| Current literature on the use of sand tray therapy as a diagnostic or therapeutic tool shows a variety of approaches but lacks a clear integrative model. This study investigated and organized these approaches into two main ones, and proposed an integrated model. The first, content-oriented approach, examines the placement of toys and the composition of the sand tray for the diagnostic purpose of differentiating normal from abnormal, psychotic, or retarded development. The second, a process-oriented approach, provides insights into the client's clinical and analytic issues that served to delineate a plan of treatment. Comparisons between the content and process models were made from a critical, interdisciplinary, human science perspective, using case studies to document the contributions of content and process-oriented sand play for diagnosis and psychotherapy.; A model integrating process and content approaches was developed which applied theoretical and diagnostic material to case material. Parameters used in the integrated approach to sand play therapy included: (1) articulation of the story line; (2) sensitivity to the cast of characters; (3) response to the setting and its atmosphere; (4) recognition of problems, conflicts, and additional information relevant to the client's issues; (5) identification of the resolution to the "problem" perceived by the sand player; and (6) exploration of methods of treatment suggested by the sand play itself. Case material was employed on sand trays to expand the salient features of the sand toys, their use, and the psychological dynamics underlying the client's imaginative productions. The productions of three sand players were presented and analyzed in depth. This integrated approach to sand play, which is based upon both content and the ongoing dynamics of process, may provide a useful model for future clinical, research, and training in the sand tray method. |
