‘Who is in the castle?’ One man’s use of the Frankenstein story in art therapy

ABSTRACT

This article stems from my art therapy research MA and focuses on the themes of Frankenstein, the therapeutic use of story, the usefulness of story making and collaboration within one man’s art therapy treatment. It explores the story of Frankenstein and the themes embedded in the story investigating how they might help someone trying to make sense of their own experiences of a frightening if familiar world. The themes include issues of life, death and relationships for someone with a learning disability and links to art psychotherapeutic work are indicated. The pseudonym ‘Ben’ is used to protect the client’s identity.

KEYWORDS:

• Art therapy
• learning disabilities
• story
• Frankenstein
• horror

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Cordy Askew qualified as an Art Therapist in 1997. She has clinical experience in Adult Mental Health and Learning Disabilities. For the last 10 years, she has worked in the Salford Community Learning Disability service, now provided by Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. Cordy is a member of the Art Therapy and Learning Disability special interest group.