Uniquely creative together

Abstract

This paper discusses silent group Sandplay (SP) with early adolescents in circumstances of deprivation, neglect and trauma. SP offered in multiple layers of temenos in a children’s home environment provided a conducive context for inner processing. Considered from a Jungian perspective, SP revealed inner processing at work. Initial portrayals included threats, conflict and chaos, the need for protection and containment and revealed vulnerability. Later SP images and processes depicted progression and regression, uniquely creative together as well as containment and activation of movement. Silent group SP supported and facilitated transcendental and self encounters that included centring, integration, wholeness, numinous and newfound energy. The implications are potentially far-reaching in terms of the relative affordability, accessibility, efficiency and cultural suitability of this intervention that is not reliant on the verbal skills of the participants or the therapist and can be offered to several individuals simultaneously.