tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77854803694279658112024-03-13T18:25:17.627-07:00Creative Art TherapyCA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-76995132007067581402018-04-22T16:57:00.001-07:002018-04-22T16:57:32.863-07:00Using Person Centered Therapy with Forensic PopulationRecently, I asked on of the art therapists to talk about his experiences using person-centered therapy with forensic patients. He had used this kind of therapy in his past work, and was able to see progress with a forensic patient he worked with. He talked about the three principles of unconditional positive regard, empathetic understanding, and congruence. This led to a good discussion including the use of asking questions of patients, and using a variety of therapies when treating patients. We all did a piece of art work about a time we used person-centered therapy with a patient, and then talked about the experience. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-43264719019185072152017-09-11T20:59:00.001-07:002017-09-11T20:59:40.137-07:00Gratitude TreeFor one art therapy supervision, we created a Gratitude Tree. Each person cut out several paper leaves. Then we wrote down things we were grateful for, skipping the obvious "friends and family" ones. One art therapist was thankful for small health advances made after major surgery. Others wrote their favorite foods and drinks. Spa days, TV shows, and travel experiences were other items written. Then everyone helped make the tree trunk and branches, and we taped it to the wall and added our leaves. The tree looks cool, and we made an envelope with blank leaves, so more could be added. It was a nice self care activity to remind ourselves of thing we enjoy and appreciate. It also served to help the group get to know each other better. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-905829332600502692017-05-20T12:12:00.001-07:002017-05-20T12:14:08.646-07:00Zentangle drawingIn April, a colleague and I attended a Certified Zentangle Teacher training Seminar in Providence, RI. Creating Zentangle tiles is a meditative drawing method that can help increase focus and decrease stress. It is easy to learn and has many applications. For example, you can create Zentangle-inspired art like greeting cards, decorative boxes, picture frames, or bags. Now, we are facilitating a group for the patients at the hospital as a way for them to enhance their leisure skills, be creative, and do something relaxing. We have also taught staff the drawing method for self care purposes or just to enjoy something artistic. For more information, visit www.zentangle.com. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnqPu0Hp6NljZZ-VgoM9iyrkpGoSoNXZC0zT-eKU_HTPQ0yNl3J_YQ3tZ7AMt9lFfihtWqiQEK0Nj1bgnLtFkJN5ZPNpuhcKgblQ-zt2n61vh3VvZB5fdIRR0LHFLrgHAjrc_YZy_yB8/s640/blogger-image--97914179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnqPu0Hp6NljZZ-VgoM9iyrkpGoSoNXZC0zT-eKU_HTPQ0yNl3J_YQ3tZ7AMt9lFfihtWqiQEK0Nj1bgnLtFkJN5ZPNpuhcKgblQ-zt2n61vh3VvZB5fdIRR0LHFLrgHAjrc_YZy_yB8/s640/blogger-image--97914179.jpg"></a></div>CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-36197996546646111372017-01-15T20:08:00.001-08:002017-01-15T20:09:37.829-08:00Power Thought CardsFor supervision last week, I asked everyone to fold their paper in half. I asked everyone to create an image on one side of a problem, difficult patient, or challenging situation. After they did that, I passed around some Power Thought Cards (box of 64 by Louise Hay) with various sayings on the front and back. I asked everyone to choose one that resonated with them or related to the image they drew, and then create another image on the other half of the paper related to the card they chose. Some therapists drew about a challenging patient, other's drew about difficulties with other staff. The Power Thought Cards served as an inspirational idea or a positive affirmation. The cards are useful in groups with patients as well. I used them in my poetry group as inspirations for poems, and in my Visual Journaling group as inspiration for stress management and coping skills. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-72249436090497844852016-12-11T21:01:00.001-08:002016-12-11T21:01:54.252-08:00Snowflake DirectiveFor supervision last week, I had everyone cut out a snowflake. I provided instructions on how to fold a six pointed snowflake, and to cut small shapes out of it so it stays intact. After everyone cut out their snowflake, I asked them to write things on it that made them unique, reminding them that it was a combination of all their qualities, characteristics, and experiences that made them unique. This directive could also be used with patients as a self esteem directive or the snowflake making process as a problem solving directive. It was nice to hear what people thought of themselves and how they felt they were special.CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-27375708671245143492016-11-07T20:58:00.001-08:002016-11-07T20:58:57.688-08:00Mask DirectiveFor Halloween, we decorated masks during supervision. The directive was to represent your scariest self. This exercise served to help the therapists be more aware of all aspects of themselves. When working in forensics with patients with very dark sides, it's important to be in touch with one's own darker places. This can offer some insight into ourselves as well as our patients, and may help us deal with them more effectively. Exploring what drives us, triggers us, or angers us can help us understand ourselves better, feel empathy for our patients, and formulate ways to interact with them. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-42987047512614947252016-11-07T20:36:00.001-08:002016-11-07T20:36:56.227-08:00Group Scribble DrawingDuring a recent supervision, we made a group scribble on a long piece of butcher paper. Each person chose a different color marker and we took turns making a scribble to fill up the page. Then everyone was invited to walk around the paper to see what images they could find in the scribble. Then, everyone could use whatever media they wanted to bring out that image. It took a few minutes to get going, but soon images were being pulled out all over. This is a good exercise to get people to loosen up and use their imagination. It can also be good for clients to address problem solving or boundaries. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-36332999367916354522016-07-29T08:56:00.001-07:002016-07-29T08:56:05.954-07:00Setting professional goalsIn a recent art therapy supervision, I asked everyone to think about their professional goals as an art therapist, either short or long term. Sometimes setting specific goals and/or talking about them can help us motivate ourselves and enable us to help and support each other in our endeavors. One therapist talked about working on some personal issues that would help her interactions with others. Other therapists talked about working toward their ATR or other licensure. One shared about an interest in play therapy while another said he would like to become a psychoanalyst. Attending trainings, presenting at conferences, and doing research were also discussed. It was a good way to learn about each other, and I talked about the importance of helping our patients set and meet their goals as well. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-6146606618696129192016-06-06T20:48:00.001-07:002016-06-06T20:50:20.797-07:00Boundaries workshopAt a recent conference in a forensic setting, another art therapist and I had the opportunity to offer an art therapy experiential on boundaries. We asked participants to think of a time that a patient crossed their boundaries and to create an image about that. Participants were invited to show their art work and talk about their experience. One person talked about a patient who grabbed her, another shared about a patient who was being manipulative with him, and another new staff told of a patient trying to intimidate her. Discussion included ways to develop rapport with patients without physical touching and setting clear verbal limits as well as other ways to deal with patients with poor boundaries. Participants were able to offer each other feedback and tips. The group discussion illustrated that we were not alone in our challenges in dealing with boundary issues with a difficult population, and were indeed able to support one another. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-89043354755797370542016-05-10T19:15:00.001-07:002016-05-10T19:15:54.202-07:00Remembering your strengthsIn a recent art therapy supervision, I asked the group to think of a time when they felt physically and/or mentally strong and create an image about that. People shared various experiences from being forced to do sports to learning how to ride and train horses to coping with a child's illness. Then I asked them to think about a time they had to be strong since they started working at the hospital, and how they have used their strength to manage in their jobs here. Some of the situations we face with the patients, and even other staff, require us to use mental strength, and it is important to remember that we all have strengths to call upon when needed. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-30864191949816435022016-04-22T20:39:00.001-07:002016-04-22T20:39:07.080-07:00Termination issuesWe have an art therapist who is retiring soon, and he is concerned with how to terminate with patients at the hospital--on his unit, and in his groups. I asked everyone in the supervision group to create an image about a time they had to say goodbye to someone, and then asked them to think about the feelings they had at the time. These feelings are comparable to what the patients feel when they have to say bye to therapists who leave the facility, but because they are patients with various issues, their feelings may be amplified, difficult to identify, and harder to express. We discussed how it is the therapist's responsibility to give the patient enough time to process his feelings and still have the opportunity to talk to the therapist about those feelings. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-29467431195387840812016-03-06T09:45:00.001-08:002016-03-06T09:45:55.555-08:00Self-disclosure directiveOne of the art therapists suggested this topic, so in supervision, I had everyone make a collage of info or topics they felt comfortable sharing or talking about with patients, and those they were not comfortable with. One therapist said she talked about her dogs in the pet therapy group while another therapist said she never talks about her pets with the patients. We discussed times we revealed too much, we overheard other staff disclosing too much, and what to do if you felt your co-facilitator was sharing personal information during a group. We also talked about how to deal with patients who ask personal questions, as sex offenders commonly do. Everyone has his or her personal boundaries, and the therapists were asked to think about theirs, and when sharing personal information to think how or if it is therapeutic and beneficial for the patients to know. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-69772038828928628812016-02-19T20:21:00.001-08:002016-02-19T20:21:22.229-08:00Bob Ross and mural making with patientsWhen I first started working at the hospital, I ran a mural group to help the patients with their interpersonal skills as well as make a group mural that could be displayed in the hospital. Each group that I ran had difficulty making decisions in order to actually complete a group mural. Recently, a patient became interested in learning to paint via Bob Ross DVDs. He became proficient in the techniques and got peers interested in painting. A small group of patients decided to paint a mural using a Bob Ross instructional DVD. They were able to work together and complete a 4'x6' mural in about 10 hours. They got a couple of other patients interested in mural painting, and they recently completed their 3rd mural. The first one is hanging in the Visiting Room as a backdrop for photos. The use of the DVDs ensured success and prevented the need for a group leader to make compositional or technical decisions. The patients worked companionably, helping and supporting each other. This was a helpful tool to use with populations that are narcissistic or otherwise have difficulty working with others. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-44419955298084848022015-12-18T21:34:00.001-08:002015-12-18T21:34:30.622-08:00Touchstone craft projectFor Art Therapy supervision today, we all made touchstones using clear acrylic stones. We cut images or sayings from magazines that were meaningful or inspirational to us. Then, we used mod podge to adhere the images to the stones. A couple of the Art Therapists weren't that into it in the beginning, but at the end had made several unique touchstones. One Art Therapist said it was a nice way to relive memories. Some made stones for themselves as well as gifts for others. They could be made into magnets as well. It was a fun activity to do before the holidays. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-82417539967101100612015-11-14T17:09:00.001-08:002015-11-14T17:12:58.900-08:00Expressive Therapies Summit in NYCEarlier this month, a colleague and I presented at the Expressive Therapies Summit in NYC. Our presentation was on the use of art therapy to address dynamic risk factors in sex sex offenders. It was a great experience and we were also able to attend some other interesting presentations. I attended a workshop about the Lahad six part story which I shared with my fellow art therapists when I returned from the conference. I also attended a workshop on visual reflection and narrative therapy. My colleague attended a felting workshop and made some very cool projects. It was great to learn about new methods and techniques, and meet other expressive therapists. It was a very refreshing and inspiring experience. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-58321578601707498052015-10-01T21:06:00.001-07:002015-10-01T21:06:34.234-07:00Experiencing countertransferenceSince we have several new art therapists, I wanted them to be more aware of transference and feelings of countertransference that they may experience with the sex offenders at the hospital. So, I asked the group to create an image about a time they felt countertransference with a patient. Countertransference implies there is transference by the patient, but we used a looser definition to encompass any strong reaction to a patient. Many therapists had patients who reminded them of someone they knew, so in those cases, it was important for the therapist to be aware of potential reactions, and to possibly address any personal issues through their own therapy and supervision. Some therapists felt that they were treated as a parental figure, and had to be careful of their care taking feelings. Other therapists felt that they were being flirted with, and had to think about their feelings in response to that. It is important to be aware of countertransference and other strong feelings we have about patients when working in forensics as the patients can be very charming and manipulative as well as angry or self-loathing. Not being mindful can lead to boundary violations and inappropriate or unprofessional behavior. Supervision provides an opportunity for discussion, more self-awareness, and support by peers.CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-47101066086786142472015-09-04T20:47:00.001-07:002015-09-04T20:47:49.251-07:00Meditation using artI was reading about all the benefits of meditation, so I've been trying to practice it more. In a recent Art Therapy supervision, I handed out a bunch of images of art work cut out of a desk calendar that a colleague gave me. I asked everyone to choose an image that appealed to them, and put it in front of them. Then, we closed our eyes and focused on our breathing for a few minutes. Next, we opened our eyes and looked at our image, observing the colors, lines, composition, etc. After that, I asked everyone to to close their eyes again, and imagine stepping into the image, then explore it. Then, we "exited" the image, and opened our eyes. I then had everyone create an image about their meditation experience. One person said she had had a headache all day, and that it went away after our short meditation. This can be done as a supervision exercise for self care or as a directive with patients.CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-56153498156710605202015-08-09T19:52:00.001-07:002015-08-09T20:07:56.216-07:00Supervision--Feeling frustratedAfter a few frustrations with patients during the week, during supervision, I asked everyone to create an image about a recent frustration. I was thinking everyone would have a work related frustration, but most images were about frustrations about life in general, from medical issues to buying a house, to dealing with friends' issues. Then I realized that while everyone probably had experienced frustrations with patients or staff during the week, their other frustrations might be more troublesome or even impact their work, if not dealt with. It was a good opportunity to vent and to also gain support from others, which was the main point of the exercise in the first place.CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-49021709652024152432015-07-04T13:40:00.001-07:002015-07-04T13:40:46.303-07:00Yourself represented by the natural environmentDuring a recent Art Therapy supervision, I asked for a suggestion for a directive. One therapist asked us to draw ourselves/energy as an element in nature. It was very interesting that each of us chose something different, from a volcano to a tornado to lightening to wind to a body of water. Each of us got to say how our drawing represented our personalities, and we were able to hear feedback from peers that offered us a different perspective. A good directive for supervision or an Art Therapy group/session.CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-87964199970414649182015-06-12T10:08:00.001-07:002015-06-12T10:13:08.559-07:00Termination with patientsIn a recent Art Therapy supervision, we discussed how to terminate with patients. Since we work in a long term facility, it would be more common that the therapist would leave before the patient, though the termination would be similar if the patient were to be discharged. We've had therapists in the past who have left without telling patients in their groups that they were leaving which is unethical and unprofessional. Saying goodbye can be difficult for anyone, even a trained therapist, but it is the therapist's responsibility to know if this is an issue for her/him and seek supervision or therapy, so the therapist will be able to properly terminate with patients. We talked about the importance of giving patients as much notice as possible, so they can process any feelings that come up about loss, rejection, or abandonment. It is also good for the therapist to be able to say a meaningful goodbye. I had a couple of therapists practice how they might inform a group of patients that they were leaving while the rest of us role played the patients. It is also important with the sex offender population to terminate appropriately because many of them have issues about women, and we wouldn't want to reinforce any of their negative beliefs by terminating improperly. The role playing was a good exercise to help staff think about how they would handle termination. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-31789329804712180712015-05-16T10:00:00.001-07:002015-05-16T10:00:41.141-07:00Compassion fatigueIn honor of Mother's Day, we did a supervision session on compassion fatigue. This is associated with vicarious traumatization and burnout, all of which staff are susceptible to working with forensic populations. I handed out a short article that talked about the symptoms, as well as ways to cope with it. One suggestion was to use relaxation and meditative techniques, so we all drew an image of our ideal self care getaway. One of us went to Italy, another swam with dolphins, another went on a spa retreat in the mountains. It is important to address these kinds of issues periodically and encourage self care when working with forensic populations. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-15050005574257667012015-04-04T09:58:00.001-07:002015-04-04T09:58:03.667-07:00Boundaries in Forensic Mental HealthI recently ordered the book Professional and Therapeutic Boundaries in Forensic Mental Health Practice, edited by Anne Aiyebusi, to use at work. It is written from a nursing standpoint, but most of the literature is relevant to any disciplines working with a forensic population. During a recent supervision session, I read some scenarios from the book and asked everyone how they would handle the situations. This provided staff with the opportunity to think about how they might respond, and it brought up similar situations that had happened to them in the past, which we discussed. The book contains helpful and thought provoking information, and serves as an important reminder to attend to our boundaries with patients who can be highly charming and manipulative. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-64733642248540116182015-03-21T22:37:00.001-07:002015-03-21T22:38:06.257-07:00Art Therapy Poster PresentationI recently had the opportunity to present a poster at the Forensic Mental Health Association of California conference. The poster was on The Use of Art Therapy to Address Dynamic Risk Factors with Sexual Offenders. The poster gave a description of Art Therapy, listed some dynamic risk factors for sex offenders, outlined how we facilitate Art Therapy at the hospital, and displayed some patient art work. This was my first poster presentation, so it was good experience for me. I had to convert a PowerPoint presentation to fit onto a poster. I struggled with the layout, and sought out feedback from peers. Then I had to figure how to use spray adhesive! At the conference, I was able to meet and interact with many different people and answer questions about my poster and where I work. I try to present at conferences to help other disciplines learn about Art Therapy and how it can be helpful with their clients, as well as challenge myself professionally.CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-27789634741599361532015-02-20T18:40:00.001-08:002015-02-20T18:40:32.941-08:00What makes a good facilitator/staff member?Today in Art Therapy supervision, I asked the Art Therapists to make a list of characteristics they thought a good facilitator/therapist/staff member should have to work with the forensic populations that we treat at the hospital. After everyone made their list, I gave them a list of qualities that was complied from patients when I asked them the same question. We compared our list for overlaps and differences. There were many overlaps including empathy, being authentic, and challenging the patient. Many of the therapists listed good boundaries while none of the patients did. When I was having the patients do this exercise, I asked them why they didn't list boundaries, and they said that it was a given. Though, obviously, from staff's perspective, and in reality, it's not a given at the hospital. Then I asked the Art Therapists in supervision to create an image about one of the listed (patient or staff) qualities that they would like to work on or improve. Many of the therapists responded to one characteristic a patient listed about the ability to break down barriers. Other images included using diplomacy, facilitating group dynamics, and being a positive role model. The topic brought up interesting discussions and food for thought. CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7785480369427965811.post-85450722925023720282015-01-18T14:37:00.001-08:002015-01-18T14:38:48.145-08:00The importance of self awareness and introspectionThis week in supervision, I asked everyone to think of some of their issues or baggage and to represent them symbolically. Then, each person could reveal as much as they felt comfortable talking about or just speak generally about the topic. Mainly, I wanted the Art Therapists to think about how what has happened in their past or what is going on in their personal lives can affect their work as therapists. For example, if you have experienced abuse in your past and you are working with abused patients, that may affect your ability to work with this type of patient, particularly if the patient is an abuser as well. It is especially important when working with the forensic population to be mindful of your boundaries, and what might cause you to cross boundaries. Sex offenders are very perceptive and manipulative, and it is easy to be fooled by their charm. They pick up on your weaknesses and vulnerabilities and try to exploit them. We also talked about how lack of confidence and over confidence can get you in trouble. We discussed the importance of your own personal therapy if your own issues are impeding your ability as a therapist. Hopefully, bringing up this topic will help the therapists think more about their own issues and how those issues can affect their work.CA-ATRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07708252929954120967noreply@blogger.com0