Pluralistic Sand-Tray Therapy

In this book, Fleet provides the first comprehensive guide to implementing sand-tray therapy within a pluralistic framework. Pluralistic Sand-Tray Therapy offers several unique contributions to a theoretical understanding of the therapeutic process, including the dynamic phenomenological field incorporating the concept of phenomenological shift and the introduction to two sand-tray specific mechanisms that aid the therapeutic process by facilitating the client’s discovery in a unique way. Theory is applied to practice with step-by-step detailed guidance on how to deliver effective pluralistic sand-tray therapy from the initial appointment to the end of therapy. Each theoretical concept and practical direction is supported by case study findings, including photographs taken during real sessions. This book will be an essential text for academics and students of psychotherapy and counselling seeking to understand the impact and implementation of sand-tray therapy. It also offers a complete guide for practicing counsellors and psychotherapists, including arts and play therapists, who wish to use sand-tray therapy in their work.

"Creativity in counselling and psychotherapy has been a long-standing tradition and the use of sand tray work to facilitate insight and growth has been established with children and young people, as well as with adults, for many years. Likewise, the development over the last decade of pluralism in therapy has further facilitated creativity in theory, research and practice. Fleet’s superb text sees a perfect synchronicity of these ideas, captured together in way that supports innovation in practice for diverse populations. An essential text for those seeking to further develop their work within a pluralistic frame." - Professor Andrew Reeves, Professor in Counselling Professions and Mental Health, University of Chester and BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist "Pluralistic Sand-tray Therapy provides a contemporary, research-informed introduction to the use of sand-tray therapy with a wide range of client groups. A wide range of practical therapeutic techniques and strategies are explained using vividly-described case examples, in the context of a flexible, collaborative approach to practice that draws on a diversity of theoretical perspectives. This book is a highly recommended resource for all counsellor, psychotherapist or mental health practitioners who are interested in developing a more comprehensive appreciation of how to incorporate sand-tray methods into their work with clients." - Julia McLeod, Lecturer in Counselling, Abertay University "This book provides creative inspiration and practical guidance, as Fleet invites us to explore the sensory and therapeutic strengths of pluralistic sand-tray therapy with adult clients. The approach is considered through theory, client process and applications to practice with illustrative case studies. Fleet spotlights the sand-tray as a metaphorical experiential theatre’, offering sensitive and discerning direction for therapists from a range of theoretical orientations, to develop practice in pluralistic sand-tray therapy with a range of client groups and experiences." - Susan Fleming, Practitioner, Senior Lecturer and Course Director in Counselling and CBT (MBACP, BABCP Accred.)

Dr Doreen Fleet is a chartered psychologist (Counselling) with the BPS and became BACP accredited in 2007. She was a senior university lecturer and currently offers external postgraduate research supervision at the University of Chester. Doreen has consistently used creative ways of working throughout her teaching and counselling career.