“Some body else”: Harlequin’s journey in forensic sandplay and gender dysphoria

Abstract

Forensic Sandplay tells tragically ambivalent tales from deep within the unconscious, and body and mind, of devastating physiological and psychological impact of a parental split, abandonment-trauma, loss, and bereavement, from the masculine (and death of the father), and emotional and physical abuse from the feminine (mother). Using both sand trays at a time, Alex’s identity formation existed in the periphery between male and female, and masculine (conscious) and feminine (unconscious) energies in emotional detachment, de-personalisation and over-separation. Sacrificial archetypes, such as Harlequin, surrender the ego to the Self in order for previously masked emotional states, and aspects of Self, to become known, in a process of initiation; containing, liberating, and uniting internal opposing forces, and achieving balance (Jung et al., 1964). As a pretending Fool, yet paradoxically, intelligent Trickster, Harlequin transcends resistance and emancipates suppressed anxieties and threat sensitivity. Through uncovering buried, past resentment, and safely exploring the risk of gender violence, control and rigidity are abandoned in a dual representation of both masculine and feminine forces, in order for self-preservation, adaptation, authenticity, acceptance, and self-realisation. Alex’s separation of body and mind took authority, and desperately sought a sense of agency. Alex’s prohibited sexual and emotional life (perhaps witnessed in hand-printing in the sand) required bodily acknowledgement, and in being seen. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)