| From this research, a theory of countertransference for sandplay therapy is developed, based on the work of Goodheart (1980) and Ogden (1994), and including the work of Klein, Bion, Winnicott, Racker, Kalff, and Bradway. Four archetypally based fields of human experience are described---Original Oneness (Merger), Twoness (Rupture), Differentiated Oneness (Transitional Space), and the Numinous Field of the Transcendent Function. Not described elsewhere in sandplay literature, the first two fields are fundamentally important for normalizing, understanding, and using disturbing or confusing countertransference experiences.; This research seeks to answer the question: "What is the full range of the subjective experience of the Jungian sandplay therapist?" The heuristic research method (Moustakas, 1990) was used, incorporating self-examination of sandplay countertransference and in-depth interviews with seven psychotherapists each having at least ten years of sandplay experience. The data are presented in five individual depictions, two exemplary portraits, a composite depiction, and a creative synthesis entitled "A Field Theory of Countertransference in Sandplay Therapy."; The results of this research show that (1) a general countertransference experience of pleasurable anticipation exists in sandplay therapy, and (2) sandplay therapists experience a full range of countertransference feelings, thoughts, bodily sensations, images and fantasies; have negative subjective experiences; and often seem to be filled with shame and doubt when disturbing experiences arise in the transference/countertransference, blaming themselves for inadequate holding because, until now, they have had no theory or metaphor to guide them in this difficult territory.; An extensive review of the literature reveals that although there is abundant literature concerning countertransference in verbal psychotherapy, there is very little published material and, in fact, no coherent theory on countertransference in sandplay therapy. What has been written on the subject emphasizes the affectively "positive" experience for the therapist and seems to regard any negative experience as "interference." Although rarely, some sandplay therapists report that they have had "negative" (i.e., confusing, disturbing, or uncomfortable) subjective experiences. Psychoanalytic and Jungian theory would consider these negative experiences unavoidable and therapeutically useful. This research extends that understanding to sandplay therapy. |
