Certification in Symbol Work

Course details

Symbols Work is wonderful ways of exploring our inner world. Symbols Work are often used in conjunction with Sandplay. There is a lot of transformation that can happen at this level, as the figurines are related to and arranged in relation to each other. It is very non-threatening. Inner changes are allowed which remain hidden in a traditional counseling session. Symbols Work is a hands-on expressive counseling and psychotherapy modality that has been in use for over seventy five years. It forms a bridge between verbal therapy and the expressive therapies, combining both elements. Symbols Work allows the deeper aspects of the psyche to be worked with naturally and with safety, and is highly effective in reducing the emotional causes of difficult behaviors. It can be used both as a support for stress management and emotional growth and as a means for providing a bridge to support the use of a variety emotional growth therapies.

Training Topics

Foundation Skills

• Introduction to Symbol Work
• practical experience, history and theory
• Brief review of literature
• Role-play techniques to support integration
• Input on Symbol Work equipment
• Contraindications for use of Symbolic Work and role-play
• Creating mythological stories for self-understanding
• Illustrated case studies

Advanced Skills, Psychological Frameworks

• Psychological mechanisms activated by sandplay
• Concepts from Jungian psychology supporting sandplay
• Use of mandala artwork for integration
• Interpretation of spatial arrangements in the tray
• Dr. Lowenfeld's theoretical framework
• Skills practice and case illustrations

Research, Theory & Development of Practice

• Use of Symbol Work in group programs
• Review of Dora Kalff's theoretical framework
• Indications for analysis of sand pictures
• Working with dream symbols
• Co-transference in the sandplay session
• Refinement of facilitation skills

Transpersonal Aspects, Supervision

• Case presentations by students
• Transpersonal and perinatal influences on the psyche
• Beyond the Shadow - completion trays
• Skills development

Course Layout

• We use the mastery system of education. Besides lecturing, this course provides clinical experience such as: research, case study, supervision & presentation. Assessment includes case study presentations, group participation, research paper and assignments.
• The topics mentioned above are taught within seven sessions. Between the sixth and seventh session, a period of approximately 1 month of clinical supervision & research is implemented outside of classroom. During this period, students will be give assignments and projects to do.

Below are the equipment used:

• Projector
• Toys
• White board
• Notes/ books
• Chairs & Table