A Phenomenological Study of Therapists’ Co-transference Experiences in Sandplay Therapy

In this study, we examined the co-transference experiences of sandplay therapists. We applied the descriptive phenomenological method developed by Amedeo Giorgi. To begin with, we interviewed seven therapists and analyzed the data. Of the 800 semantic units identified, we used 540 of them, excluding the repetitive, or those deviating from context. By comparing these items, we identified 116 meanings. We structured three components and 10 sub-components based on the central meanings. The components comprised the co-transference experience, while the sub-components contained 48 semantic units. In our interviews, we noted that the participants were placing their clients’ sand scenes in the center of their statements. Thus, the pairs had fused with the sand trays and healed each other’s wounds. The total structure of empathy and healing made up co-transference.