Page 96 - ART FORM AND MENTAL HEALTH - Ingrid Pénzes

94 | Chapter 4
Art product, instruction and preliminary diagnosis by psychiatrist or psychologist
Art product
Mental health according to the art therapists in this study
Formulated focus and du- ration of treat- ment
Art product 5
Instruction: Painting free choice with acrylic paint; third session
Client 5: Male, age 34, ad- diction (cocaine, alcohol) (main), dysthymic disorder, borderline personality dis- order
All therapists agree on all formal el- ements and the rather low structure, even though it not completely lacks structure. Move- ment and dynamic (characterized as impulsive/forceful and contained/ re- stricted at the same time) are dominant present. These are enhanced by the presence of color saturation and mix- ture of color. Contour is not completely absent;
All therapists agree on variation; limited present, all though the effect of paint seems to be repeat- ed.
The therapists find this client out of balance towards feeling by the physically, yet not completely chaotic or impul- sive, expression of feeling and some cognitive control.
Art therapists are moderate positive about this cli- ent’s adaptability (openness seems to be restricted by the repetition of the discov- ered effect of
Art therapists question this clients’ ability to change. They estimate that this client may benefit from experiences that expand the potential to reg- ulate affect.
Combination of formal elements -> structure
Variation
(Im)balance
Adaptability
the paint, which may withhold this client from being creative, some flexibility by differ- entiation between expressing and structuring, pres- ence of self-deter- mination
table continues