Symbol of my Disease oil clay sculpture by "M" inpatient for alcoholism Several things happen when an alcoholic begins to grapple with the reality of his/her diagnosis. Most people need some time to assimilate all the implications. Some individuals are helped by the knowledge that alcoholism is a DISEASE; it is not weakness of character or evidence of innate badness. This can be a huge relief. The disease concept also lays the groundwork for the idea that the disease itself is separate from … [Read more...] about Big Black Hole
Right Brain Spine Tingler
Life line oil pastel on paper by "E" age 17 This young restrictor drew her life from left to right – happy childhood, lots of moves around the world, the friendship of her popular sister, and a loss of self in early adolescence. Food and weight became the one thing she could control until she became ill, messed up and sought help. She has wisely chosen to open a new door to recovery. She draws a life founded on love. Above that her right brain sent … [Read more...] about Right Brain Spine Tingler
The Way I See It
The Bridge oil pastel on folded, colored paper by "K" “K” completed this three-part assignment called “The Bridge” as part of an inventory and visualization project at Friday morning art therapy group. On a piece of paper folded into three sections she drew “where you are right now” (left side of page), “where you want to be a year from now” (right hand side of the page) and finally “the bridge” (center) how you plan to get from here to there. Her response drawing is an articulate picture … [Read more...] about The Way I See It
Worried at the Doctor
Worried at the Doctor graphite on paper by T. age 7 T. is a little girl age 7 who lives with almost daily pain and discomfort from longstanding, severe allergies. Food allergies, environmental allergies, rashes and real, cramping stomach pain. For several years now she has been using art therapy skills to help her with both the physical pain and the emotional distress. This drawing was done in the patient treatment room with her doctor while she waited on whether or not she was to … [Read more...] about Worried at the Doctor
Denial
Denial oil pastel self portrait by "F" This oil pastel self-portrait was inspired by an introduction to Freda Kahlo, a Mexican artist who lived with daily pain and sorrow. The part of Freda’s story that impressed this patient is the way Freda includes her emotional and psychological self in her portraits. Freda painted more than what she looks like; she regularly shares what’s on her heart and what’s on her mind. This includes chronic physical pain and painful relationship … [Read more...] about Denial
Bi Polar bracelet
bi polar bracelet by "F" recovering addict Very often when an addict stops using s/he finds an underlying emotional/psychological problem. This begs the old chicken/egg question; did drug addiction and use cause the mental health issue or was it the precursor that prompted the individual to use in the first place? It may be an attempt to self-medicate a pre-existing condition. Common dual diagnoses include alcoholism/drug addiction and depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, various … [Read more...] about Bi Polar bracelet
Red light/Green light
Hungry/Starving (hunger) oil pastel on paper Dieting, binging, purging, numbing, over exercising and otherwise ignoring the body’s perfectly installed hunger signals creates a huge disconnect between mind and body. We see evidence of this disconnect in men and women with disordered eating. F. drew the above as part of the directive “Draw what hunger is for you. Draw what starving is for you.” She was trying to draw a green light! As you can see she reflexively draws “Stop” even though she … [Read more...] about Red light/Green light
Housecleaning
Alcoholism/Recovery oil pastel on paper This pair of drawings is a response by F., a middle aged woman who proclaimed, “I can’t draw!” the minute she heard the words “art therapy”. I asserted my disclaimer – that I was not looking for talent or training – which did not put her at ease. The funny thing is that you don’t need artistic talent or training to benefit from art therapy. Almost anyone can benefit. You’ll see what I mean. This is F’s art response to the directive “Draw a picture of … [Read more...] about Housecleaning