Part Three: Sandplay Therapy – Mandalas and integration

Keran Thomas – Birdwing Therapies

On June 14 and 15 I have had the pleasure of going to Sydney to attend the Happiness and Its Causes Conference held at the Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. I found the conference to be really interesting, especially hearing new perspectives about the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, spoke beautifully about the importance of nurturing our children, and how nurturing is the basis for emotional wellbeing, mental health and happiness in babies, children and their families.

Tibetan Buddhists, Navaho Indians and the Japanese (in Miniature Gardens) have used mandalas and sand pictures for centuries. Mandala work is often used as a key component of Sandplay Therapy and Symbol Work and has been known to promote further healing following the therapy. (1)  I have incorporated the use of mandala drawing and infill with many of my clients (children and women)who have experienced abuse and trauma and found that following the therapy session Mandala drawings can assist in the integration of the insights discovered during the counselling process. Offering clients the option of using Mandalas as “homework” in between sessions has enabled the client to centre the Self, promote relaxation and emotional health. Pearon and Wilson (2000) suggest that “The circle suggests a centre, and drawing within it can have a centring effect on the client”. (2)

Whilst at the Conference the Gyatso Monks completed a spectacular sand mandala. The expertise of the monks in the creation of this beautiful piece had many delegates captivated at each tea and lunch time break. Fincher (2000) states that ” Tibetan Buddhist monks create mandalas that are considered a dwelling place for a deity“, and that “every element of the mandala has symbolic meaning”. (3)

The use of Mandalas in the integration of Sandplay and Symbol Work may also have a soothing and calming affect on the person.  Colours, words and shapes may be part of the Mandala drawing prior to the completion of the session, which can support new meanings and insights and the person’s inner strengths and healing throughout professional counselling. I have found that Mandalas to be an excellent resource and therapy tool.

1. Journal of Sandplay Therapy 1991

2.  Pearson, M. & Wilson, H. (2001). Sandplay & Symbol Work – Emotional Healing & Personal Development with Children, Adolescents & Adults.  Melbourne: ACER Press.

3. Fincher, S. (2000) Coloring Mandalas – For Insight, Healing and Self Expression, Shambala, Boston