Jones, Kevin; Skaife, Sally; Westwood, Jill and Tipple, Robin A.. 2009. 'Politics and Psychotherapy: Realising the Potential. Art Therapy Large Group Workshop.'. In: Psychotherapy and Politics:Realizing the Potential. Strathclyde University Glasgow, United Kingdom 8th - 9th May 2009. [Conference or Workshop Item]

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Abstract or Description

We propose to facilitate an Art Therapy Large Group for all conference participants, using art making within the boundaries of a psychodynamic frame to think about and explore political issues raised at the conference. We introduce ourselves and give a very brief contextual history of ATLG at Goldsmiths over past 11 years. We then describe the aims and purpose of the group as a good way of thinking about the dynamics among conference participants and the themes raised at the conference. Using art in this context can open up possibilities - new ways to see, think, feel about things -imagery and materials provide ways for things to be seen, enacted and performed. Power relationships which can be outside of our awareness and that effect the way we relate to one another can be expressed and explored. Our emphasis will be on helping the group find its own agenda and empowering participants to make a visual response. The group will last for and hour and a half, we will explain the boundaries of confidentiality and respect within the group and the use and disposal of the art materials and art objects that are created.

Having facilitated the ATLG we then made a impromptu performance based intervention into the conference plenary. Performing the intervention challenged the conventional, sitting down and talking structure of the plenary, emphasised the power of visual imagery and brought into awareness several conference themes which had not been addressed.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Other)
Keywords:	art therapy, large group, politics, psychotherapy, performance art
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Social, Therapeutic & Community Engagement (STaCS)
Dates:	Date Event 8 May 2009 Completed
Event Location:	Strathclyde University Glasgow, United Kingdom
Date range:	8th - 9th May 2009
Item ID:	4181
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2010 11:48
Last Modified:	11 Jul 2017 10:12
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/4181

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