Psychodynamic approaches to art therapy are based on the idea that art-making can be used to explore and express unconscious thoughts and emotions, and to gain insight into the underlying psychological processes that drive behavior and emotions. Psychodynamic art therapy is often used to treat individuals with deeper emotional and psychological issues, such as trauma, personality disorders, and attachment issues.
In psychodynamic art therapy, the therapist encourages the client to use the art-making process as a way of expressing their unconscious thoughts and feelings. The therapist may also interpret the artwork and use it as a starting point for therapeutic exploration and discussion. The client is encouraged to talk about the artwork and the feelings and emotions it evokes, and to explore the meaning and symbolism of the artwork in relation to their past experiences and relationships.
One of the key techniques used in psychodynamic art therapy is free association, which involves allowing the client to create artwork without any preconceived ideas or plans. The therapist then works with the client to explore the symbolism and meaning of the artwork, and to gain insight into the unconscious thoughts and emotions that are being expressed through the artwork.
Another key technique used in psychodynamic art therapy is the interpretation of transference, which involves exploring the client's feelings and emotions towards the therapist and how these feelings may be related to past experiences and relationships. The therapist may use the artwork to explore these feelings and to gain insight into the underlying psychological processes that are driving the client's behavior and emotions.
Overall, psychodynamic approaches to art therapy are based on the idea that the art-making process can be used as a tool for exploring unconscious thoughts and emotions, and for gaining insight into the underlying psychological processes that drive behavior and emotions. This approach can be particularly effective for individuals with deeper emotional and psychological issues, and can help to promote lasting change and personal growth.
Art-based skills to practise
Projections: Choose someone who arouses strong emotions in you. Create an image of that person. Identify what is being projected onto that person, and create an image of the original person. Note the diff erences between the real and the current character
Conflict and childhood: Create an image of a stage of childhood that you think was most diffi cult for you. Connect it to a present conflict.
Defences as against pain: Create an image of the loss or diffi culty that you are experiencing at present, and analyse the gaps between content and composition, and how the composition expresses your defences as against the pain. Then, create an image of your defence as a small animal, and befriend it.
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