Thank you for visiting.  This site is to provide you with information regarding this private art psychotherapy practice.   Also included in this site you will find mental health resources, examples of art creations executed during treatment sessions, a blog to provide an on-line outlet for questions and comments regarding mental health, and when you become a registered user you will receive a monthly Newsletter from Art Psychotherapy Counselling Services.   Please visit us again.    

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 By drawing and visually expressing their feelings, even if they can't identify or label their emotions, clients have a starting point from which they can address their issues.
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An Art Therapy Intervention Technique – ‘Family Sculpture’


When psychologists or marriage and family therapists hear the term "family sculpture," an expressive technique invented by experiential family therapists David Kantor, Fred Duhl, and Bunny Duhl often comes to mind. They think of a nonverbal method whereby a family member is asked to physically place other family members in positions in relation to one another-- a three dimensional, in vivo arrangement of actual people. Virginia Satir, psychotherapist and author of the classic Peoplemaking, also had each family member "sculpt" the other in a similar way. Satir believed that it was easier for families to accurately see their situations rather than just talk about them. Contemporary drama therapists as well as dance/movement therapists, who often use expressive means to facilitate interaction between individuals, would certainly support her assessment.

The family sculpture technique of Satir's time reflects Gregory Bateson's and Murray Bowen's ideas about systems theory of the period; family therapy as a movement and distinct field emerged from this concept. In contrast to psychoanalysis, the emphasis of family therapy is more on how humans exist within systems such as groups, communities, and cultures. In essence, family therapists tend to view change through the lens of the systems of interactions between family members and that relationships are important factors in psychological well-being.

  The family sculpture as an art therapy intervention has always fascinated me as a method of getting to know my clients. It's a relatively easy means for them to communicate the stories of their lives, from family of origin to the current family configuration. It's also a good example of how art complements a family systems approach to intervention, mainly because art and families have something in common-- they are ultimately defined by both their inherent composition and the relationships between their parts.

Written by - Cathy Malchiodi                    

From - www.psychologytoday.com
            February 23^rd, 2010

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Art allows us to explore our inner life and nourish our creativity.
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Some people find it difficult to verbalize their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
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Parenting Tips For Dad’s

Whether you’re a new dad or an experienced father who wants to connect with his kids in a deeper, more meaningful way, these parenting strategies can specifically help a father-child relationship.

Dads and Parenting: Appreciate Your Role:

Have confidence in yourself. As a parent, many dads feel like they won’t be as helpful as their partners. “Men initially start out feeling like they don’t have as much to offer,” says DuBose. But this self-doubt can lead to a tricky circular pattern. “If a man feels like he won’t be good at parenting, then he won’t be as engaged with his children,” adds DuBose. “Then the kids will feel like dad doesn’t want to play with them, and the pattern can circle on itself.”

Dads and Parenting: Make the Connection:

Dads need to understand and appreciate whatever their child is doing:

Enter your child’s world. Learn about what he likes to play and how he plays, and validate that. “When a child gets this kind of feedback, he will see and feel that,” says DuBose. “He will be able to say, ‘That matters to my dad.’ And that reassurance that their dad understands and cares about the things they care about will build their confidence in their world and in themselves.”

Set up a regular time with your child. A key part of raising kids and building a good relationship is establishing time to be together. Fulfilling the anticipation that kids have about being with their dad is important, says DuBose. If you have more than one child, set up individual time with each.

Accept your limitations as a human being. “Our high-tech culture seduces us into thinking we’re not human,” says DuBose. “It requires immediate response and pulls us away from our limitations. And it can lead to burn-out.” The solution, says DuBose, is to realize we are not omnipotent, and to play. “We are all juggling and trying to get a balanced life. People can feel inadequate. But it’s important to realize you’re never going to be able to give as much as you want to everything.


                                                                                                                                              Written By – Katherine Lee
                                                                                                                                From – www.everydayhealth.com

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Art Therapy provides an opportunity to find insight into one's self.
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Psychotherapy has a way of energizing, nurturing, teaching and mirroring our true selves.
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