A Case Study of Sandplay Therapy for an Adult Male Survivor of Childhood Abuse

This study explores the healing process of a middle-aged male survivor of childhood abuse through Sandplay therapy. Initially, the client is unaware of how his violent childhood environment has affected his current interpersonal relationships and self-awareness. However, through therapy, he gradually begins to recognize these impacts. Sandplay therapy allows clients to symbolically express their unconscious wounds and emotions. The client’s unconscious wounds and emotions represent positive aspects of himself not yet realized in his life, existing internally in undifferentiated forms of the shadow and the feminine principle. This paper interprets the symbols related to the client’s inner awareness through Carl Jung’s concepts of the “shadow” and “anima.” Throughout the therapeutic process, the client experiences growth by discovering the positive aspects of himself that has been concealed by his negative aspects. He also accepts his identity as a “survivor of abuse” and also reflects on his responsibility as a “perpetrator of abuse” as well. In the final session, he expresses a new sense of purpose in life, stating, “My life is not yet a failure, and I will never meet you again because of these issues.” This remark reflects his newfound meaning and commitment to caring for his life moving forward, while also expressing gratitude to the therapist for their shared journey. This study aims to show how Sandplay therapy supports identity restoration and the improvement of interpersonal relationships for adult male survivors of childhood abuse.