Many people find it difficult to express themselves with words. Sandplay Therapy (sandplay) is an evidenced-based, cross-cultural, and trauma-informed method of psychotherapy that does not depend on verbal language. Founded by Swiss psychoanalyst Dora Kalff, sandplay has roots in the theories of C.G. Jung, play therapy, and Eastern contemplative practices. Sandplay combines play, active imagination, symbolic expression, and mindfulness to provide children and adults alike an experiential way to tap into the deep reservoir of their unconscious for healing. As one client once told me, “Sandplay is like dreaming with toys.”
The sand player is provided with a tray of sand, water, and figurines from nature, fantasy and everyday life. With these materials, they may create a scene of their choosing. Sandplay occurs in the presence of an attuned, trained therapist who witnesses the process without judgment or interpretation. Sandplay pictures provide a window into a person’s inner world, including psychological conflicts and potentialities. By creating a series of sand trays in the safety of the therapeutic space, a natural psychological healing process is brought forth. Different aspects of the psyche interrelate and move toward resolution and wholeness, resulting in positive behavior change, renewed vitality, and a sense of meaning, authenticity, and deeper purpose in life.
Sandplay is a powerful method that reveals unknown and hidden aspects of ourselves, including shadow elements and untapped potential. A core premise of sandplay is that healing and transformation are made possible through successive encounters with one’s sacred and directing center—called the Buddha nature or essential self in some traditions and defined by Jung as the Self.
Dr. Freedle is a certified member of the Sandplay Therapists of America (STA) and the International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST). She has been studying and practicing sandplay since 1989. Dr. Freedle conducts sandplay therapy, personal sandplay process work, sandplay intensives, case consultation, training and research.
Sandplay Case Consultation Groups
For sandplay therapists and those in training, joining a case consultation group can be a supportive, enriching, and meaningful way to connect with other sandplay therapists and to explore the depths of your work in the sand. Case consultation groups follow the STA/ISST requirements. Typically, groups meet monthly online (Zoom) for 10 sessions. Each session is two hours. Each member (5 per group) presents their own case material twice and attends an individual consultation session with Lorraine prior to presenting to the group.
Please review the detailed information page and application form:
Sandplay Research
Dr. Freedle serves as a Research Editor for the Journal of Sandplay Therapy and chair of the STA research committee. She enjoys meeting with others who are conducting research in sandplay therapy. She has authored numerous research articles in the areas of sandplay therapy, trauma, and neuropsychology and is an award-winning researcher for her studies on the evidence base of sandplay, and its applications with adults with traumatic brain injury and youth with co-occurring trauma and addiction.
Sandplay Intensives
Experience a personal sandplay retreat with Dr. Freedle on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Intensives are offered to therapists-in-training and involve frequent sandplay sessions while exploring the beauty of the island in your own way between sessions. Visit waterfalls, black sand beaches, or the goddess Pele at her home in Kīlauea, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Small sandplay training groups are also welcome!
CONTACT DR. FREEDLE
If you are interested in Sandplay, please email Dr. Lorraine Freedle at drlorrainefreedle@gmail.com.