Presentation Information
[SY-4-01]Sand play co-therapy -relieving compassion fatigue-
*Kanako Shimizu1,2, Naoko Miyaji3 (1.Rokubancho Mental Clinic, Japan depression center(Japan), 2.Jichi Medical University, Department of Psychiatry(Japan), 3.Graduate School of Social Sciences Hitotsubashi University(Japan))
Keywords:
compassion fatigue,burnaout,sandplay,art therapy,trauma
This presentation explores the application of Sand Play Therapy (SPT) as a psychological intervention to alleviate compassion fatigue and burnout among mental health professionals. These issues have garnered significant attention, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, disasters, and conflicts.In this study, SPT sessions were conducted between two psychiatrists with an established relationship of trust and familiarity. The interactive nature of the sand play facilitated the movement of each participant's psyche, ultimately leading to the release of emotional fatigue.The methodology involved participants taking turns to construct a sandbox, with each turn lasting 20-40 minutes. The subsequent participant then created a new sandbox by modifying the previous one, either adding or removing figures. A total of seven sand play sessions were completed. These sessions were notably conducted just one week after the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake (M7.6) in Japan. The earthquake not only triggered memories of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake but also heightened awareness of compassion fatigue encountered in daily clinical practice.This presentation will highlight the dynamic interaction and the emergence of deeper psyche during and after the SPT sessions. This process empowered participants through the sharing of symbols and the continued evolution of stories and meanings, even beyond the sessions. We will discuss these aspects and explore the potential of sand play co-therapy in alleviating compassion fatigue.