Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This book outlines the history of art therapy originating as an adjunct therapy in psychiatry, education and corrections, and the history of sandplay therapy as a development in the Jungian tradition of psychoanalysis. The writer makes clear connections between art therapy and sandplay and clear links with Jungian theory. The style is clear and accessible, and gives a good introduction to sandplay for those wanting one. The chosen case studies illustrate the points she is making well, and provide a clear view of her approach. The book is of immediate interest to art therapists wishing to work with sandplay. It would also be of interest and relevance to dramatherapists who see the dramatic potential in sandplay work and need some guidance to make a start with this.'

- Dramatherapy

Lenore Steinhardt presents sandplay therapy in an art therapy setting. She begins by outlining the principles and practicalities of sandplay therapy and explaining the importance of the specifically blue tray and other materials used. She provides a history of art therapy and sandplay therapy, and the previous literature and thinking in these fields. While other books have focused on the significance of the miniature objects used in sandplay, the author concentrates on the self-created sand form. From this exciting new perspective, she emphasizes the importance of the physical contact with ancient natural elements - sand and water - arguing that the value of sandplay therapy lies in the balance of natural, cultural and manufactured elements as this reflects the balance we aim for in everyday life. The focus on the visual and formative is backed up by photographs and detailed case studies.

This book will be essential reading for anyone interested in sandplay as it provides a comprehensive overview of its history and theory as well as accessible examples and case studies. It also looks at sandplay therapy from an important new perspective and successfully bridges the gap between art therapy and sandplay.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• List of Figures
• List of Plates
• Acknowledgments
• Preface (p. 9)
• Part 1 Introduction
• 1 Sandplay Therapy and the Art Therapy Setting (p. 15)
• Part 2 A Review of Sandplay Literature in Relation to Form
• 2 History and Description of Sandplay Therapy (p. 33)
• Part 3 The Art Therapy Setting and Jungian Sandplay
• 3 An Art Therapy Approach to Self-Expression Through Materials (p. 53)
• 4 The Art Therapy Profession (p. 56)
• 5 Forms of Artmaking Related to Sandplay: Relief, collage, assemblage, objet trouve (p. 61)
• 6 The Art Therapy Setting and Materials (p. 64)
• 7 Classification of the Materials of Art Therapy (p. 75)
• 8 Sandplay in the Art Therapy Setting (p. 79)
• 9 Materials of Sandplay (p. 87)
• 10 Classification of the Materials of Sandplay (p. 96)
• 11 Color (p. 99)
• Part 4 The Creation of Form in Art Therapy and Sandplay
• 12 Visual Expression (p. 108)
• Part 5 Primary Modes of Play With Sand and Water
• 13 The Sand Surface: Molding, Gathering, Drawing, Impressing (p. 127)
• 14 Penetrating the Sand Surface: Holes, Tunnels, Burying, Unburying (p. 141)
• 15 The Use of Water: Dripping and Flooding (p. 151)
• 16 Tactile Communication and Untouched Sand (p. 158)
• Part 6 A Presentation of a Sandplay Process Wanda: A Young Woman's Journey Through Mourning, Death and Loss to Fertility and Birth
• 17 Wanda: Overthrowing the Collective (p. 167)
• 18 Wanda: Bringing Water to the Center (p. 192)
• 19 Wanda: Abundance and Divine Protection (p. 206)
• 20 Conclusion (p. 222)
• References (p. 226)
• Subject Index (p. 233)
• Name Index (p. 239)

Author notes provided by Syndetics