Sandplay Therapy and Buddhism

This book provides a new and unique perspective on Sandplay Therapy, focusing on its roots in Eastern spiritual traditions, especially Buddhism, and enabling a wider understanding of the benefits of Buddhist theory for mental health. Exploring the notion that Buddhism is a highly differentiated form of psychology, Sandplay Therapy and Buddhism enables readers to gain new insights into Sandplay theory and outlines how this presents within practical application.

Foregrounding the influence of Buddhism on Donna Kalff (the founder of Sandplay Therapy), chapters present a brief biography of her development of Sandplay practice, an introduction to Sandplay Therapy and an accessible overview of Buddhism. Major teachings, such as the eight worldly conditions, the three characteristics of existence, the three roots, the five powers of the mind, the eightfold path and interpersonal connectedness, are then translated to practice, demonstrating their benefits and relevance to clinical application.

With case vignettes and photographs of Sandplay Therapy practice integrated throughout, this is a highly practical read for Sandplay Therapists interested in better understanding the Buddhist roots of their practice. It will also be essential reading for mental health practitioners of other disciplines, such as arts and expressive therapies and spiritually informed psychotherapists and counsellors.