Posted by Pfinstegg on January 5, 2005, at 22:55:11
I've had two sessions of art therapy. It's so different from what I had expected. The art therapist is also a LCSW, very warm, friendly and relaxed; my analyst telephones her before each session with a report of what is happening in analysis. ( I gave written permission for this). We talk a bit together when I come in, and then move over to the table where I can choose any kind of paint or drawing material, as well as clay, dolls, animals, etc. She sits at the table also, and I find that I am talking to her constantly as I am working; there are lots of tears, and, what with pastels, especially, you get your face and hands all colored and messy! There seems to be so many things to draw- usually something happy and safe first, then something much more painful. After about an hour, we stop, both go and wash our hands and faces, and then sit down and talk more, with the drawings around us. When I leave, she telephones the analyst, with a report for him! (also signed to by me).
I find I am so moved by this close collaboration, which I didn't expect. It feels so caring. Also, there is a subtle but powerful non-verbal aspect to the art therapy. I am noticing that I am sort of loosened up by it, and a lot more unconscious things are coming up, much more freely, in sessions. I had no idea that it would add so much!
poster:Pfinstegg
thread:438342
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050105/msgs/438342.html