The Symbolic Meaning of Musical Instruments in Sandplay Therapy

This study aimed to examine the symbolism of musical instruments appearing in sandplay works produced during sandplay therapy. Symbols began to be recognized and explored in philosophy and art, and have been widely studied in psychotherapy as they have been used as psychological concepts. The meaning and therapeutic influence of symbols have also been an important research topic in sandplay therapy. Musical instruments contain various symbolisms such as healing and treatment, expression of emotions, characteristics of femininity flowing like water and air, balance of harmony, and order in the Bible and Eastern and Western myths and folk tales. The purpose of this study is to examine how musical instruments appearing in sandplay works express their diverse and multilayered symbolism through cases. The results of the study showed that musical instruments appearing in sandplay works contained various symbolic meanings such as healing, emotions, desire, death or regression, femininity and harmony.