| The use of art and symbols can be an effective solution to communication problems. When people come to QPASTT to speak about what is troubling them, they often try to find words to express themselves. Many clients tell us that there are just no words to describe how they feel and when interpreters are used it can be difficult to translate the precise meaning.
Therefore at QPASTT we sometimes suggest using things other than words (or as well as words) to express ideas and communicate experiences and feelings. For example:
- visual images, drawing
- painting, movement
- gesture, music and so on
In our work at QPASTT it is not necessary to be good at art. What is important is that through drawing or diagrams, choosing colours, shapes or designs, you are able to express something you may find overwhelming. When we are feeling safe enough with a counsellor and dare to express this kind of feeling in some kind of art form, the problem becomes externalized, at a distance from us, no longer overwhelming. This enables us to:
- access our strengths and problem solving abilities, previously paralysed by our emotions and fears
- get new insights and our fear can be diminished
- feel somehow more in control, and less threatened
- lift the burden we can carry
What are symbols? Symbols may be:
- figures of people, animals
- religious and spiritual objects
- or small replicas of all the things that exist in our world.
These figures are called symbols because they represent something, beliefs, experiences, thoughts, feelings, memories, hopes and so on. Each person will find their own personal meaning when selecting a symbol. At QPASTT counsellors often work with clients using symbols in sand to explore their meaning. This can be a very helpful way of accessing feelings and experiences which can bring new understanding.
Written by: Lois Whiteman, Deborah Jones & Eloith Tonkin (Counsellor/Advocates)
^Back to Top |
