Abstract

Therapists often encounter people who have suffered severe emotional damage resulting in feelings of psychological fragmentation. Sandplay therapy, which combines the physical actions of play with observation and understanding through the use of symbolism, can be a useful method of treating this kind of damage. This book focuses on the theoretical aspects of sandplay therapy, presenting Dora M. Kalff's ideas and drawing out the significance of Kalffian sandplay for therapists.

Building on Kalffian ideas of the integration of Eastern and Western thought in relation to healing through sandplay, the author explores theories in quantum physics and Eastern philosophies. Her theoretical insights are illustrated with clinical examples, and her book will be of great interest to arts therapists and to students of related disciplines.

Mary Jane Markell is a Founding Member of Sandplay Therapists of America and a Teaching Member of the International Society of Sandplay Therapists; she served on the Executive Board of ISST for four years. She studied for a number of years with Dora Kalff, both in the United States and in Switzerland. She worked for many years with children and was a founding director of a day treatment program and mental health clinic for children and their families in California. Ms Markell is currently an international lecturer on sandplay and resides in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
A wonderful, thoughtful, and interdisciplinary tour of science, philosophy, mythology, religion, and Jungian psychology [with] many helpful clinical examples. Relationship, sand, earth, and water the magical ingredients of sandplay; all of these are expressed, experienced, and explored in this highly recommended book. Enjoy!
Sandplay Journal