Japan Society for the Promotion of Science:Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
Date (from‐to) : 2014/04 -2016/03
Author : Kato Chieko; TANAKA Kenichi; SUGIMOTO Futoshi; TSUCHIDA Kensei; SUGAHARA TOORU; SHIBUTANI Hideo
Sandplay therapy, which is not so well-known outside of Japan, but widely used in this country. The activity of sandplay therapy itself is fun, and allows for free expression of unconscious emotions or thoughts. Access to a 3D printer expands the possible worlds that subjects are able to create, which allows for more creativity. In this study, counselors were encouraged to view the subjects and their sandplay worlds in a positive way. After the sandplay therapy, the subjects heard the counselors’ interpretation and reported that the experience was very enjoyable. Even though they may have felt a little uncertain, after doing sandplay therapy they believe that the future can be purposeful and are willing to work unwaveringly towards their goals. Using this type of therapy has proven to be a beneficial form of positive psychology.