Sunday, October 24, 2010

Example

Many of you have asked for an example for how I set up my session notes to include the description of the Art Therapy Technique. Here is the structure that I use, and an example...

Client's Name - Type of session (individual, family, couple, phone) - Date

DATA: Stated several times that she was excited and happy to be a session. Appropriate interaction, eye contact and personal boundaries. Separated well from family, and also transitioned well back to mother after session.

ART TASK: Draw Family as animals: Father, self and grandmother are giraffes. Mother and both brothers are dinosaurs (T-Rex). Client states that the T-Rexes are stronger and sometimes scarier than the giraffes. Mother and father are near the top of the page while children are underneath - appropriate hierarchy.

Sand and glitter painting: Provided as nice connection and interaction for client and therapist. Provides role modeling of appropriate adult/child relationship and interaction.

ASSESSMENT: Client seems to be making connections/similarities between family members by making them the same animal. Client sees some family members are more aggressive.

PLAN: Continue to build trust. Continue to provide a safe place to discuss feelings, and assess for any signs of physical or sexual abuse. Provide a positive adult/child relationship.

I keep a copy/photo on computer to reference. I keep the notes fairly short, just enough to remind me of the session, in case my notes are subpoenaed into court (which has happened many times).

I always set up the notes as:

DATA: Observations and discussions

ART TECHNIQUE: State name of technique and what was said and done during.

ASSESSMENT: My own interpretations, but I always use words such as "seems to be...", "appeared like...", "may mean..."

PLAN: Future or continued goals. Possible art techniques for following session.

Did your weekend include passion?

I promised myself I would paint, and I did! It's amazing how saying something out loud forces me to stick to it.

Friday: I chose to paint, instead of run - sometimes we need to forgo one passion for another. I chose the greater or two goods. (Unlike this upcoming election - where sometimes I feel as if I am forced to choose the lesser or two evils).

Saturday: I ran 5.5 miles AND I collaged. I took the paintings I had left drying in the garage, and I cut them up and began collaging. Not done yet. PLUS, took my daughter to get her hair done for the Homecoming Dance - she was happy. It's so pleasant in my house when the teenagers are in a good mood. Then I had dinner with good friends. I got to engage in four of my passions!

Sunday: Today is just beginning, but my plan is to continue collaging and paint on top of the collage. I also get to run with a friend and decorate the house for Halloween. (I was going to say, "I have to decorate my house for Halloween", then I decided that if I look at it as a "get to" instead of a "have to" than I am choosing and I win!)

Did your weekend include passion?

Friday, October 22, 2010

Where inspiration comes from...

You never know what is going to spark your creativity...

The other day at the grocery store, I noticed that "Kleenex" has some really cool new tissue box designs. So cool, in fact, that I feel inspired to paint. When I think about all the effort it takes to set up the easel, get out the paints, and make the time to paint, I am discouraged. But, just like exercising, I know from past experience that I WILL feel better after.

My promise to myself, and my own sanity...
This weekend I will make time to paint.