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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.

Presented by Shanti Mayberry, HHP, PhD

Nature is a supreme teacher if you know how to follow Her -C.G. Jung

Recent studies suggest that reconnecting to nature can increase one’s sense of vitality, promote a sense of healing, provide inspiration, stimulate self- awareness, decrease pain and stress, support the individuation process and contribute to the resolution of trauma.  In many ways Jung understood this intuitively, as he recognized that restoring the broken bond between humans and nature is imperative to both our survival and our sanity.  In this workshop we will discuss the evolutionary intersection of ecological psychology with Jung’s work, and learn practices which can facilitate our connection to what Jung called our ‘natural’ or ‘primordial’ being.

Learning objectives

• Describe recent research findings which demonstrate how connecting to nature can help decrease pain and stress and promote psychological well-being
• Describe what is meant by the term ‘ecopsychology’ and its relationship to current psychological practice
• Give an example of a healing practice that can be taught to patients who are recovering from trauma

Shanti Mayberry HHP, Ph.D., is a depth ecopsychologist, holistic health consultant, and meditation and movement teacher in private practice in San Diego. A Jungian sandtray therapist for over 20 years, her background includes work in somatic studies, feminism, Eastern spiritual and earth wisdom traditions. Her writing has appeared in several nature publications as well as Psychological Perspectives, and she is currently completing a book about the ecological paradigm.

Presented by Robert Moradi, M.D.

Once we get used to listening to our dreams, our whole body responds like a musical instrument. –Marion Woodman.

Dreams after midlife are commonly in the service of helping the dreamer face challenges of aging, both physical and emotional, as one grapples with changes in the body, in one’s relationship to partners, siblings, children and grandchildren, as well as changes in one’s attitude towards work and friendships.  Using dreams presented by group members, we will analyze and reflect about the possible meanings underlying the images of the dream from a Jungian perspective.  Although personal, reflecting on each dream is always valuable, not only in the dreamer but also for those who are witnesses or contributors to the process of understanding the hidden meanings in another person’s dream.

Learning objectives:

• Describe some of the psychological transitions unique to men in midlife (age 50 and older)
• Describe Jung’s technique of analyzing dreams as a way of clarifying underlying unconscious conflicts
• Give an example of how a dream can reflect both a personal situation as well as a larger collective concern
• Give an example of how one’s shadow (the unacceptable, devalued or denied aspects of one’s personality) can be revealed in a dream
• Give an example of a dream which highlights an impending major life transition

Robert Moradi, M.D., is a Jungian analyst at the C. G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles and a board-certified psychiatrist in private practice in Santa Monica. He is clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine. Currently, he teaches and writes on Jungian approaches to clinical practice.