Mapping the Process of Transformation: The Seven Phases of Sandplay Therapy1

Abstract C. G. Jung describes individuation as a universal, transformative journey toward becoming who we were meant to be. This movement toward wholeness occurs through successive encounters with parts of oneself that lie hidden in the unconscious. Sandplay Therapy as founded by Dora Kalff provides a symbolic and experiential means to engage with archetypal energies of the unconscious, naturally activating the individuation process. Each sand picture is a direct expression of one’s psyche, and a series of sand images reveals the individuation journey as it unfolds in three‐dimensional form. Recognizing and tracking individuation presents a challenge for sandplay therapists and analysts, as the process is inherently deep, nonlinear, and unique to each individual. This article provides an overview of the Seven Phases of Sandplay Therapy —an empirically derived framework that offers a structured approach to understanding psychological development and the process of transformation. It explores the underlying mechanisms of change, symbols and themes characteristic of each phase, and illustrates these concepts through a clinical case study. Additionally, the article examines implications for clinical practice, including its limitations.