The evolution of sandplay therapy applications

Abstract

The history, psychotherapeutic process, and expanding research and applications of sandplay therapy are described. First developed in London in the late 1920’s, and further developed in Switzerland in the late 1950’s, continuous publication of descriptive and research literature on a widening range of applications of sandplay has added to, and validated, a growing international interest in this therapeutic modality. The expanding, practice-based sandplay literature, primarily based on qualitative reports using phenomenological and case study methodology, indicates that sandplay is being used as both a stand-alone modality and as a welcome adjunct to a wide range of therapeutic approaches.