Dual Self Portraits

A classic art therapy approach with client -therapist relationship is allowing the client to do a dual self portrait.

Figure 1

Often times we have a image of yourself we portray and then we have an image of what people think of us. This often causes pressure the are correlated with anxiety and stress, this exercise allows the therapist to see a new side of goals and achievements that are made without pressure compared to goals that are made with anxious driven pressures. It also allows the client to reflect on how they feel and where they are as well as how to connect the two identities if they feel disconnected.

There are different levels of self portraits. The first example to the right is complex and more for adults and self reflection, while other examples at the bottom are simpler and allow for quick responses. I really appreciate Cynthia Emeryle's Blog, where I found an article on dual self portraits, and used her photograph to express simpler self-portraits.

The idea behind dual portraits is pure reflection of what is going on inside and outside of the body. This helps the therapist understand the different emotions of the client as well as the desired appearance of the client. When they are conflicted this gives the Art therapist the opportunity to connect the two and help resolve conflict.

Overall, Dual self-portraits are an important tool of art therapy that are easy to direct and analyze. This tool can also be seen as a progression tactic when they are done at different stages of therapy to reflect if therapy is beneficial or not. The therapist will compare the first drawing to a current drawing and analyze similarities and differences. Try and reflect on what your dual self-portrait is during this time of your life, let me know what you think!



References:

Photos:

 Baharin, M. (n.d.). Mohammadyazid.com. Retrieved November 06, 2016, from http://www.mohammadyazid.com/ 

 Emeryle, C. (n.d.). Dual Self-portraits. Retrieved October 15, 2016, from http://emerlyearts.blogspot.com/search/label/Art Therapy Group#ixzz3MAUcJO6C&i