Si Levin
Using Abstract Portrait in an Art Therapy Setting
This painting can be a powerful tool for self-expression, emotional exploration and healing in art therapy. Below are structured ways to incorporate it into sessions for various therapeutic goals.
A. Emotional Expression & Self-Reflection
Objective: help individuals externalize their emotions and explore their self-identity. Activity: 1. Show the image and ask clients: — What emotions do you see in this face? — Does any part of this image resonate with how you feel inside? — If you could change something in this image to reflect yourself more, what would it be? 2. Encourage them to create their own abstract self-portraits, using distorted or exaggerated features to represent emotions, they struggle to express verbally.
B. Trauma & Healing Exploration
Objective: help individuals process trauma and regain a sense of control over their self-perception. Activity: — Ask clients to identify aspects of the portrait that symbolize brokenness, healing or transformation. — Have them create a "before and after" version of the image — one representing pain and another re-imagined as a symbol of strength and recovery. — Discuss how their artwork reflects their healing journey.
C. Identity & Self-Perception Work
Objective: assist individuals with body dysmorphia, dissociation or identity struggles in exploring their self-image. Activity: — Discuss how the portrait’s fragmented features could represent different parts of oneself (past, present, hidden self). — Clients can create a "mirrored self-portrait", drawing how they believe they look vs, how they feel inside. — Encourage them to modify the image — adding elements that bring comfort, acceptance or empowerment.
D. Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation
Objective: use abstract art to help clients ground themselves and observe emotions without judgment. Activity: — Guide a mindful observation exercise: — What colors or shapes do you notice first? — How does your body feel while looking at this? — What thoughts arise? — Encourage clients to recreate the portrait using calming colors or shapes that feel more harmonious, helping them regulate emotions through artistic modification.
E. Group Therapy & Storytelling
Objective: foster connection and shared experiences through storytelling. Activity: — In groups, ask each member to describe what they think this person in the painting is feeling or thinking. — Have them collaborate on a collective story inspired by the image. — Discuss how different interpretations reflect diverse emotional perspectives and shared human experiences.
Final Thought This image serves as a powerful metaphor for transformation, emotion and self-discovery in an art therapy setting. Whether exploring trauma, identity or emotional regulation, it provides an open-ended and impactful way for individuals to connect with their inner world.
