This is in response to what I learned from my October 28 meeting with Jennie. I took notes, and am typing them up to help me remember what was taught and discussed regarding the subject of art therapy.
I was asked what I wanted to learn next and I told her I wanted to learn to use pastel, to which she asked me, water or oil based? I told her I had some at home that I was afraid to use, because they are new to me and I don't know what to do with them. (Turns out they are oil based.) She proceeded to give me a lovely lesson on the use of both the chalk and the oil based pastels. First, she told me I needed to get over my fear of trying the new medium, so that I will be able to help someone else do the same. We both agreed that I should go home, try out the new medium, and write down how I felt about trying out the different approach to expressive art. The getting over the fear piece can be a powerful tool, so I will use the pastels for my next directive and write about the result. The term resist was taught to me as being firm in it's nature to stay put on the paper, so when another medium is placed over it, it won't move or change shape. We experimented with the pastel chalks and the oil based pastels with the resisting principles at play. Jenn used the phrase "I don't know" in respect to how certain pastels would relate to each other, and said "I live in an I don't know world". I love the humility that comes with this statement, and the impression that it gives me as the student is, that we are exploring and learning together. I'm sure she must use this with her clients to help break down any barriers that might be keeping the client from letting down their inhibitions, which may be keeping them from receiving what they need to learn.
Learn your client and learn the mood they are in. By doing so, you will learn which medium will be the best to use in the therapy session. I will need more information on this subject. Dry medium are: pencils, pens, pastels, chalks. Pencils offer the most control. Chalk use is a way to express feelings. Oils are used to help work through things. Making lists, and getting organized can be a way of helping the client. Collage use is good for visioning things. Use of non-dominant hand and watercolors can force access to parts of self needed for problem solving. Wet materials would be: watercolors, clay, acrylics, paper mache', clay. For some, she may have client explore a different medium every ten minutes. I have a note on my paper that says soap note. I must ask Jenn what that means.
The next few minutes were spent skyping with the other Master's student taking a class with Jenn. Jenn suggested showing safe ways to cathart: Use a pillow and throw it on the floor (visiting someone's past) or to paper shred, by turning a negative into a positive by making an art piece with the shredded paper. Four ethics pieces we are to be secure in our understanding of, are: confidentiality, no harm, no judgement position, (we must have waivers signed including subjects of injuries and confidentiality) and voluntary participation (no one is forced, but address fear and anger). If using psychodrama to work through a rape issue, the one chosen to be the rapist or the raped (figuratively), must be able to emotionally handle the role. If no one is available,use an empty chair. Peter Rowan is a well known psycho dramatist who works well with children. Our goal is to help the victim identify the role of survivor. Don't do role reversal with the protagonist.
Jenn makes it a rule to not work with people who are high or not willing to work on addictions. She will try to get them to substitute with another cup of coffee for example. She may ask them to look at what it's doing to your family. She says she is not qualified to work with addicts and refers them to Act 1, a place to detox in Burlington, on Pearl Street.
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