Using sandplay therapy to bridge a language barrier in emotionally supporting a young vulnerable child

The purpose of this study was to explore the usefulness of sandplay therapy to overcome a language barrier in the process of emotionally supporting a very young, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) & Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) infected, orphaned Sotho-speaking child. The qualitative case study involved informal assessment and re-assessment, and employed observation, interviews, field notes, and photographs. In our hermeneutic-reflective narrative of the sessions we employed a psychoanalytical developmental model, an object relations, and a Gestalt therapy perspective, and highlighted the value of therapeutic touch. Our thematic analysis and crystallization of data indicated that 18 sessions of sandplay therapy had been effective in supporting her emotionally, and may be useful for vulnerable children with pre-verbal trauma.