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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
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!
Posted by gardenergirl on January 6, 2005, at 0:09:22
In reply to Art therapy, posted by Pfinstegg on January 5, 2005, at 22:55:11
It sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing your experience with it. I think it's great how your analyst and this therapist are collaborating so closely.
Good for you!
gg
Posted by daisym on January 6, 2005, at 0:47:31
In reply to Art therapy, posted by Pfinstegg on January 5, 2005, at 22:55:11
I was surprised too about how powerful some of the art projects were. They call forth something words can not. I'm curious if you have figured out what the tears are about?
I would expect no less than intensive interaction on the part of your analyst with anyone else he involved in your therapy. I'm glad it feels good, I can feel the caring coming through your post! Please share if you have a favorite activity or if you do something that seems particularly helpful. As you know, I have access to LOTS of art supplies...:) thanks for sharing.
Posted by fallsfall on January 6, 2005, at 12:38:21
In reply to Art therapy, posted by Pfinstegg on January 5, 2005, at 22:55:11
That sounds wonderful. I have found art projects when I was in the hospital (and afterwards) did allow me to understand things and express things that I couldn't say in words. I am also interested in hearing how the therapist collaboration works out.
Posted by Shortelise on January 6, 2005, at 13:04:05
In reply to Art therapy, posted by Pfinstegg on January 5, 2005, at 22:55:11
Posted by Pfinstegg on January 6, 2005, at 21:27:45
In reply to Re: Art therapy, posted by daisym on January 6, 2005, at 0:47:31
Well, I seem to cry about almost everything that comes up! - all the lonely times, all the abuse. It feels so good, actually- like grieving and relief at the same time. It seems to be vital that there is a therapist who understands the ability of art therapy to release feelings without needing to put words to them- who is right THERE with me. Without her, I don't think it would have nearly as profound an effect. She is really good at validating the feelings themselves with a glance, a brief word, or just empathic body language. It's like just letting go and sort of playing with your hands, heart and mind, while someone is right there with you who cares and understands, and who is keeping you and all your thoughts and feelings in mind as you do it.
Posted by Pfinstegg on January 6, 2005, at 21:42:53
In reply to Re: Art therapy » Pfinstegg, posted by fallsfall on January 6, 2005, at 12:38:21
I'm so glad to hear that you, too, found it helpful. I think it helps especially with the pre-verbal things, don't you? The collaboration between my analyst and the art therapist is very well established; he has worked with her with several patients who have what I have (csa., ego state disorder) and has both published about it and given talks at the annual meetings of the American Psychoanalytic Association about it. I was a little worried what it would be like to essentially have two therapists, but it works really well- they are doing entirely different things, and in completely different ways. Also, I see the art therapist only once every other week, whereas I see my analyst-gulp- (every day!)
Posted by Pfinstegg on January 6, 2005, at 21:50:15
In reply to wonderful! (nm) » Pfinstegg, posted by Shortelise on January 6, 2005, at 13:04:05
Posted by Pfinstegg on January 7, 2005, at 0:17:06
In reply to Re: Art therapy » Pfinstegg, posted by gardenergirl on January 6, 2005, at 0:09:22
Thanks, gg! I think it's especially helpful for people like me who have dissociative disorders, even if on the milder end of them, because so much is unconscious in those. It's a great way to talk without speaking, and the art therapist seems to be very intuitive about picking up what's happening beneath the surface. She just allows me to experience it while she remains empathic and fairly silent. But I think she gives quite detailed verbal interpretations to the analyst. I'm sure to find out more about this aspect as time goes by!
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