In this article, we will Describe the Steps in Art Therapy and Explain the Techniques in it.
Techniques in Art Therapy.
Art Therapy is a form of therapy that utilizes the creative process of art-making to improve mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. It offers a non-verbal and expressive outlet for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Here are some key techniques used in art therapy:
1. Exploration Tasks:
Exploration Tasks in art therapy are liberating exercises that aim to encourage clients to express themselves freely and spontaneously, letting go of conscious thoughts and controls. They are similar to verbal free associations and are typically used in the initial sessions of art therapy. Examples of exploration tasks include:
- Scribble Technique/ Automatic Drawing: In Automatic Drawing, the client is instructed to relax and freely make lines or scribbles on paper without lifting the pen until the exercise is complete. It helps the client let their guard down and serves as a great starting point for therapy.
- Free Drawing: In Free Drawing, the client has complete freedom to express themselves without worrying about planning the picture. This technique is valuable as the images created often reflect the person’s current issues, strengths, and weaknesses. After the drawing, the client is typically invited to share and explain what they drew.
- Drawing Completion: In the Drawing Completion technique, the client is given a paper with some lines or shapes already drawn on them. These serve as a starting point for the client to incorporate into a larger picture. This technique is great for group discussions due to the diverse individual responses to the same stimuli. Kinget developed this approach for therapeutic purposes.
2. Rapport-Building:
Rapport-Building exercises are used in individual and group art therapy settings to reduce the isolation that clients may feel during their art-making process. These exercises aim to foster a sense of connection between clients and between clients and the therapist. Examples of rapport-building exercises include:
- Conversational Drawing: In Conversational Drawing, pairs in the group communicate and share by using shapes, colours, and lines. Seated across from each other, they engage in non-verbal communication. This activity helps clients to know each other better.
- Painting Completion by the Group: In Painting Completion by the group, each member names an object, feeling, or event and depicts it. Others in the group then add to the collage, aiming to enhance what’s already there. This technique helps individuals become aware of their feelings when others contribute to their artwork. Sharing and expressing emotions about someone else’s additions is encouraged.
- Painting with an Observer: In Painting with an Observer, one member of a pair freely expresses their thoughts as they watch the other person paint. The painter can respond as they see fit during the process. This exercise facilitates discussions on feelings of dependency, autonomy, and acceptance.
3. Expression of Inner Feelings:
These techniques aim to help the client connect with their inner feelings, desires, and fantasies and express them visually. The goal is to increase self-awareness. The therapist then assists the client in dealing with these emotions and working towards a solution. One example of this technique is the “Three Wishes,” where the client portrays their desires through art.
- Three Wishes: In the “Three Wishes” technique, the client is asked to paint or depict three or more wishes. The responses often include desires for various things, personal security, and more. These responses reflect the client’s maturity level and degree of self-centeredness. The subsequent discussion focuses on the strength of the wishes and their attainability.
4. Self Perception:
The Self Perception technique aims to help the client develop a better understanding of their personal needs and body image. Examples of this technique include painting or expressing immediate states by selecting statements like “I am,” “I feel,” “I have,” or “I do.”
- Self-Portraits: Self-Portraits in art therapy can range from realistic to abstract representations. One variation of this technique is setting a time limit, such as one minute, which encourages the artist to focus on drawing an important feature about themselves.
- Draw Yourself as an Animal: In this technique, the client is asked to draw themselves as an animal or the animal they feel most similar to. This exercise promotes group bonding as the discussions are both humorous and insightful.
5. Interpersonal Relations:
The interpersonal relations technique aims to increase the client’s awareness of others and how they may be perceived by others. Some examples of this technique include:
- Portraits of Groups Members: Group members draw Portraits of each other, which helps them better understand and express their feelings towards one another.
- Group Mural: In this exercise, the Group collaboratively works on a shared project. The subject and materials can be decided by the group or the therapist. It promotes cooperation, group unity, individual contribution to a larger whole, and self-expression within the group.
6. The Individual’s Place in the World:
This technique helps the client understand their place in the world and work towards accepting and addressing this realization. Examples of this technique include:
- House-Tree-Person: The client is asked to draw a picture that includes a house, a tree, and a person. They are challenged to determine how to connect the human figure with the other elements of the environment.
- Collage and Assemblage: The client is given the freedom to use various materials to create their own personal world. Themes may be predetermined by the therapist or emerge naturally during the process.
While there are many valid techniques in art therapy, it is crucial to avoid favouring one technique over others. The discussed techniques serve as loose guidelines for art therapists, but what matters most is designing approaches that meet the unique demands and needs of each individual or group.
Follow us:
If you like this article, you can Follow us on Facebook.
Also, you can Join our Official Facebook Group for QnA Sessions and Discussions with the worldwide IGNOU community.
