Jungian Play Therapy 101: Symbols, Archetypes & Clinical Ideas
Cathi Spooner 
Why Understanding Jungian Play Therapy Can Expand the Way You See Children, Play, and the Therapeutic Process
As play therapists, many of us are introduced to a handful of play therapy models early in our training. Child-Centered Play Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, and Attachment-Focused approaches often dominate the conversation. While these are all valuable models, there are other play therapy theories that offer rich ways of understanding children and the healing process.
One of those approaches is Jungian Analytical Play Therapy.
In a recent episode of Next Level Play Therapy, I sat down with Jared Andes to explore the foundations of Jungian Play Therapy, the role of symbols and archetypes in healing, and why this approach continues to be relevant for today's play therapists.
Whether you're looking for a theoretical model that resonates more deeply with your clinical style or simply want to expand your understanding of play therapy, Jungian Play Therapy offers a fascinating perspective on the therapeutic process.
What Is Jungian Play Therapy?
Jungian Analytical Play Therapy is grounded in the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. While Jung initially collaborated with Sigmund Freud, he eventually developed his own psychological framework that emphasized symbols, archetypes, the unconscious, and the natural human drive toward wholeness.
These ideas were later adapted for play therapy by pioneers such as John Allan and further developed by leaders in the Jungian play therapy community, including JP Lilly.
At its core, Jungian Play Therapy views children as naturally moving toward healing and integration. The therapist's role is not to direct that process but to create the conditions where it can unfold safely.
Trusting the Child's Psyche
One of the concepts Jared discussed is Jung's belief that we are all wired for what he called individuation—the lifelong process of becoming our fullest and most authentic selves. From this perspective, children possess an innate capacity for growth and healing.
This idea may sound familiar if you have experience with Child-Centered Play Therapy. Both approaches place tremendous value on trusting the child and honoring the therapeutic relationship.
However, Jungian Play Therapy adds another layer by paying close attention to the symbolic meaning of play, recurring themes, archetypes, and unconscious processes that emerge during sessions.
Rather than viewing play as random activity, Jungian therapists see play as meaningful communication from the child's inner world.
The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship
One of my favorite parts of our conversation centered on the therapeutic relationship.
Jared introduced a Jungian concept called temenos, which refers to a sacred and protected space. In Jungian Play Therapy, the playroom itself is part of that sacred container, but so is the therapeutic relationship. Together, they create an environment where children can safely explore difficult experiences and emotions.
Jared shared a quote from John Allan that deeply resonated with me:
"If the therapy is any good, both parties are changed."
I love this idea because it highlights something many experienced therapists already know: meaningful therapy impacts both the client and the therapist. We carry pieces of our clients' stories with us, and those experiences shape us as clinicians and as people.
Understanding Countertransference as Clinical Information
Many therapists are taught to fear countertransference.
Early in my career, I worried that if I felt strong emotions in a session, I was somehow doing something wrong. What I eventually learned—and what Jungian therapists emphasize—is that countertransference is often valuable clinical information.
Rather than viewing emotional reactions as a problem, Jungian therapists use them as data. The therapist's internal experience can provide important clues about what may be happening within the therapeutic relationship or within the child's emotional world.
Of course, this requires ongoing self-reflection, consultation, and supervision. As Jared explained, Jungian therapists place a strong emphasis on doing their own personal work so they can distinguish between their own reactions and what belongs to the client.
The Three Roles of the Jungian Play Therapist
According to JP Lilly, Jungian Play Therapists occupy three essential roles:
Witness
The therapist observes and deeply attends to the child's experience. The child is seen, heard, and understood without judgment.
Interpreter
The therapist carefully considers the symbolic meaning, themes, and patterns emerging through play. Importantly, interpretations are held as "soft hypotheses" rather than absolute truths. The therapist remains curious and open to being wrong.
Container
The therapist creates emotional safety by establishing boundaries, holding strong emotions, and maintaining a secure therapeutic environment. Without containment, children cannot feel safe enough to engage in deeper healing work.
Together, these roles help create the conditions for transformation.
Symbols Matter: Why Jungian Therapists Pay Attention to Play Themes
One of the unique features of Jungian Play Therapy is its focus on symbolism.
Children often communicate experiences, emotions, and conflicts symbolically long before they can articulate them verbally. Through miniatures, sand trays, art, storytelling, and imaginative play, children reveal aspects of their internal world.
This does not mean therapists jump to conclusions or over-interpret every toy choice.
Instead, therapists remain curious about recurring patterns, themes, and images that emerge over time.
The goal is not to force meaning onto a child's play but to notice what the child may be communicating through symbolic expression.
Using Serial Drawings to Understand the Healing Process
During our conversation, Jared discussed one of my favorite Jungian-informed techniques: serial drawing.
Developed by John Allan, serial drawing involves inviting children to create drawings over multiple sessions and then observing how those images evolve over time. Rather than assigning meaning to a single drawing, therapists look for patterns, themes, and shifts across a series of drawings.
This process allows therapists to identify trends and better understand where a child may be in their healing journey.
It's similar to looking at a series of snapshots instead of relying on just one picture to tell the whole story.
Following the Child While Remaining Grounded in Theory
One of the biggest misconceptions about play therapy is that therapists simply let children do whatever they want.
In reality, effective play therapy requires a strong theoretical foundation.
As Jared explained, interventions are guided by theory, not the other way around. The therapist's understanding of human development, healing, symbolism, and relationship informs every clinical decision.
This is why learning a play therapy model matters.
Theory gives us a framework for understanding:
- What is happening in the playroom
- Why it is happening
- How healing occurs
- What our role should be at each stage of therapy
- How to know when treatment goals are being achieved
Without a framework, it's easy to find ourselves jumping from activity to activity without a clear clinical direction.
Why Exploring Different Play Therapy Models Matters
One of the reasons I was excited to have this conversation is because I believe play therapists benefit from exposure to a variety of theoretical models.
Not every therapist will resonate with Jungian Play Therapy.
But learning about different approaches helps us think more deeply about our work, sharpen our clinical reasoning, and discover frameworks that align with our values and style.
As therapists, we grow when we stay curious.
Sometimes the model that transforms your practice is the one you haven't explored yet.
Continuing Your Play Therapy Journey
If you're interested in deepening your understanding of Jungian Play Therapy, I encourage you to seek out quality training opportunities and continue exploring the rich theoretical foundations behind this approach.
As Jared reminded us during our conversation, Carl Jung offered this powerful insight:
"Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but when touching another human soul, just be another human soul."
That may be one of the most important reminders for all of us as play therapists.
No matter which model we use, healing begins with relationship.
Ready to Strengthen Your Play Therapy Skills?
If you're looking for ongoing support as you learn to apply play therapy theories in real-world clinical practice, consider joining one of our professional development opportunities:
Play Therapy Academy offers intensive supervision, consultation, and competency development for therapists pursuing advanced play therapy skills and the Registered Play Therapist credential.
Play Therapy Elevation CIRCLE provides a supportive community where play therapists can staff cases, discuss research, participate in book club discussions, and receive ongoing consultation support.
Connect with Jared Andes
If today's conversation sparked your interest in Jungian Analytical Play Therapy, selective mutism, trauma, or neurodivergence, I encourage you to connect with Jared Andes and learn more about his work. Throughout our discussion, Jared shared valuable insights into the healing power of symbols, archetypes, therapeutic relationships, and the role of the therapist in creating a safe container for growth and transformation.
You can connect with Jared through:
If you're interested in learning more about Jungian Analytical Play Therapy, Jared is also presenting Back to the Future: The Past, Present, and Future of Jungian Analytical Play Therapy, a six-hour training through the Utah Association for Play Therapy. The training explores the history, theory, clinical application, and future directions of this unique play therapy model.
Categories: : Community, Neuroscience of attachment, Play Therapy, Play Therapy Academy, Play Therapy Elevation Circle, Play Therapy Model, Podcast, Trauma
