Page 38 - ART FORM AND MENTAL HEALTH - Ingrid Pénzes
P. 38

acrylic paint. This scope influences the material interaction. Therefore, some therapists also mentioned the reversibility of the material, such as the possibility of erasing a pencil or repainting a first picture versus the permanence of markers.
The application of art materials’ properties by art therapists
Art therapists used the properties of art materials to gain as much information about the client as possible. A distinction between the beginning, middle and final stage of assessment was recognized.
Art therapists often observed that clients were very insecure about their capabilities at the beginning of the assessment period. Most clients seemed to focus only on their problems.
Art therapy was unfamiliar for most clients. The art therapists offered a clear and structured context for art making that allowed for individual input at this stage of the assessment period. All art therapists found it important to observe the amount of structure a client needed to get started because it provided therapists a first impression of the client’s personality. Several issues determined the amount and type of structure that was offered:
-
Familiar or client-preferred materials. These materials were pencils, markers or other graphic materials in most cases. Therapists offered several explanations, such as the client’s familiarity with these materials from school and the structure and sense of control that graphic materials provided.
Therapist 6:” Most of the clients need a lot of structure and grip to even come to the making of art. Just drawing something can be difficult for many clients. But it varies, depending on the client characteristics, affinity for the arts and experience”.
The structure of the assignment. The structure of the assignment was determined by the amount of instructions and the use of materials and techniques. Art therapists often applied materials and techniques that required a specific sequence during this beginning phase of assessment. Three art therapists mentioned the use of “creative levels” of copying, imitating and experimenting to anticipate the client’s needs and abilities. The level of “copying” or “imitating” usually offered more structure and guidance than the level of “experimenting” when a client was very anxious or insecure.
-
36
| Chapter 2























































































   36   37   38   39   40