C.G.Jung’s Analytical Psychology is the theoretical basis of Sandplay Therapy. The ISST statutes state: “Sandplay is a therapeutic method developed by Dora Kalff and based on the psychological principles of C.G. Jung…”

At the 2011 Board meeting a committee was formed to draw up guidance on the Jungian fundamental topics for teachers and students of ISST.

These were agreed at the Board meeting in 2012.

1. Topics:

  • Structure of the psyche: persona, ego, shadow, anima/animus, Self
  • The nature of the unconscious and the relation between ego and unconscious
  • Archetype, symbol, complex
  • Transference and counter transference
  • Individuation process
  • Psychic energy (the principles of equilibrium and constancy, progression and regression)
  • Extraversion and introversion (and typology)
  • Transcendent function

2. Suggested texts

BASIC:

  • CG Jung, Memories, Dreams and Reflections.
    Especially Chapter 5: confrontation with the unconscious
  • CG Jung, Man and his Symbols
  • Anthony Stevens: A very Short introduction to Jung
  • Verna Kast: The Dynamics of Symbols
  • Verena Kast: Fundamentals of Jungian Psychotherapy

INTERMEDIATE

  • Esther Harding: the I and the not – I
  • Jacobi: Complex, Symbol and Archetype
  • Emma Jung: Animus and Anima
  • Edward Whitmont: The Symbolic Quest

ADVANCED

(Essential writings of CG Jung for the method of Sandplay Therapy)

  • Memories, Dreams and Reflections.
  • Man and his Symbols
  • The transcendent function. Collected works (CW) 8,
    paragraph 131 to 193
  • The Individuation Process CW 9(i)
  • On Psychic Energy CW 8 paragraph 1-130
  • A Review of the Complex Theory CW 8  paragraph 194 – 219
  • The Tavistock lectures CW 18 paragraph 1 – 415
  • Psychology and Alchemy CW12 esp. page 274:
    meditation and imagination
  • The relation between the ego and the unconscious CW 7,
    paragraph 202 – 37 (The Psychology of Transference CW 16)

Implementation: 

These fundamentals were agreed upon and amended in Poland in 2012. In order to support trainees in gaining knowledge in these areas it was proposed and agreed that:

–  All ISST Member Societies and Teaching Members be informed of
   these fundamentals.

–  Jungian Fundamentals be emphasized and highlighted by Teachers
   throughout the training experience.

–  Knowledge of Jungian Fundamentals be evaluated through symbol
   and final case papers.

–  Teaching of Jungian Fundamentals be emphasized in training new
   Teaching Members.

ACTION: 

Board Representatives of the ISST Member Societies are asked to inform their Societies about the Jungian Fundamentals document.