2025 Training

Carl G Jung based his theory of analytical psychology on a multilayered human psyche that contained not only personal experiences but the collective experiences of all mankind. In this workshop we will identify the different levels of the unconscious that the sandplay therapist attends to and witnesses when working with clients. These levels include both inner and outer space, as well as the archetypal, cultural, personal and relational layers of the unconscious. All these different layers weave together in a non-linear fashion throughout a sandplay process fostering individuation and healing. In addition to these layers of the unconscious, sandplayers must also pay attention to and identify the developmental aspect of a sandplay production, not only in relation to the inner child, but also, to the inner infant. In sandplay, we are able to access the preverbal level of the young child as well as the archetypal level of the infant. At times, we bear witness to the infant level of the psyche where the first encounter and bonding with the archetypal mother takes place. Neumann labelled this the Uroboric phase of development, Dora Kalff coined the term the Mother-Child unity. This is the beginning of life outside the womb and lays the foundation for all development to follow. Two child sandplay cases will be discussed to help amplify these different layers of the psyche.