Breaking the mould a woman's psychosocial and artistic journey with clay

Abstract

In the following case study of a woman suffering from depression since adolescence, I consider the contemporary social construction of gender and how this is linked with the prevalence of depression in women. Specifically, I consider how conventional pressures on women to nurture others and suppress their own emotions influenced the development of this clients emotional distress. In an attempt to create a synthesis of social art therapy and feminist psychotherapy, I explore how emotional and social experiences overlap in this clients inner world. Finally, I explore how a shift towards the use of clay was decisive in her ability to access memories of childhood trauma and to develop a more authentic subjectivity.