Skills: Techniques // Applications // Ethics

Technique

Personal growth has been the foundation of my time here at Southwestern. From the beginning, one intention of this coursework has been to grow within and develop skills that will inform my future as an art therapist. Early emphasis is placed on developing personal skills required to meet, interact, assess, and provide treatment for clients. Personal awareness and reflection has allowed me to gain strength and confidence in myself as an individual. I have discovered that my growth has directly impacted the ways in which I am able to provide space and sit with others. Through art reflection, leading directives, role playing in the therapist and client roles I have had the experience to facilitate a personal sense of acceptance, empathy, and compassion that directly affects those around me. A core commandment of my faith is to “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself” Matthew 22.39. I have found that my capacity to love and serve others is in direct correlation to how I love and care for myself. Through personal growth I have had the ability to obtain a standard of love and acceptance that resonates within me, and will filter through to my work with others. More of my thoughts and reflections on developing clinical skills and areas of growth can be found in my self-in-practice reflection paper.

Student-Led Experiential

Leading my first experiential in Art Therapy Techniques and Materials was a gateway into the world of art therapy. In this instance I acknowledged the signifcance of being a leader that comes alongside others from a place of humility. This experience prompted me to find my voice and confidence to guide others. I also gained awareness in the skills of being an observer. Utilizing the micro skills I was developing including noticing non-verbal cues, making eye contact, body positionally, tone of voice I was able to enter into a space of listening, reflective practice, mirroring, and inquiry. This practice has been repeated throughout the coursework, and has given me a foundation for developing therapeutic relationships that reflect a space where positive change can occur. Building rapport with clients is fundamental for growth and the catalyst for change.

Ethics

The Team Case Conceptualization Paper was a means to attune to the ethical considerations within the therapeutic alliance. This sample case provided an opportunity to identify the client’s needs, both personally and professionally working to build a cohesive assessment and conceptualization, treatment plan, community resource list, and documentation for progress notes. This in-depth, group assignment facilitated the obligation to examine cultural considerations of gender roles, socio-economic status, race/ethnicity, education, belief systems, and awareness of any disability and access needs. Exploration of this coursework allowed me to gain a broader understanding of the strategies required for advocating for the diverse populations of clients that may present themselves within the therapeutic space. Working within a group setting allowed for strength of collaboration with professional peers, active communication, and cohesive integration of thoughts and ideas. Keeping a person-centered approach as a framework provides clients with the opportunity to guide where their needs lie in accordance with the most appropriate assessment tools and techniques, and ethically and culturally relevant strategies tailored towards individual desires. My focus is on harnessing the inherent capability of the client towards growth, providing a nonjudgmental conducive environment towards honest self-exploration.

assessment

Assessment plays a crucial role in the field of art therapy, serving as a vital foundation for effective treatment. Through comprehensive evaluation, art therapists gain valuable insight into their clients' emotional, cognitive, and psychological states. This enables them to tailor their therapeutic interventions to meet individual needs, promoting growth and healing. By utilizing various assessment methods, such as standardized tests, observational techniques, and client interviews, art therapists can gather a deeper understanding of clients' internal experiences, artistic preferences, and overall progress throughout therapy. This continuous assessment process fosters a nuanced and personalized approach, enhancing the therapeutic alliance and optimizing therapeutic outcomes for individuals engaged in art therapy. Essentially, assessment is an indispensable tool that empowers art therapists to support their clients in achieving holistic wellbeing and reaching their maximum potential through the transformative power of art.

Assessments and Appraisal in Art Therapy provided me with an opportunity to facilitate the Draw A Story assessment. Given the clinical skills I have acquired and ability for reflective practice, this assessment presentation empowered me to evaluate, demonstrate, and conduct the appropriate application for this specific assessment. Furthermore, I developed the ability to complete reports for environmental assessment, treatment summary, and discharge/termination summary. Opportunities for clinical practice has furthered my knowledge and understanding of the proper assessments and documentation required within the therapeutic space.

Strengths and growth edges

Strength goes beyond mere physical prowess; it resides in the ability to unearth and express one's authentic voice. It lies in the diligent pursuit of inner growth and self-improvement, as we delve deep into our souls to uncover hidden layers of strength and resilience. A truly strong individual possesses an unparalleled capacity for empathy, accepting others for who they are while fostering a compassionate and understanding environment. In my time here at Southwestern I have been provided opportunity for internal discovery whilst simultaneously providing space for others to navigate, uncover, and reach for the areas that need tending. My goal during this first portion of coursework was to indeed find my voice, allowing for a language of personal desire and empathetic attunement to emerge. There has been a gentleness and humility that has be resurrected from within. I have received and given grace, I have held and been held in return. My grow edges continue to be the work of navigating my own intersectionality in this world. Recognition of boundary expansion and humility to raise awareness of power dynamics and privilege at play.