Abstract When a client can transform their experience of a self state from a vague, internally felt distressing feeling into a mental image, they improve their ability to effectively mentalize and engage with that state. When they can then transform that mental image into a picture or symbol which they have drawn on paper, they literally change it from being invisible to visible. They also dynamically change their relationship with that part, opening new possibilities for therapy.
‘Parts Work & Artwork’ is a three-hour interactive workshop intended to help therapists bring the power of artwork to existing self state therapies, such as Ego State Therapy or Internal Family Systems. This approach specifically seeks to transform the felt experience of a self state from a mental image into a visual one.
The transformation from mental to visual can help clients externalize strongly held emotions and approach their self states with improved self-compassion. It can also help expose and address conflicting and polarizing parts dynamics, from which a more fully informed consent for trauma-accessing therapy can be established. In the process, the client will often feel witnessed by and more connected with their therapist.
The workshop will feature an opportunity for participants to use this drawing technique for themselves (participation in the drawing exercise is voluntary, and participants will not be asked to share their artwork). The presentation will feature numerous examples of client artwork, used with full permission. And there will be an examination of the many applications for use of this technique in practice, particularly considerations and cautions for working with clients who live with dissociative disorders. There will also be an interactive exercise to help participants gain the skills of introducing and implementing this technique with their clients.
Participants do not have to be artists or art therapists to engage with this technique. However, basic familiarity with self state work such as Ego State Therapy or Internal Family Systems is suggested.
Timed Outline 20 Minutes - Introduction and perspectives on Ego State Therapy 10 Minutes - Blending and unblending, implications for therapy 30 Minutes - Drawing exercise 30 Minutes - Discussion of drawing exercise 30 Minutes - Break 45 Minutes - Viewing and discussion of artwork examples 30 Minutes - Breakout group: putting the skill into action 15 Minutes - Discussion and Q&A
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:
Describe two different stages of client consent for engagement in this approach
Identify emotional overwhelm states for which this technique is appropriate
Describe the three steps of Preparation, Engagement, and Reflection that make up this technique
Consider four cautions specific to this intervention for working with people living with dissociative disorders
Create a plan for implementing and integrating this technique into clinical practice
