Art Psychotherapy – a personal view
Early in 2010 a new service – art psychotherapy – was added to the Counselling services portfolio at the LJMC. The service has become very popular as word has spread. The development of a group workshop has been particularly popular. Linda* kindly agreed to talk to 'Open Door' about her experience.
A diagnosis of cancer is frequently a huge shock and so it was for Linda. However, following successful treatment, she was able to relax and continue to live her life, return to work and enjoy her family.
The discovery that the cancer had returned three years ago was therefore a huge blow which left Linda and her family reeling. She embarked on further treatment, at the same time as trying to support everyone around her. Everyone found it difficult to talk about what was happening and the stresses became harder and harder.
At the time, Linda was still working and, although she tried to come to relaxation classes at the LJMC, it was difficult to fit them in. It was suggested she try counselling and, following an initial assessment, she started seeing Shona Elrick, our art psychotherapist, on a one-to-one basis.
"I didn't know how to talk," explained Linda. "There were some deep-seated issues that I needed to address and it took a while to be able to say much which is where being able to express myself on paper really helped. Gradually, I was able to release stuff and was able to become 'unburdened'".
After a few sessions, Shona suggested Linda tried coming to the weekly group sessions. Initially, Linda was extremely unsure. As one of life's natural givers, she feared that belonging to a group would bring expectations from others and, right at that time, she didn't feel she had the strength to give any more.
Shona reassured Linda that her fears were unnecessary and so it proved. Linda found she was with other like-minded people, each on their own journey. "We respect each other's space and give each other time to say what we want to say."
The group sessions usually start with a cup of tea and general conversation before the art materials come out. Each person has their own preferred medium with which they feel happiest to work.
Like many people coming to art psychotherapy, Linda had never drawn or painted before, even during her school days. She found watercolours to be the most comfortable medium and mostly paints landscapes. She describes these as positive, living scenes. The group is also working on a large picture together.
Linda explained that it's not an art lesson and Shona is not there to teach them; instead she leaves them to develop themselves.
"The art psychotherapy sessions are for me. They're my time," says Linda. "They are now a priority for me on Mondays and other appointments have to fit around them."
Linda's interest in art has grown and she's even bought some paints to use at home.
"If I'm having a bad day, I may pick up my paints and lose myself in art. It takes my mind off feeling sorry for myself and dwelling on my illness. I can forget what's going on inside and gain strength again."
Linda's family has noticed a change in her. They tell her that she's less anxious and less fearful. "That's about right," she says. "The anxieties haven't gone away but being able to express them has helped me feel in control so that they're no longer such monsters."
"I've still got cancer but art psychotherapy has helped me put it to one side, giving me a sense of inner freedom without losing touch. I felt as if I was walking round with a huge heavy sack on my back, trying to hold everything and everyone together, at the same time as coping with treatment and my own emotions. I can now put that sack down and not pick it up again.
"I've found a sense of balance. I am facing the fact that I'm not going to live a normal life span but I've got a weapon to help me cope with that."
* Not her real name
Last updated: April 13, 2012
The art psychotherapy service at the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre is generously funded by the Corinne Burton Memorial Trust.
This article first appeared in the Autumn 2011 issue of the LJMC newsletter, Open Door.