Creating mascots in art therapy

This material is an excerpt from a joint book by Alexander Kopytin and Beverly Court “Healing Journey: Techniques of Analytical Art Therapy”, St. Petersburg: Rech, 2007. Alexander Kopytin – Chairman of the Art Therapy Association (St. Petersburg), Beverly Court – a certified art therapist from the UK, a member of the British Association of Art Therapists, has worked as an art therapist in medical and educational institutions for more than 20 years.
In traditional stories (fairy tales, myths, legends), various magical (magical) objects are presented in abundance, capable of endowing heroes with special powers or protecting them on their journey. This chapter will show how art therapists can use the concept of mascots in their work with clients. We will try to show on what mental mechanisms the idea of ​​the protective and transforming possibilities of talismans is based, as well as to describe and illustrate some special techniques associated with the creation of a special kind of pictorial production in the process of art therapy that plays the role of talismans.
magical thinking
In childhood and in “altered states of consciousness” we can perceive the surrounding objects as spiritualized, containing a certain essence, energy, a thinking principle with which we can interact. Also, when experiencing a neurotic or acute psychotic state, a person may experience similar ideas that become obsessive, painful. Similar manifestations of human mental activity can be used constructively, for example, in the course of art therapy work.
The creation of “magic” objects also allows you to experience a creative reincarnation – to be yourself and, at the same time, to feel like someone else, to feel in yourself the “essence” of another person, animal or plant. Going, thus, beyond the established ideas about ourselves, we can gain new experience and show new qualities and forms of behavior. Just as a representation can serve as the basis for action, the creation of an artistic image or model can be the first step towards actualizing new needs and properties. What we do and embody in reality was once present in our imagination, intuition or dreams in the form of symbols. Thus, the creation of special artistic objects like talismans can pave the way for more action in the real world.
Fine products as a “talisman”
The concept of a talisman in relation to visual products created in the course of art therapy classes was first used by the English analytical art psychotherapist Joy Chaverien in his work The Image of Revelation (Schaverien 1992). She describes and explains two types of transference phenomena in art therapy. One of them is connected with the transfer to the art therapist, the other – to the visual products. At the same time, Chaverien associates these types of transference with the psychodynamic phenomenon of the “scapegoat”. She believes that visual production can act as a scapegoat when the client is overwhelmed by unpleasant or threatening thoughts and feelings. He may perceive the pictorial production he creates as related to these unpleasant experiences. Wanting to suppress them, he may try to destroy his products, hide them, or entrust them to an art therapist as someone who can harness and control the forces that threaten the client. As the client gradually integrates initially unacceptable or unpleasant experiences and qualities, his attitude towards visual production becomes more relaxed.
Chaverien’s understanding of pictorial production as a kind of “scapegoat” to which the complex experiences of the client can react, explains only one of the aspects or functions of the talisman or “magical” object. Another aspect is related to the purposeful creation of talismans in art therapy, including in close connection with narratives.
Talismans and interaction with them in different cultures
Many cultures are characterized by the creation of objects that perform the functions of talismans. There are many examples of how objects created and used in the process of ritual practices are endowed with special significance, and people believe that these objects can provide them with protection, guarantee success or healing. In everyday life, we also often turn to those objects that remind us of something valuable or pleasant. A special group of items that play a similar role are those associated with religious beliefs and practices.
In many traditional stories, the hero creates an object with his own hands, which then allows him to realize his mission, or to remove the spell. In the tale of the six swans, the heroine sews six shirts from the “star flower” (flax) in order to free her six brothers, who were turned into swans by the sorceress, from evil spells. The heroine cannot finish the sixth shirt in any way, and when the spell is nevertheless removed, the five brothers regain their former appearance, and only the sixth, the youngest of them, has a swan wing instead of his right hand.
This detail evokes many associations and may suggest different interpretations. According to some, the presence of a swan wing in a younger brother is interpreted as a disadvantage, a “black mark”. According to others – as dignity and good. Or maybe both are true? Is it also possible that this tale contains the idea that the curse would have been lifted even without sewing shirts, and that human efforts are insufficient, and our fate is determined by forces outside of us?
Other stories, however, emphasize the defining role of the hero’s own efforts to do something with his own hands. So, for example, a young princess, living under the guise of a simple peasant woman, must learn to play the violin, make pots and sell them in the market, bake bread and serve it on the royal table. Some narratives emphasize the value of both the process of working on the creation of an object, and the final product itself. So, the master may ask the apprentice to make a miniature copy of something in order to verify its personal qualities. Sometimes a miniature model of a thing or creature replaces them. A miniature image of a wolf can see, smell and think like a wolf, accompanying the hero and helping him during his journey.
Creation of talismanic objects in the process of art therapy
In the process of art therapy, the client may at some point experience a strong desire to create an image that expresses his sense of health and strength. This can happen some time after the beginning of the psychotherapeutic process, when the client comes to a more positive perception of himself and his abilities. This may also be due to his transition to a more active life position. In all these cases, the image that expresses the client’s feeling of his strengths and capabilities begins to play the role of a talisman that helps the client move on and believe in himself. The creation of such an image is for him an act of self-affirmation and serves as a kind of “mirror” reflecting his dignity. To designate this kind of pictorial production, we will further use the phrase “talismanic objects” (talisman-like objects).
Just as in verbal psychotherapy and counseling it is very important to maintain a balance of support and frustration (provocation) of the client, in the process of art therapy we can help the client maintain an optimal balance of immersion in complex, traumatic experiences, on the one hand, and actualization and support of positive, joyful, the light aspects of his experience, on the other hand. So, you can help the client focus his attention in the process of visual activity on his positive characteristics. In this case, the products he creates can then be placed in a special place in the office or at home, serving as a reminder of the successes he has achieved. This kind of visual activity is somewhat reminiscent of ritual practices that involve a conscious concentration on spiritual resources.
Talismanic objects created in the process of art therapy can reflect the strengthening of the positive image of the client’s “I”, his healthy connections with the world and the desire to develop further, on the one hand, and testify to the continuing psychological vulnerability and the need to have some protection and support, on the other hand.
The creation of talismanic objects can be valuable both at the initial and final stages of art therapy. So, at the initial stage of art therapy. in close connection with the establishment of a psychotherapeutic relationship, the client may be asked to create a vessel, box or casket, in which he can then place those objects or products that reflect what is valuable to him, or what he would like to keep secret – something fragile, associated with his weaknesses or injured parts of his “I”. Such a vessel, box, or casket can serve as a symbolic container to help the client psychologically protect himself in later work.
The client can also open such a container from time to time and take out of it those items that he is ready to discuss during the session. In addition, as the end of art therapy approaches, the client can independently, or at the suggestion of an art therapist, create such an art object that serves as a symbol of health, discoveries made during art therapy, or reminds of what else needs to be done.
Talisman as a means to strengthen the connection between internal and external reality
One of the interesting qualities of a talisman lies in its ability to signify and maintain a connection between the inner and outer reality, as well as the interchange of energy and the qualities that are contained in them. The talisman is somewhat reminiscent of the images of the alchemical process, since it expresses something subjective and individual, on the one hand, and universal and cosmic, on the other hand. It reminds us that we live and develop in a broad context, in interaction with the universe and what fills it. If the client is a believer, he can create such a talismanic object that symbolizes his connection with the divine. The client can also perceive the talisman as something that connects him with nature, or with the internal resources of his body or psyche.
Many art therapists work non-directive, that is, as a rule, they do not offer their clients any specific topics or actions, although this may be justified at some points in psychotherapy. As you know, in recent years, the need for short-term psychotherapy has increased, which makes art therapists act more flexible and more often deviate from what they are used to. Therefore, they can more actively and purposefully use themes for visual work, including offering stories to clients as a basis for visual work, or involving them in the process of creating their own mascot objects, regardless of the material of the stories or in connection with it. In doing so, they will help clients to more actively explore certain aspects of their experience and organize it based on the structure of the narrative or certain pictorial practices. It is also entirely possible to use certain art therapy techniques as an auxiliary tool for brief therapy, which ensures that the client creates visible physical evidence of what he has come to or what he aspires to. If, for example, a client is asked to create some kind of artistic object based on the impressions of history, this will serve to immerse him in the inner world and reveal his feelings and needs to him. Visual activity gives the client additional space and time to focus on the most significant aspects of the experience.
Variants of talismanic objects that can be created by clients during art therapy spontaneously or at the suggestion of a specialist
Circular or spherical objects. This variant of talismanic objects, as a rule, serves to protect and contain new qualities that appear in the client, which are not yet sufficiently developed. It can be represented in the form of a vessel or bowl (they are a sphere cut in two or open at the top). The vessel or bowl can be either open or closed. In the latter case, the vessel acts as a symbol of transformation, mixing and connection of various internal qualities and the emergence of something new from them. Such images may be associated with the process of preparing food, elixir or infusion. Healing or magical liquid can also be poured into the bowl. At the same time, in a state of illness, a person may have the feeling that his “vital vessel” is empty, or that he has drunk a poisoned drink. In many ways similar to the vessel, the meaning concludes the image of a nest that protects the chicks until they grow up and get stronger. The likeness of a vessel, but inverted, is an arch. The client may represent or portray himself as being under her protection.
Eggs, seeds are miniature containers containing a program for future development. By creating images of an egg or a seed during art therapy, clients can place something in their inner space that serves as a symbolic message to themselves or parting words for the future. If such art objects are created from natural materials (clay, for example), they can then be placed in nature. They will gradually dissolve or disintegrate, and their contents will sink into the soil, just as it happens with real seeds or grains of fruits and vegetables. Sometimes, when the client places the semblances of fruits or seeds he has created in the natural environment, he has a more or less clear sense of when exactly the “seeds” should germinate and, accordingly, when what he symbolically placed in them as his goal or program future development can be achieved or realized. The creation of talismanic objects in the form of eggs or seeds is more typical for those clients who begin to feel the emergence of new qualities in themselves or the manifestation of some hidden energy, but they are not yet ready to manifest these qualities and energy openly. As a rule, they need time for this new content to mature and open up in them.
Boxes, square and rectangular objects. These objects can be thought of as the consequences of the transformation of a circle or sphere, acting as primary forms. These transformations assumed certain efforts and purposeful, conscious processing. Such forms can be shown with or without lids. The presence of a cover or door emphasizes that the interior space is immersed in darkness, and that something may be hiding in it. Many traditional stories describe the placement of objects within such forms. The box may also be a music box or other musical instrument, and may include a key to open it. Large boxes can be considered as dwellings, prison cells, ovens, etc., which can contain a character who enters there voluntarily or is placed under duress.
Dolls, human figures. The human figure can be represented by a combination of vertical and horizontal lines, or a circle and a vertical line. In some stories, there are images of magic dolls or people of small stature. Sometimes the doll symbolizes the essence of the hero, or the beginning in him, which should be subsequently revealed. The client can create a “healing doll” for himself, which acts as a metaphor for the qualities that he needs to cultivate in order to become healthy and harmonious. Amulets in the form of triangles can act as a stylized image of a human figure. They can be used in the singular or in the form of garlands. Such amulets are common in Central Asia. They are usually painted in red, white and black colors, they can be decorated with plants, embroidery or beads and hung out in dwellings, or serve as an element of clothing. It is believed that such forms serve to protect a person and his home, contribute to fertility and prosperity. Often such triangular shapes symbolize a female deity, sometimes also a woman with a child.
Magic clothes and jewelry. One can recall many myths and fairy tales in which the hero or heroine, meeting with their supernatural helpers and patrons, receives from them a dress or some other item of clothing as a gift. These items are varied and include the following.
(a) Headgear. In many stories, a crown, hat, or diadem on the head of a hero or heroine emphasizes their special status, rights, or role. It should also be taken into account that a headdress can symbolize the priority of the spiritual or rational principle and the importance of authority. Accordingly, the creation of a headdress serves as a sign of self-affirmation and acceptance of a spiritual mission or leadership position. By designing and trying on a headdress for themselves, the client can experience being a responsible, empowered person, as well as feel what it means to be visible and declare their views and values. An example is the case when a young woman of Croatian origin in the course of art therapy created for herself an “invisible princess crown”, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of the client and helping her to feel confident in her creative abilities, which were actively manifested in her childhood.
(b) Belt. This element of clothing “connects” the upper and lower halves of the body and can symbolize the protection of its integrity. Various important items can be attached to the belt, which a person can quickly use, if necessary, such as keys, a knife, a flask, etc. An example is a client who made a belt for herself during art therapy in order to “connect” the upper and lower halves of the body. She felt they weren’t connected enough to each other. The belt also accentuated her feminine figure and drew the attention of herself and others to her pelvis and hips. This frightened and embarrassed her somewhat, and, at the same time, excited her. By putting on the belt during group sessions, she was able to feel more deeply the emotional tension associated with it and better understand the reasons for her conflicting attitudes towards sexuality.
(c) Boots, shoes. This element of clothing can emphasize how the hero moves along his life path, how much he is connected to the earth or is able to break away from it and move more rapidly due to this, if, for example, he is shod in winged sandals. A person may feel more confident and decide to step into unfamiliar territory by imagining himself shod in magic shoes.
Animals. Images of animals can also be one of the varieties of talismanic objects. Such images can be created by people and then accompany them, symbolizing their connection with valuable animal qualities. They can emphasize the qualities of dexterity, swiftness, strength, love of freedom and the ability to survive. An example of the use of a talismanic object of this kind is the case when a training participant created for herself a long, heavy tail dragging along the floor. She said that the tail helps her feel better connected to the earth. It gave her great pleasure to move with this tail. Thanks to him, she felt more stable and confident and less “windy”. Another example of a talisman in the form of an animal is the image of a “red bird” created by one of the members of the art therapy group. For several weeks, she enthusiastically worked on creating a whole series of such images (drawings, sculptures) and fantasized a lot, imagining herself as a “red bird”. This bird served for the client as a symbol of “fiery, creativity” and femininity. In the process of creating images, she felt how she was filled with energy and strength. The image of the “red bird” first appeared to her when she was reading a fairy tale.
Other talismanic objects mentioned in traditional stories and created during art therapy
Swords, sabers – as a rule, emphasize strength, courage, dignity, the ability to penetrate and self-defense.
Rings – giving or exchanging them can symbolize an expression of fidelity, reliability in a relationship. The ring can also emphasize the identity of its wearer or its exclusivity.
Wigs can symbolize transformation, mimicry, or protection.
The keys are associated with opening and closing locks, providing access to a dwelling, storage, chest, etc., they can symbolize protection, the ability of their owner to penetrate into any space, including a secret one. Possession of the key means control, power, choice. The keys can also be associated with access to internal resources (vital energy, the unconscious), penetration into the soul of another person.
Clews, thread – can be associated with development, unfolding, folding, dear (way of life). If the ball unwinds as it moves, the thread provides a way to return. The thread can also be used for various purposes, including tangling, tying (connecting), etc. The network can mean support, interconnection, the basis (matrix) of the universe, entanglement, capture, absorption. Often it is associated with various manifestations of the feminine – both creative, associated with conception and childbearing, and destructive.
The mirror reflects the real or false “I”, means the ability to see in oneself what was previously invisible (hidden potential, certain mental qualities), as well as the ability to look into the future. In stories, mirrors are often used for divination, observing what is at a considerable distance. They can also be associated with reflection, cognitive abilities.
Doors – in myths, fairy tales, doors are often associated with access to some other space (sacred, magical, dungeon). When opening doors, the hero or heroine may encounter something unusual or surprising, or they may be forced to test themselves, to meet with an obstacle. Opening the door can also symbolize the transition to a new phase of development, from one sphere of being to another. A lot of doors can be associated with a choice, a variety of development paths.
Creation of talismanic objects in connection with the solution of problems of personal integration
In many stories, the creation of a talisman by a young hero is associated with testing those of his personal qualities that are a sign or prerequisite for reaching an adult, a mature state, gaining wisdom or a certain social position. The creation of such objects can sometimes be seen as a kind of ritual of initiation.
In traditional stories, maturity is usually associated with the following psychological characteristics:
– patience, perseverance, perseverance in achieving the goal;
– the ability to distinguish phenomena, depending on their qualities, the “clarity” of the mind, visual acuity, hearing, etc.;
– the ability to see not only with physical, but also with “spiritual” vision and use intuition, “listen to your own heart”;
– fidelity to duty, set goals, following one’s own mission, the ability, despite obstacles, to realize it.