Sandplay

Phew, finally finished the Sandplay Therapy Certificate course. (Haha my classmates said if they knew I enjoyed doing written assignments they would have paid me to do for them. Actually if I am single and rich I will go round the world attending courses and doing written assignments!). Fortunately we didn't have to go KL to complete this course even though there were only 10 participants in Singapore. KL's class already has 27 registered participants and could never accomodate us. Like I mentioned previously Singaporeans may be adverse to the word 'play'. Even in our class of 10, 4 are foreigners, counsellors from International schools in Singapore and Bangkok.

This 4th and final module was a combination of theories and case presentations. It was an inspiring and insightful session. Although my experience using sandplay therapy with my students is very positive, I was not sufficiently confident of its effectiveness. However after viewing 10 presentations, when we saw over and over again the development of the clients' trays from initial pictures of clutter, chaos, disorder and aggression to more balanced and centred trays often filled with nurturing symbols like nature, vegetation, food, and religious icons; we know that this indeed is a powerful tool. Yes, compared to more 'scientific' tools like CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) or Solution Focused therapy, expressive therapies may sound very warm and fuzzy, but with clients who are not very cognitive, who refuse to be cognitive, or tired of being cognitive, being given the freedom and safety to let go of deep seated issues in the psyche is cathartic.

During class, the lecturer spoke about times when the counselor may feel a "mysterious guidance" during the therapeutic process. Many may think him 'loopy'. Indeed we are living in a world or in societies that easily dismiss anything beyond the cognitive and material realm as pathological or abnormal. However we must acknowledge the links between our physical body, our emotions and the psyche or spiritual energy. Amidst all the talk about Singaporeans being emotionless, I do think that a lot of Singaporeans are not very receptive to anything without structure and beyond the cognitive and physical plane. (Incidentally I am quite taken aback that Singapore has acquired quite an unfavorable reputation abroad. I heard us being mentioned in 2 international forums broadcasted by BBC on  social issues that quoted us as hedonistic, lacking individualism, miserable and pathetic though successful economically. Quite scary. One panelist even described Singapore as a "paradise with miserable people").

Anyway, I am also doubtful any organization here has budget to employ a sandplay therapist. Might be difficult to justify employing someone just to get clients to play. However experiencing the power of this technique I intend to share it with my ex colleagues at the family service centre.