Three Reflections on Sandplay:
A Course for Clinicians

Presented by Sachiko Taki-Reece, EdD, MFT, Joan Concannon, MFT, Debbie Mego, PhD, LCSW

A Sandplay Process and the Sonata Form

Debbie Mego, PhD, LCSW
Sandplay, a non-verbal form of psychotherapy in which the client utilizes miniatures to create scenes, has been found to be especially helpful in working with children as a way of helping them express  feelings and internal conflicts which they may not yet be able to put into language. While the Sandplay process is unique to each individual, Sandplay therapists have observed the development of a three stage process beginning with exposition, the development of a theme, and a recapitulation, similar to the evolution of a Sonata in classical music, and which indicates psychological  progression. Using case material, we will examine some of the ways in which to view progression (or lack of) within the context of Sandplay therapy.

Some Considerations at the Initial Sessions with a Child

Sachiko Taki-Reece, Ed.D., M.F.T.
In working with children, it is critical that the therapist also establish a therapeutic    alliance with the parent and/or caretaker, partly to lessen negative projections onto the child, and partly to help the parent or caretaker learn to identify and and help the child manage challenging feelings.  In Sandplay the child is able to express through play emotional conflict, anxiety, depression, anger, grief and deep emotional turmoil by creating various scenes in the sand in silence.  These sand scenes can then be used as a way or mirroring, expressing, and communicating what is often not yet available in language.  This seminar will help the therapist to identify Kalff’s stages of ego development as expressed through Sandplay as well as the stages

The Witch Archetype:
Its Impact in a Sandplay Case

Joan Concannon, M.F.T.
The figure of the witch in fairy tales symbolizes the dark, devouring aspect of the   Mother Archetype.  As a figure in Sandplay, the witch often represents a sense of chaos either internal or external, which can threaten to overwhelm a more fragile ego.
Drawing from fairy tales, clinical material, including dreams and sandtrays, this  workshop will demonstrate some of the ways in which the archetype of the witch can unconsciously influence the life of the client as well as challenge the therapeutic process.

Joan C. Concannon, M.F.T., is Jungian analyst in private practice in Calabasas. She is a teaching member of the C.G. Jung Study Center of Southern California. She has lectured nationally, interweaving Sandplay with Jungian dream interpretation. Her article, “Symbolism of the Crow and Raven in Mythology, Alchemy and Sandplay” was published in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy, 2015.

Debbie Mego, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., is in private practice in West Los Angeles where she offers Sandplay supervision and works with adults, specializing in the treatment of depression,  anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, life transitions, cross-cultural and adoption issues. She currently serves as Co-Coordinator of the Sandplay Community of Los Angeles. Her work has been published in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy. Debbie has a background as a classical pianist, and also works with people in the arts, using Sandplay as a tool in helping overcome creative blocks.

Sachiko Taki-Reece, Ed.D., M.F.T., is a Jungian Analyst, in private practice in Silver Lake where she also offers supervision. A member of the teaching faculty at the C. G Jung Institute of LA, she has published several research articles on Sandplay, as well as book chapters in both English and Japanese.