Creation, Destruction and the Living Mythology of Pele in Jungian Sandplay Therapy

Description

 Myths and cultural stories are pregnant with archetypal energies, often emerging in times of individual or collective crisis. These narratives help people connect with one another, process trauma, build resilience, and find meaning and purpose in their experiences. Despite their profound impact on psychological well-being, many psychotherapists still struggle to understand and incorporate the power of myth and cultural stories into their clinical practice.

Central to Hawaiian culture are the stories of Pele, the revered goddess of fire and volcanic activity. Embodying the dynamic forces of creation and destruction, Pele is alive in the ʻāina (land) and its people–shaping both the physical and spiritual landscapes. Whether or not individuals or therapists are familiar with her stories, Pele’s living mythology naturally enters the therapy room. For therapists practicing in Hawaiʻi, acknowledging, respecting, and creating space for these archetypal energies is essential.

In this workshop, participants will explore the many ways the goddess Pele manifests in the psyche to promote psychological healing and growth. With vivid images and storytelling Dr. Lorraine Freedle will share insights from her experience with disaster resilience during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, research from her newly released book, When a Goddess Erupts: Pele in the Psyche of Women, and case studies from sandplay therapy with children and adults to illustrate this transformative process. Participants will also engage in experiential work with symbols and sand to enhance learning. No prior experience with sandplay therapy is required. The universal languages of image and archetype invite therapists of all theoretical orientations to engage with the psychocultural dimensions of psychotherapy practice.

 Learning objectives

1. Define archetype (Jung) and describe three ways to activate archetypal energy.
2. Assess how myth and cultural stories influence psychological well-being, particularly during times of crisis.
3. Identify three themes from the Pele myth that may appear during psychotherapy.
4. Assess symbols in dreams, personal narratives, and sandplay therapy that may relate to the living mythology of Pele.
5. Analyze the evidence base of sandplay therapy in the treatment of traumatic stress and other mental health conditions.
6. Evaluate how images and stories emerge during sandplay to bring psychocultural resources for healing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and