Multi-Sensory Pre-Sandplay Interventions for Attachment Issues When Sandplay is Not Enough - Part 2
When: Pre-recorded – View in own time for period of 12 weeks
Description: This recorded workshop continues “Pre-Sandplay” as developed by Agnes Bayley, a teaching member of the International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST) who specialized in working with attachment issues. Concerned that some children’s ego functioning was too fragile to tolerate depth psychological work, Ms. Bayley developed a series of interventions aimed at strengthening and repairing ego functioning so that meaningful engagement in Sandplay might become possible.
This workshop is a continuation of Part 1 workshop also located on our website. It is particularly helpful for occupational and play therapists to bridge their understanding into the symbolic orientation of children. It is also very supportive of sandplay therapists who have had the experience of introducing a new client to Sandplay, only to watch them respond with anxiety or fear. The wise clinician, true to practicing Sandplay as a client-centered non-directive modality, knows not to over-ride these defenses, but what then? The feedback on Part 1 was wonderful, do not hesitate, join us as Betty weaves her magic once again with her stories.
Outline / Agenda:
Session 1: Working with Tactile Inhibition - Rice, Bean, and Seed Trays
Many people, although they may be interested in the miniature figures, exhibit an adverse reaction to touching the sand and consequently avoid Sandplay, place objects on the surface, or use an implement to move or manipulate the sand. This session introduces interventions using varying sizes and textures of rice, beans, and seeds designed to gradually de-sensitize the sense of touch so that direct touch of small particles or sand becomes more comfortable. The further calming, meditative benefit of creating patterns and designs with these materials will be explored, as well as their relationship to early stage cooking play.
Session 2: Floorgames
Floorgames is the title of a book written by H.G. Wells to describe imaginative play with miniature figures he engaged in with his young sons. Agnes Bayley borrowed the term to refer to imaginative play with miniatures on a hard surface such as a floor, table, or desk. More stable and predictable surfaces than sand, without the possibility of digging deeper or going under, play on hard surfaces feels safer and more comfortable to some children or adults. Floorgames may involve individuals or groups and may include spontaneous free play or directed exercises. This session will introduce a number of creative Floorgames exercises designed for children and adults and will address how these games can sometimes be integrated with other types of play therapy or become a bridge towards engagement in Sandplay.
Session 3: Bridging Pre-Sandplay & Sandplay - Case Examples
As early attachment wounds are repaired and basic relational trust is restored, we typically see these clients gradually taking more risks and expanding their play or expressive range. As this inner security and readiness increases, it can lead to important bridging experiences integrating Pre-Sandplay and Sandplay or even to a courageous spontaneous leap into Sandplay. This session introduces numerous Pre-Sandplay bridging interventions including the surprise Digging for Treasure intervention, Water Play, Nature Play, and ma- king Miniature Gardens. Case examples of the use of these interventions with individuals and groups will be included.
Session 4: The Suffering Skin Symbolic Exercise
The skin is not only a physical boundary between self and other, but a psychological one as well. One of the most powerful insight oriented exercises developed by Agnes Bailey she called the Suffering Skin exercise designed to symbolically, but graphically illustrate how traumatized or chronically neglected individuals develop a tough, impenetrable “skin” as a defense against further pain and harm, but effectively cutting themselves off from nurturing relationships, as well. This session will introduce and demonstrate the successive steps of the Suffering Skin exercise, also addressing when it may be appropriate to introduce a client to this awareness building exercise.
Session 5 and 6 (Session 11 & 12) - Putting it All Together - Case Presentations Illustrating the Integration of Pre-Sandplay and Sandplay Interventions
Six year old Andy walked up to the threshold of my Sandplay office, froze, and backed away, asking, “Can we play outside?” Week after week he engaged in active outdoor play and sensory play. He made a Feelings Box and loved sorting through and playing with its contents. Sometimes he painted, but never did he go near Sandplay. After almost 6 months of therapy, one day, seemingly out of the blue he asked, “Remember that room you showed me? Can we go in there now?” These sessions uses a case presentation to illustrate the integration of numerous Pre-Sandplay interventions designed to repair attachment issues that ultimately led to spontaneous engagement in Sandplay.
Learning Objectives:
Session 1:
- Describe how to recognize tactile defensiveness in Sandplay therapy.
- Explain the rationale for using varying size gradations of rice, beans, and grains in a gradual touch desensitization process.
Session 2:
- Explain why play on hard surfaces may feel safer to certain individuals.
- Describe at least 3 ways in which protective frames or boundaries can be created during Floorgames.
Session 3:
- Explain the clinical rationale why individuals may be more likely to spontaneously engage in Sandplay as attachment wounds are repaired.
- Implement at least three specific interventions bridging Pre-Sandplay interventions with Sandplay therapy.
Session 4:
- Describe the step-by-step process of the Suffering Skin exercise
- Identify at least three clinical indicators a client may be ready to experience this awareness building exercise
Session 5 and 6:
- Discuss from an attachment perspective why this client likely was fearful of and rejected Sandplay therapy.
- Analyze the progression of at least three therapeutic Pre-Sandplay interventions used
- Analyze symbolic attachment repair imagery in a series of Pre-Sandplay interventions
- Discuss attachment repair experiences that led to the client’s readiness to engage in Sandplay.
Assessment: Completion of Feedback Form
Certificate of attendance will be provided
Provider Name: Maude Le Roux Academy
Presenter: Betty Jackson, LSW, CST-T
Bio: Betty Jackson, LSW, CST-T is a licensed clinical social worker and certified sandplay therapist with over 40 years of experience in school, mental health agency, and private practice settings. She began her Sandplay training with Dora Kalff in 1975 and became a Teaching Member of Sandplay Therapists of America and the International Society for Sandplay Therapy in 1991. She has authored several articles for the Journal of Sandplay Therapy, serves on the Board of Directors for the International Society for Sandplay Therapy, and teaches Sandplay nationally and internationally. She has the honor of being a Guest Professor for the Oriental Academy for Analytical Psychology and Sandplay in Guangzhou, China. Ms. Jackson maintains a part-time private practice at her home office in southeastern Pennsylvania where she has established The Center for Jungian Sandplay in order to offer Sandplay process, consultation, and training in the tradition of Dora Kalff.
Special Needs Accommodation: We invite anyone who may need a specific accommodation to contact [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Cancellation policy: Payment is due in full with registration through Square on this website and is non-refundable at any time. Please contact [email protected] should you have any questions in this regard.
Additional Information (Page 2)
Course Type: Recorded
Location: Sandplay
Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, Play Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Educators
Educational Level: Intermediate
Pre-Requisites: None
Number of Participants: Unlimited
Instructional Methods: PowerPoint, Discussion
Contact Hours: 9 hours
Fee: $200