Background: We all know how difficult can be for a child or adolescents to express their feelings and emotions when their body is being trapped in a symptom that appears to be the only way to disclose a deep disconfort. Words are sometimes limited and most of the times are just not enough and tend to be themselves a way to rationalize what it is felt deep inside. Sand play therapy can be a useful and effective way to express those hidden emotions by the use of symbols thus connecting body, mind and soul.
Objectives: 1. How to accesso frozen emotions by using Sand play therapy 2. What is Sand play therapy 3. Why Sand play therapy can be an effective way to treatment eating disorders.
1 The first part will be dedicated to the theoretical frame in which Sand play therapy has been developed from Jung to Dora Kalff from Winnicott to Melanie Klein for the importance of play as a mean that helps the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the express un of emotions especially when they are trapped due to the symptoms of Eating Disorders.
2. The second part will be experential and participants will have the opportunity to try to create a scenary with Sand play therapy using a case study
Disease often occurs when creativity is blocked, therefore it is important to create a safe environment where adolescents can "create" and see their inner world and metabolize it, thus enabling them to see that they can overcome judgments, stereotypes about beauty and health. This process helps making a connection with the right part of the Brain. We will then see the implication of this kind of therapy and the neurological effects in the Light of the recent researches done in the field
Anna Scelzo works as clinical psychologist and psychotherapist at a local hospital near Genoa and in a private practice. She has been working in the field of addiction and eating disorders for the past ten years both with individuals and groups, adolescents and adults. For the last three years she has been also involved in the treatment of obesity, including patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Anna has conducted workshops for community organizations, schools and healthcare professionals. For the past six years she has been using mandalas in the treatment of eating disorders creating an ‘integrated therapy' system including psychodrama.
