Combining Ericksonian and sand play approaches to therapy with children who manifest depression as a developmental barrier

Abstract

This study reports on the use of the Ericksonian approach combined with sand play therapy to assist children who present with depression, a troublesome developmental barrier. Participants were six children and/or adolescents with depression (twomales and four females; age range 7 to 8; ethnicity: five white and one black). The intervention occured once a week over a two-month period (eight 60 minute sessions in total). Outcome data were collected using qualitative interview and thematically analyzed. The Ericksonian approach to sandplay therapy had an overall positive effect on children who experienced depression as a developmental barrier.