In a single session of simulated sandplay therapy between a client (Cl) and a therapist (Th), we used a wearable near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device to simultaneously measure the brain activity of both parties' frontal lobes. We conducted a qualitative analysis of the interaction between the Cl and Th during the sandtray creation (approx. 10 min) from the first-person perspective of the first author, who participated in the session as the therapist (Th). By focusing on the discrepancy between Th's self-perception and the actual way he witnessed the sandplay, it became possible to describe aspects of witnessing that cannot be encompassed by the expression "to follow the Cl". The analysis presented in this paper indicates that, in sandplay therapy, Th essentially "follows" Cl in the sense that they do not directly touch or interfere with Cl's expression. However, their role does not end there. They also await what is about to be created by Cl, moving their own mind between the present and the future, anticipating and predicting the outcome.

View full abstract