TITLE:
Feasibility of Sandplay Therapy for Terminally Ill Cancer Patients in a Palliative Care Ward
AUTHORS:
Michiyo Ando, Toshifumi Kosugi, Syoko Iwanaga
KEYWORDS:
Sandplay Therapy, Palliative Care, Terminally Ill Patient, Self-Transcendence
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.14 No.9,
September
10,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Sandplay Therapy (SPT) is psychotherapy method utilized worldwide. The nonverbal approach of SPT is especially applicable in working with children, and with adults with trauma, distress, disabilities, and migration issues. However, there are few studies for terminally ill patients. Since patients experience psychological distress and spiritual pain, nonverbal approach of SPT may be useful. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibitlity of Sandplya therapy for terminally ill cancer patients in palliative care wards, and utility of Sandplay Therapy for them. We proposed Sandplay Therapy for two patients and reported as case studies. Method: Participants were two patients in a palliative ward in a hospital who could participate both mentally and physically. The head nurse introduced this therapy for candidate patients and introduced it to the clinical psychologist. The clinical psychologist met patients two times. Results: About Case 1, in the first session, the 70-year male showed interests in this therapy. He wanted items of “green plant” and made an art about “Park”. He reviewed that he worked very hard mentally on edge, and found the way to live from now on making an art. In the second session, he made an art “his old hometown” when he spent young time. He might connect past, present, and future. It suggests that Sandplay Therapy might be useful for patients to promote Self-Transcendence. About Case 2, in the first session, the 70-year female, she made an art “Her parents’ family”. She remembered her deceased father and deceased sisters. In the second session, she made an art “Her present family” with remembering going to the zoo. She essentially liked to create things like knitting and made arts with pleasure in this time. Discussion: We concluded that it is possible that we conduct Sandplay Therapy with help from other staff in palliative care wards, and it may be useful for patients to promote their self-transcendence or identity.