Bridge to the Unconscious: The Combined use of Kalffian Sandplay and Vocal Psychotherapies

Sandplay therapy involves the use of water, sand, and miniature toys and symbols. These materials are used in a mediating process that allows material from the conscious and the unconscious to be organized in a new way to effectuate psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing. Sandplay is both nonverbal and nondirective, providing the client with a safe therapeutic space that facilitates process at a pre-verbal, nonrational level. Vocal psychotherapy also deals with unconscious material, such as regression in service to the self and dissociation. In contrast to sandplay therapy, vocal psychotherapy uses the breath, singing, and music in the voice through techniques such as vocal holding and free associative singing. The pairing of sandplay therapy and vocal psychotherapy is a pairing of two nondirective forms of therapy, one of which is nonverbal and the other vocal, but with or without words. The use of vocal psychotherapy together with sandplay therapy may enhance and reinforce the insights gained by the client.