My first impression of Art and Soul brought on a feeling of excitement. The energy in the facility was positive because the individuals who came into the center were eager to work on various art projects and socialize with one another. However, I had a brief experience that made me see that acting as an art therapist will require me to stay focused.
While working on a small craft project, key chains made of paperclips, buttons, and corks, one of the ladies attending the program asked about how to finish her project. I instructed her to simply thread the paperclip through the button and insert it back into the cork. She instant responded negatively, pushing her piece into my hands, and said "I don't want to do that, you do it." Caught off guard, I finished the work for her and handed it back for her approval. I instantly realized that I should have encouraged her to finish her own work rather than simply following her orders. This is a small project and required little effort by the artist but I know that moving forward I need to be increasingly aware of such issues.
As a counselor, I must encourage the client to do their own work rather than doing anything for them unless it is a situation where they need help with understanding the process. Also, I realized that I tend to be a people pleaser and generally perform what ever action is asked of me. In order to be an effective art therapist I must challenge myself to recognize this trait in myself and refrain from my general people pleasing behavior and challenge others to act independently.
Basically, I felt as though by doing this small task for the client I reaffirmed her attitude of when there is a challenge she can not or chooses not to take on, it is acceptable to push it onto another individual.
No comments:
Post a Comment