical case study to assess the therapeutic relationship in sandplay and its impact on both client and therapist.