Art materials and processes – a place of meeting art psychotherapy with a four-year-old boy

Abstract

This article explores the complex role of art materials and processes in art psychotherapy with a four-year-old boy with developmental delay. Individual art psychotherapy sessions were conducted over an eighteen-month period. By focusing in detail on work done in the first seven months of his therapy, the author is able to highlight the multifaceted role played by art materials and processes in supporting therapeutic change. The pivotal role played by engagement with the art materials paint, water, sand, whiteboard and clay is described in detail. Initial negotiations that focused on the boys use of and relationship with the materials laid the foundations of a relationship with his therapist in which he was able to develop an internal space that was separate from outside experience and so begin to develop an independent identity. Countertransference was used as a tool for understanding the boys interactions with the materials, for finding meaning in apparent mindlessness and for providing containment in order to lay the foundations of a sense of self. This assisted the development of his language and ability to play in the sessions as well as supporting his social development in his family and elsewhere. The authors arguments are contextualised in current art therapy theory as well as with reference to psychoanalytic concepts, child psychotherapy and art education.

Key Words:

• art materials and processes
• art psychotherapy
• language development
• therapeutic relationship
• transference and countertransference
• young children