Time-Limited Art Psychotherapy: Developments in Theory and Practice (Youth, Young Adulthood and Society) by Rose Hughes

Author:Rose Hughes
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9781317536062
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Published: 2016-01-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

Brief solution focused therapy techniques in assessment, treatment and review of art psychotherapy

Michael Atkins

Introduction

In this chapter I will describe the process of my integration and appreciation of solution focused therapy in the practice of art psychotherapy. Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT) was created in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, in the 1980s by a group of family therapists led by husband and wife Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. Whilst developing ideas about brief therapies they became particularly interested in what clients reported to have been helpful. Building on their pioneering work I will describe how I use solution focused interventions in my clinical practice as an art psychotherapist, outline key elements of the model, and give examples of their use in clinical sessions. I will expand the theme to include its use in other contexts relevant to art psychotherapists such as supervision and professionals meetings. I will consider some of the issues art psychotherapists face when adopting a new therapeutic model; and the process by which a new approach becomes part of a clinician’s expertise.

Solution focused therapy, for instance, is deceptively simple to grasp. Without recourse to extensive theoretical knowledge a therapist can learn the basic skills over a two-day introductory course. Once the practitioner is familiar with the approach it is relatively easy to consolidate and deepen one’s practice through reading and practice based observation. Saying this should not suggest it is quite so easy to practice effectively. Though a semi-structured approach, the techniques still require the foundation of a good working relationship between client and therapist. For art psychotherapists BSFT might seem utterly alien: to the theoretical and experiential knowledge the clinician already possesses and the scripted quality may feel awkward and incompatible with the therapist’s personal style. I was no exception. I aim to describe how I became familiar with the approach, offer suggestions as to how others might do so, and similarly find it a useful approach in the time pressured resources of present services. I have found a solution focused approach an invaluable asset. It has given me a structured tool to use in assessment for treatment that has benefits even when art psychotherapy is not the preferred treatment outcome. Additionally it begins a process of evaluating treatment options in terms the client understands and finds meaningful. In turn BSFT’s clarity can be used to describe therapeutic goals and reasonable expectations for outcomes to others, for example in a multidisciplinary team, or family meeting using language that is both client friendly and jargon free. It can helpfully describe what we do; while how we do it might reasonably use the language and theory associated with art psychotherapy.

I will talk about working with clients from the perspective of a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) art psychotherapist. Not only is this is my area of expertise but it is also a field where there are a wide number of factors impacting on clinical work. The age range of my clients ranges from around six years of age to 18.

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