Containing the uncontainable: Responsive art making in art therapy as a method to facilitate mentalization

Havsteen-Franklin, Dominik; Altamirano, Jorge Camarena

doi:10.1080/17454832.2015.1023322

Cited by 30 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…In art therapy, Kramer’s (1979) third hand concept encourages the therapist to assist with materials and remain active as an artist within the therapy. It may be that in a clinical and safe setting, if the therapist/researcher took a more active role, such as creating an artistic response during a mentalization-based session ( Havsteen-Franklin and Altamirano, 2015 ), this could be especially appropriate for fathers, allowing for a gradual move from implicit to explicit mentalizing through non-verbal communication and on to verbal reflection on the art and process.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Paternal Mentalization Among Fathers of Toddlers Through a Clay-Sculpting Task

Bauch

2021

Front. Psychol.

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This study explored parental mentalization processes as they unfolded during a sculpting task administered to fathers of toddlers. Parental mentalization—the parent’s ability to understand behavior (his/her own as a parent and that of their child) based on its underlying mental states (Luyten et al., 2017)—is considered crucial within parent–child relationships (Fonagy et al., 1998) and child development (Steele and Steele, 2008). Eleven Israeli first-time fathers (n = 11) of children aged 2–3 (mean = 2.3) were asked to sculpt a representation of themselves with their child using clay. Following the task, the fathers were interviewed while observing the sculpture they had created. Qualitative thematic analysis integrated three types of data—video footage of the sculpting processes, the sculptures themselves, and the transcripts of the post-sculpting interviews. By focusing on data extracts relating to mentalization processes, three main aspects of the clay-sculpting task and interview were identified as processes that either preceded controlled mentalization instances and/or related to their underlying dynamics: (1) discussing the sculpting process elicited the father’s curiosity and wonder; (2) observing the sculpture/sculpting process revealed gaps in paternal representations; and (3) the preplanning of the sculptures sparked non-verbal exploration of metaphors and symbolism. Special attention was given, in the analysis, to the interplay between verbal and non-verbal aspects of mentalization as they appeared in the metaphorical representations that arose through the sculpting process. Comparing this sample to a previous sample of mothers who were given the same task, similarities and differences were explored, with specific reference to topics of embodiment, gender roles, paternity leave, and an active approach in art therapy. The discussion indicates that clay sculpting may offer unique insight into implicit parental mentalization. Possible clinical applications are discussed, with reference to attachment theory and clinical art therapy approaches.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Paternal Mentalization Among Fathers of Toddlers Through a Clay-Sculpting Task

Bauch

2021

Front. Psychol.

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“…9 Over time the patient begins a mentalising process, thinking about the experiences that the images represent. Non-verbal expression becomes verbal and the patient is more able to engage with others 8,9 (Figure 2). This paper describes the use of responsive art therapy in an inpatient CAMHS unit and includes examples of images and acceptability to adolescents measured by a satisfaction questionnaire.…”

Section: Psychiatrymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…8 The responsive art therapist uses responsive artmaking in order to relate, inquire and empathise in a non-verbal dialogue, producing a unique communication: the patient has repeated experiences of expressing his/her feelings, feeling understood and being responded to in a safe and non-threatening manner. 9 Over time the patient begins a mentalising process, thinking about the experiences that the images represent. Non-verbal expression becomes verbal and the patient is more able to engage with others 8,9 (Figure 2).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Evaluating the use of responsive art therapy in an inpatient child and adolescent mental health services unit

Nielsen¹,

Isobel

Starling

2019

Australas Psychiatry

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Objectives: We describe the use of responsive art therapy in an inpatient child and adolescent mental health services unit, including its acceptability rated through a satisfaction questionnaire. Methods: A patient satisfaction questionnaire was developed to collect feedback from 46 adolescents. Images from therapy were photographed and collated looking for patterns across diagnoses and stages of treatment. Results: Adolescents reported that art therapy helped them learn how to express themselves safely (80%) and understand how their thoughts related to their feelings (78%). Conclusions: Responsive art therapy was a useful strategy to support the safe expression of distress and was seen as a positive experience by adolescents in inpatient mental health care.

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“…As a form of interpretive dialogue, responsive art psychotherapy provides an opportunity to be with the young person and their family and to engage with them non‐verbally in their emotional experience. Responsive art psychotherapy is an emerging practice within the discipline of art therapy (Havsteen‐Franklin & Altamirano, 2015; Moon, 1999; Nielsen, 2018). For the purpose of this paper, the responsive family art psychotherapy practiced in this setting will be referred to as family art therapy .…”

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confidence: 99%

Family Art Therapy: A Contribution to Mental Health Treatment in an Adolescent Inpatient Setting

Nielsen

Feijo

Renshall

et al. 2021

ANZ J of Family Therapy

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Art therapy has been increasingly used in mental health settings, particularly for children and families who experience trauma‐induced symptoms. However, there is limited literature on family art therapy in child and adolescent inpatient settings. We describe the use of family art therapy in an inpatient child and adolescent mental health services unit, including images to demonstrate effectiveness. Patient and family member artworks were photographed and used to describe three case studies. Artworks made in art therapy can reveal hidden dysfunction in the family. Recent trauma research supports capacity to access this material safely through non‐verbal visual communication. Family art therapy is a useful intervention to support the identification of an illness in the parent, to improve the attunement between the parent and the child, and for the parent to detach from their child’s symptoms by agreeing to get treatment for themselves. If the patient cannot separate from the illness in the parent their symptoms may remain.

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Containing the uncontainable: Responsive art making in art therapy as a method to facilitate mentalization

Cited by 30 publications

References 22 publications

Exploring Paternal Mentalization Among Fathers of Toddlers Through a Clay-Sculpting Task

Exploring Paternal Mentalization Among Fathers of Toddlers Through a Clay-Sculpting Task

Evaluating the use of responsive art therapy in an inpatient child and adolescent mental health services unit

Family Art Therapy: A Contribution to Mental Health Treatment in an Adolescent Inpatient Setting

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