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    Directive and Non-Directive Approaches in Art Therapy: 7/rc A/I/ I/j P./ C.L R) // C, TR

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    This paper explores directive and non-directive approaches in art therapy. It discusses how the author previously used directive themes in art therapy groups but has now abandoned that approach. With directive themes, powerful feelings may be uncovered too rapidly, before clients are ready. It can also limit self-expression and increase anxiety. Instead, the author has developed a non-theme-centered group analytic art therapy that allows the group process to unfold naturally.

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    Directive and Non-Directive Approaches in Art Therapy: 7/rc A/I/ I/j P./ C.L R) // C, TR

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    Steward
    100 views1 page
    This paper explores directive and non-directive approaches in art therapy. It discusses how the author previously used directive themes in art therapy groups but has now abandoned that approach. With directive themes, powerful feelings may be uncovered too rapidly, before clients are ready. It can also limit self-expression and increase anxiety. Instead, the author has developed a non-theme-centered group analytic art therapy that allows the group process to unfold naturally.

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    This paper explores directive and non-directive approaches in art therapy. It discusses how the author previously used directive themes in art therapy groups but has now abandoned that approach. With directive themes, powerful feelings may be uncovered too rapidly, before clients are ready. It can also limit self-expression and increase anxiety. Instead, the author has developed a non-theme-centered group analytic art therapy that allows the group process to unfold naturally.

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    100 views1 page

    Directive and Non-Directive Approaches in Art Therapy: 7/rc A/I/ I/j P./ C.L R) // C, TR

    Uploaded by

    Steward
    This paper explores directive and non-directive approaches in art therapy. It discusses how the author previously used directive themes in art therapy groups but has now abandoned that approach. With directive themes, powerful feelings may be uncovered too rapidly, before clients are ready. It can also limit self-expression and increase anxiety. Instead, the author has developed a non-theme-centered group analytic art therapy that allows the group process to unfold naturally.

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    of 1

    7/rc A/I\ i/j P.\~c.l~r)//~c,~tr~~. Vol. 10 pp. 21 l-219. ’ Ankho International Inc.. 1983. Printed in the lJ.S.

    DIRECTIVE AND NON-DIRECTIVE APPROACHES IN ART THERAPY

    GERRY McNEILLY, RNMS, DIP A TH*:

    This paper is aimed mainly at exploring art When one embarks upon direct suggestions in
    therapy in the field of psychotherapy. I believe it theme-centered art therapy, there is a tendency
    will have a strong message for therapists working to uncover, possibly too rapidly, powerful feel-
    in general psychiatry, but will be less important ings which may be difficult for the individuat, the
    to therapists working in education and among the group and the therapist to contain and under-
    mentally handicapped. However, with the sec- stand. Also, the timing of exposure to the arousal
    tion which covers the therapists’ needs, it also and rawness of these emotions is criticat. With
    applies to people who work in these latter fields. the immediate statement through the imagery,
    We will consider the two approaches that art there may be a catharsis of questionable long-
    ?herapists in Britain use as the tools of their term validiry and benefit. Indeed, certain indi-
    trade. I have used both techniques with people viduals may find such a direct suggestion of
    with various psychological complaints and also theme intolerable and withdraw from stating in
    with colleagues and students. pictorial imagery what they honestly feel. Princi-
    Nevertheless, I have now abandoned the di- pally, the fear arises from individual positions,
    rective approach in favor of the non-directive for but has secondary fears in relation to the group,
    several reasons which I will deaf with in due i.e., “How will I appear?” “I can‘t express my-
    course. The technique I have developed is a self as well as him or her.” “Do I confess?”
    non-theme-centered approach to art therapy Such an individual may become fidgety, smoke
    groups-which I suggest amounts to “Group excessively, bite his/her nails. glance anxiously
    Analytic Art Therapy.‘” around the group, create diversions or eventually
    make his/her strongest relationship with the
    clock on the wall. This individual runs, meta-
    DIRECTIVE ART THERAPY phorically or in reality, from the group. There
    In the past, my aim in introducing a theme was may be such extreme anxiety that ‘“acting out”
    to give the group a course of direction. Often in the form of an attack on another group mem-
    these themes were derived from intense emo- ber of the therapist occurs. Now these are diffi-
    tional experiences such as love, hate, depend- cult enough issues to work with when the group
    ence, independence. On these occasions the fo- process is allowed to develop, but consider the
    cus became conflicts arising from such polarities. consequences if the therapist has been the initia-
    Variations on the theme illuminated the individ- tor of the theme.
    ual’s difftculties in dealing with such problems In making a suggestion of a theme one limits
    and finding solutions. the extent to which the group may strive, and

    “Gerry McNeiffy is the senior art therapist at the Inprehourne Centre fTherapeuric Community~ Hornchurch. Essex. England. He
    is also a part-time lecturer in art therapy. Goldsmiths College. London. He is a trainee group analyst at the Institute of Group
    Analysis. London. and a member of the training group of the Association of Therapeutic Communities. He is a registered member
    of the British Association of Art Therapists, former council member. and previous memhership secretary.

    211

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