[These pictures are shown with permission from my clients] - The collages shown were done by a few teenagers I worked with in a therapy session focused on trauma they had experienced. I often find that, for some clients, it is difficult to verbally express feelings relating to certain topics such as trauma, deep rooted self esteem issues, problems in their family, divorce, etc. In these cases, I like to find alternate means of expression that can be just as therapeutic as a conversation about feelings. I push clients to go deep in alternate-media sessions,
and often get interesting interpretations - which turn into deep, revealing sessions
Here are the clients' explanation of their creations:
1. some of the pieces shown represent her sexual abuse-related trauma, subsequent struggle with addiction, struggle with trying to be more assertive (instead of passive), filling the void with sexual relationshps, and challenges connecting to others; 2. it illustrates her loss of trust, negative coping (substance abuse), and later positive coping skills - going to the beach, learning how to have "sober fun" - for dealing with her trauma.
What do you see in these artful expressions? The good thing about art is that the interpretations for the same piece can grow and be modified over time.
Another popular form of therapy a lot of clients have been very interested in is therapy using photos from family albums and/or completing photo-taking assignments (for example, telling a client to go out and photography their perception of "freedom" or "balance", etc) - which I offer as well.
- written by Nakya Reeves, LMFT. I am a therapist and owner of a private practice where my main focus is working with families on communication issues, especially the parent-teen relationship. I also utilize PhotoTherapy techniques in my practice, which integrates bringing in photos that the client has taken or collected as a part of the therapy process. I can be contacted any time at csolutionstherapy@gmail.com
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