A Simple Exercise for Goal Setting Using Art Therapy
When I first start working with a new client, developing therapeutic goals is an important step. This is important to establish because then we both know what we are working toward in our sessions. Some clients come in with very specific goals. These can include learning coping skills for anxiety or depression, learning to set boundaries, or dealing with difficult family dynamics. However, other clients struggle to articulate exactly what they’re looking to gain from their therapy sessions. That’s when goal setting using art therapy is an important tool.
Collage work to help with goal setting using art therapy
Many clients are not quite sure what they would like to work on, but they know that they would like to make improvements. I often prompt those clients who are open to art therapy to work on a collage to help identify what success and progress might look for them at the end of our work together.
Collage work is a simple activity that anyone can do, and if you’d like to try it at home, here are the steps:
- Gather your materials–a piece of paper or poster board to create your collage on, scissors, a glue stick, and several magazines, newspapers, or other paper cut outs to choose from.
- Prompt yourself with a question: “How do I want to feel at the end of therapy?” “What does my ideal life/work situation/family look like?” “What does my life look like in ten years, ideally?” Pick a question that’s broad, but fitting for your personal needs.
- Flip through your magazines and cutouts and pull out words, images, or ideas that sound or look appealing to you. They don’t have to make sense, just pick what feels right.
- Assemble your collage.
- Take a step back and think about what you’ve created. Think about key phrases, ideas, concepts, or goals that you can pick out from your work, and think about how they translate to your original question.
Here’s why collage work helps us to understand what you’re thinking: it’s unprompted.
When you’re piecing together a collage made from images you’re specifically searching for, you know what you’re looking for. However, when you’re working with magazines, you can’t pick a specific image. This helps us to uncover what you’re truly interested in and searching for, and allows us to develop a plan to achieve your goals!
If you feel that you need more support–feel free to reach out and book a session with me. I’m happy to help you understand and process your work! Contact me here.