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The Value of Using Sandplay as a Tool for Counselling Within a School Setting

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 February 2016

Sheryl Tunnecliff  and
Patrick O'Brien
Sheryl Tunnecliff
Affiliation:
University of Southern Queensland, Australia
Patrick O'Brien*
Affiliation:
University of Southern Queensland, Australia
*
Faculty of Education, University of Southern Queensland, Wide Bay Campus, PO Box 910, Hervey Bay, Queensland 4655, Australia. E-mail: obrienp@usq.edu.au
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Abstract

This paper proposes that sandplay can be a useful tool for counsellors within the school setting. It follows previous work by O'Brien and Burnett (2000a, 2000b; O'Brien, 1999), who proposed that sandplay allows the counsellor to integrate all eight intelligences proposed by Howard Gardner (1983). A short historical account of sandplay therapy is followed by a discussion of its therapeutic value, aims and client–therapist relationship. The authors propose that sandplay uses a combination of spoken language, deductive reasoning, art and music therapy, symbols, narratives, and social and intrapersonal skills. This combination is inclusive of children with disabilities and appreciates the diversity all learners bring into the counselling sessions. Constraints on its effective use in schools are also discussed. The conclusion encourages counsellors to overcome the constraints and use sandplay on a regular basis within the school setting.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 14 , Issue 2 , December 2004 , pp. 221 - 232
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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