Initiatic Art Therapy has been developed in Germany over the
past 70 years and incorporates Jungian Depth Psychology, Transpersonal
Psychology, Gestalt Therapy, Christian Mysticism,Zen-Buddhism,
meditation and bodywork.
The name ‘initiatic’ is derived from the term initiation, the
awakening of inner perception. Gradually one becomes aware of one’s
higher self, one’s individual source of universal wisdom. Initiatic Art
Therapy has the potential to initiate this inner process that unfolds
like a mystical quest towards healing, creativity,meaning and love.
Guided Drawing represents the key approach of Initiatic
Art Therapy. It provides an archetypal structure that applies the
philosophy of Jungian Depth Psychology to universal, formal elements
that appear virtually in all drawings, like a line or a circle or a
square.
Work in the Clay Field is a unique and powerful way to use
clay as a therapeutic medium. In Germany art therapist must undergo a 5
year training to qualify to work with the clay field. It has proved
most beneficial especially with working with children.
Guided Drawing
The drawing is done with closed eyes and both hands, using chalk
crayons or finger paints on large sheets of paper. Each movement is
tested and tried through repetition with a heightened sense of
awareness. Everything alive moves. The aim of Guided Drawing is to discover
one’s inner movements and their messages of destruction or creation.
Movements for example emerge from anger, grief or joy. All mental
self-talk causes subtle muscular reactions, movements of contraction and
tension, or of letting go and relaxation. They illustrate the
self-image in relationship with one’s body, others, the physical and
spiritual world. The process of exploring the history of these tensions,
postures and attitudes leads to an unfolding of one’s personal and
trans-personal life story.
A dialogue emerges between perception and expression, which
creates increasing awareness of an inner guidance that knows the path
towards transformation and healing.
Work In The Clay Field ®
The 'clay field' is a rather large, flat box filled with clay.
With closed eyes one makes contact with the material and allows the
hands to find their way through touching, scratching, digging, kneading,
patting, beating...until shapes start to emerge. Scenes become created,
destroyed, recreated… telling one's personal and archetypal story.
There will be no finished product to take home but the adventure of an
intense inner journey.
Group work in the clay field can reflect communication patterns
and become the training ground for creative cooperation. It can be
beneficial for couples, small groups and teams who would like to improve
their relationship skills.
