Cultural Complexes in Sandplay Therapy: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

This study explored cultural complexes within the context of sandplay therapy by examining the lived experiences of sandplay therapists who work with diverse populations. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews, revealing five major themes: 1) mutual influence in the shared therapeutic space; 2) the transformative power of the sandplay process; 3) cultural complexes; 4) cross-cultural understanding; and 5) the presence of racism in therapeutic work. Additionally, the study found that the personal and cultural complexities of both the therapist and patient coexist and influence one another in parallel. These findings highlight the profound interplay between cultural identity, therapeutic relationships, and the healing potential of sandplay therapy.