ABSTRACT
Margaret Lowenfeld chose the analogy of the secret garden to describe what she believed was a region of the brain that specialized in processing images necessary for the picture thinking and symbolic meanings ascribed to the figurines in the sand tray. It explores how an Interpersonal Neurobiology perspective can deepen psychotherapists understanding of the sand tray modality, thus strengthening our practical applications of it for healing. It focuses on the Polyvagal Theory of the autonomic nervous system as it relates to the sand tray; parallel windows of affect tolerance; and witnessing the sand tray with mindful awareness. The chapter looks at these concepts and integrate them in the context of the play of a 10-year-old boy the author will call Jason, who loved the sand and miniatures that helped him tell his healing stories. The chapter also explores Jason's healing experience as an enhancement of Lowenfeld’s and Dora Kalff’s valuable contributions to psychotherapists’ understanding of this unique therapeutic modality.
