Re:should art therapist create alongside their client?

Hi,

I agree with Martin - it depends on the client and the purpose you have for making the art. I've found it useful to make art with African Aids orphans becasue art making is new for them and they are a little shy to try it for the first time. It also stops me watching them, which seems to make them very uncomfortable. I do a non-dominant scribble pattern, nothing representative, and I aim to produce something that provokes the response "I can do better than that!" in the children.

With adult brain injured groups, I just set it up and watch. The behavioural stuff around the art making is as important with this group as the art making itself, so watching the group is essential for me. They seem to be oblivious of me watching as art making is quite a physical and mental challenge for most of them.

With 'normally functioning' rape survivors I asked them what they would prefer. They like me to read a book as they don't like being observed OR me making art - too intimidating because of the therapist / client power differential, I think. I have to say I squint along the table as I 'read' to see the sequence of drawing / painting and the behavioural stuff!

hope this helps

anni w

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