Into the Symbolic Realm: A Jungian Play Therapy Historical Overview (1)

Jungian Play Therapy invites therapists into the symbolic world of the child—a world where imagination, archetypes, and unconscious processes guide healing. This workshop provides a historical overview of Jungian theory as it applies to play therapy, tracing its roots from Carl Jung’s early work to modern applications in play therapy. Participants will explore the evolution of Jungian concepts such as the Self, archetypal imagery, symbolic play, and active imagination, and learn how these ideas inform assessment and treatment planning. Through experiential learning, case examples, and skill demonstration, clinicians will practice applying Jungian principles to their work with children, including identifying symbols, exploring themes across sessions, and crafting therapeutic goals aligned with the child’s developmental and inner processes. This program is designed to help therapists deepen their understanding of Jungian theory while strengthening their ability to integrate symbolic play into effective, transformative clinical work.