Art Psychotherapy Summer School

Day 1

Introduction (10:00-10:30)

Objectives

To introduce the course structure of the day and the nature of the different teaching methods used; ‘experiential learning’, theory lectures and presentations.

To introduce guidelines around ‘experiential learning’ and to explore the importance of therapeutic boundaries such as confidentiality, timekeeping, and consistency as an important framework of therapy and within experiential learning.

To make participants aware of the difference between ‘experiential learning’ and ‘being in therapy’.

Icebreaker exercises: Squiggle Game & Conversation on Paper (10:30-11:00)

Objectives

These interactive exercises are designed to help people get to know each other, get to know the facilitator, and learn about the objectives of the event.

To experience first-hand the non-verbal communicative potential of art through participants working together and taking part in paired art making exercises.

Workshop I – Art making & Discussion (11:00-12:30)

Objectives

To introduce participants to the basic principles which underpin art therapeutic practice through the exploration of the visual structure and expressive quality of their imagery.

To explore the unconscious dynamics in relation to the image-making and sharing processes in art psychotherapy.

To introduce Jungian theory and how it may inform art making processes and the art therapeutic relationship.

Workshop II – Working with clay & Discussion (1:30-4:00)

Objectives

To introduce participants to the fundamental features of clay-work and its therapeutic potential.

To focus on and investigate the archetypal dimension of the human psyche from a Jungian perspective in a highly experiential learning environment.

To explore the group dynamics and their significance within a safe and playful environment.

Day 2

Workshop: Body Tracing – Art making & Discussion (10:00-4:00)

Objectives

To explore the idea of the ‘visible’ and ‘invisible’ aspect of the self through the process of image-making and reflecting on the art product.

To gain an understanding of the meaning of symbols from a Jungian perspective.

To explore personal symbols and unconscious imagery in a safe and creatively facilitating environment.

To consider the relation between body and mind and its relevance to the creative process in art psychotherapy.

To explore the links between specific emotions and physical reactions.

To gain an understanding of the value of art therapy in the recovery process of individuals with eating disorders.

Day 3

Workshop – Group Art Making (10:00-12:30)

Objectives

To introduce ideas around group dynamics and in particular the role of the family as our first ‘group experience’

To generate new thinking on the roles participants take within different groups and how this relates to both the personal and the collective unconscious.

To explore the notions of shared and collective experience along with group dynamics and its varied manifestations.

To introduce the concept of the ‘group image’

For participants to explore their experience of making a group image together-paying attention to elements such as connection and disconnection within themselves and their group.

Case Study Presentation & Group Reflection (1:30-4:00)

Objectives

For participants to apply what they have learned so far to the practice of Art Therapy within a clinical context.

To develop participants knowledge of the practical application of Jung’s ideas through the presentation of clinical work.

To introduce the analytical concept of transference and countertransference from its historical origins.

For participants to gain a greater understanding of what it is like to work as an Art Therapist with clients with a serious mental illness.

To explore the relevance between theory and clinical practice in art psychotherapy in parallel to the experiential workshops, which will heighten participants’ understanding and sensitivity to non-verbal expression and communication.

Day 4

Workshop I – Cultural Object (10:00-12:30)

Objectives

To gain an insight into the significance and function of cultural objects.

To use a cultural object as a starting point to create a personal image.

To explore cross culturally the multiple uses of personal objects (talisman) and how this related to both the personal and the collective unconscious.

Workshop II – Non directive art making & Group reflection (1:30-4:00)

Objectives

For participants to experience first-hand through an extended art making session a common technique of Art Therapy Practice.

For participants to reflect on working for the first time without a set structure and to compare their learning experience of both non-directive and directive approaches.

To engage in a deep and intensive exploration of the art therapeutic process through spontaneous image-making and creativity.

Day 5

Workshop – Self-portrait (10:00-12:30)

Objectives

For participants to explore and enhance their ability to identify, name and communicate their thoughts and feelings.

To explore Jung’s concept of ‘Individuation’ as the goal of therapy.

For participants to generate a better understanding of their personal view of Individuation and where they might position themselves within this process.

To focus on the archetypal dimension of the human psyche from a Jungian perspective in a highly experiential and facilitating learning environment.

Art Psychotherapy Theory – Power Point Presentation (1:30-2:15)

Objectives

To introduce participants to the theoretical framework, the aims, the objectives and the benefits of the art psychotherapy practice.

To introduce participants to the history and development of the profession of art psychotherapy.

MA Art Psychotherapy – Course Information (2:15-3:00)

Objectives

To provide information about the MA in Art Psychotherapy training and the structure of the course as taught at the University of Roehampton.

Participants will be given the opportunity to find out further details about the training experience as an art psychotherapist.

Final group reflection (3:15-4:00)

Objectives

To process the ending of the course and the personal and educational journeys participants have undertaken and experienced.

For participants to reflect on their experience of the course and the ways in which the training has impacted on them.

For participants to consolidate their learning journey through the various teaching formats with particular reference to art making on the course as a tool for educational and personal exploration.