In my previous blog I discussed in brief the repeated theme of dangerous journeys in Rachel's sandplay stories during therapy. Rachel was presented for sandplay therapy as her parents were undergoing divorce proceedings. (Refer to archive for background). In this blog I shall discuss the dark issues which started to surface from the recesses of the child's mind. This usually comes about after a few sessions when the child subconsciously feels it safe to explore. Catharsis takes place when these issues are projected onto a sand story. The problem will seem less intimidating when viewed at a distance.
During the fourth sandplay session, Rachel picked all the sharks (toy figures) available on the shelf and created a sea filled with sea animals including a giant octopus and crawlies, all of which she described as dangerous. She also picked flags which served as "warnings against booby traps". In addition she selected a treasure chest and filled it with marbles. She then buried it deep in the sand on one side of the sea which was the bottom of the blue tray.
In the story which she played out on the sand tray, the family consisting of a mother and 2 daughters ( a literal representation of her own family composition ) were crossing a sea infested with "poisonous sea animals" to look for a treasure chest. In the story the younger daughter was bitten and the mother knocked unconscious by a turtle. The older daughter came to the mother's rescue but the younger girl died from the poisonous bite and the older girl buried her sister. The mother and daughter found the treasure chest.
While playing out the burying scene, Rachel's face was tense. She remarked that it was a difficult task which took three days but had to be done. When completed she abruptly ended the story with the treasure chest being found. "End of story" she snapped.
In the child's mind the journey which the family was embarking was filled with danger where members could be hurt. She was also taking on a protective role which is common among children of divorced parents. They often believe it is their responsibility to relieve their parents' emotional distress. In my earlier blog I have also shared about the child's incessant worries about the father's well being.
The burying of the little sister in the story could either be some inner fears Rachel had concerning her own younger sister or could also represent some aspect of herself which she wanted to bury like an old belief or attitude. This could signal a transition or transformation symbolised by the finding of the treasure chest which held the gems they had been searching for.
I will continue to discuss in subsequent blogs how the child's processed the divorce emotionally.
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