Control and manipulation are sub-conscious defense mechanisms. Sometimes these protective characteristics show themselves in subtle, less obvious ways. The challenge for any of us is trying to understand why and what are the underlying causes behind the need to defend, or protect ourselves.
In art&healing sessions participants are invited to explore how they respond to situations that they can not easily control. It’s not easy to control a Q-tips or small sponge loaded with paint, they’re not precise instruments! It can be a messy process. Our hand can go one direction while the paint goes the other, the end results is not what we planned. This can be a very uncomfortable experience for some and down right aggravating for others at first.
Although uncomfortable, these feelings can be the keys towards understanding what cause us to become stressed, anxious, or push us out of our protective comfort zones. This is why it’s so important to continually reminded those in my classes, that the “goal” of an expressive art sessions is not about having a perfect “end result”... but learning to see value the “process”.
Although uncomfortable, these feelings can be the keys towards understanding what cause us to become stressed, anxious, or push us out of our protective comfort zones. This is why it’s so important to continually reminded those in my classes, that the “goal” of an expressive art sessions is not about having a perfect “end result”... but learning to see value the “process”.
- How did they feel after completing each step of the process?
- Were they willing to relinquish control?
- Did they get stressed, angry, frustrated, or just quit when things didn’t go our way?
- Did working through the process give them a new sense of freedom?
- Was it relaxing and enjoyable?
- Did they gain any new insights?
My job as facilitator is NOT to analyze anyone! This is their private process. My job is to create a safe environment for them to explore some of these feelings.
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