Jungian Theory and Alchemy in Sandplay and Play Therapy

Workshop description:

Led by certified Sandplay therapists and teachers Betsy Craft and Ruth Castellano, this workshop will take an in depth look into Jungian theory, one of the “Four legs” of Sandplay, and essentialto an understanding of Jungian Sandplay and Jungian Play Therapy. We will explore concepts including, but not limited to, the Psyche, the Self, the Persona, the Shadow, Individuation, Archetypes and Complexes. The teachers will also lead us in deepening our understanding of the Jungian reimagining of Alchemy, which was an ancient practice reputed to turn base metals into gold, and how Alchemical processes can sometimes be seen in a sandplay or play therapy process.

This immersive workshop will combine rigorous theory with real-world clinical application, and will include lecture, case presentations and meaningful experiential exercises. Participants will gain an understanding of why the sandtray is not just a therapeutic tool, but an alchemical vessel where profound psychological change takes place.

Learning objectives:

1. Define the Jungian concepts of psyche, ego, self, persona, shadow and individuation.

2. Examine how persona and shadow manifest through an experiential exercise and small group discussion.

3. Identify the three stages of alchemy.

4. Name 3-4 operations of alchemy, and explain how they might be seen in a Sandplay.

5. Recognize alchemical operations within a Sandplay case.

6. Create an alchemical miniature as a means of synthesizing learning about this practice.