Sandplay and the Clinical Relationship

by Linda Cunningham, PhD

Sandplay and the Clinical Relationship provides a grounding in clinical theory, neuroscience and attachment theory that is profoundly helpful to clinicians working in a variety of modalities. This book also opens up new territory in sandplay, helping sandplay therapists work with clinical issues that classical sandplay theory does not specifically address.

Linda Cunningham delves into the nuances of the relational field and the profound containing function that the therapeutic relationship must provide. Through somatic, emotional, symbolic, and spiritual connection with our clients - what Dr. Cunningham calls "The Self in Relationship" - unrealized aspects of the Self are drawn out and transformed. Jungian sandplay therapists have traditionally focused on three aspects of clinical work: the meaning of symbols, the importance of connecting with the Self, and the qualities of empathy and presence in the therapeutic relationship.

While much has been written about various symbols and their meaning in sandplay, much less has been written about the constellation of the Self or how to work silently within the clinical relationship. Sandplay and the Clinical Relationship explores how-through the clinical relationship itself-symbols arise, the Self is constellated, and deep healing occurs.