Creating Art Together – Dyadic Art Therapy

Parent-child relationships are among the most important factors that contribute to children’s adjustment and well-being. These relationships contain unspoken aspects, which are non-conscious and non-verbal (Gavron, 2018). Dyadic art therapy is an approach within art therapy that emphasizes on the relationship between the child and parent. It involves the use of art materials and creative processes to facilitate communication, connection and exploration of emotions within a safe and supportive environment.

By engaging in art-making together, both participants share in the experience that promotes trust, empathy and understanding. During the dyadic art therapy sessions, various art materials can be explored such as paint, clay, collage, and many more mediums to facilitate the creative process. The clients may want to collaborate on a joint piece of artwork or work on a separate piece. The art-making serves as a means of communication, self-expression and exploration of inner experiences.

As the therapist in dyadic art therapy, I act as the facilitator, providing guidance and interpretation of the client’s artwork. I create a safe non-judgmental space where the clients are invited to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through art. I may ask open-ended questions, invite reflection and help the clients gain insights into their artwork and its underlying meaning.

The goals of dyadic art therapy may vary depending on the client’s needs. Some common goals include:

1.     Enhancing self-awareness: Dyadic art therapy helps individuals gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, thoughts and behaviours through the creative process and reflection on their artwork.

2.     Improving communication skills: The collaborative nature of dyadic art therapy fosters effective communication and expression of emotions and experiences between the client and the therapist.

3.     Building trust and emotional connection: The therapeutic relationship in dyadic art therapy promotes trust, empathy, and connection, allowing for a safe space where clients can explore and process their emotions.

This art therapy intervention can be beneficial in that it allows the child to feel heard and enjoy the attention of their parents through enjoyable and positive art activities. They can leave the room feeling validated and understood having time to bond and share an activity together. As the art therapist I can also view how the parent and child interact and listen to each other.

A benefit of using art therapy with families is its ability to provide an appropriate means of expression and communication for all family members. In most cases, a dyadic art therapy session is designed based on the needs and the goals for therapy. Issues that could potentially be explored are conflicts, trauma, loss and reinventing the family after divorce and other family circumstances.

In conclusion, dyadic art therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach that focuses on the interpersonal dynamics between myself and the clients. By engaging in collaborative art making, individuals can strengthen their communication skills, deepen their understanding of themselves and others, and develop healthier ways of connecting to others. Dyadic art therapy offers a unique and valuable approach to healing, promoting growth and fostering meaningful connections.

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References

Gavron, T. (2018, November 13). Creating Art Together as a Transformative Process in Parent-Child Relations. Retrieved from Frontiers : https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02154/full#B65