Problem
As a pioneer of art therapy, Carl Jung explains "active imagination" - a way to allow the consciousness to access and better understand the unconsciousness by using images, emotions, dream and fantasy figures, symbols, et cetera (Anne, 2003). He explains even if we are not artists, we can still benefit from the healing power of symbols and images by understanding and experiencing art form at a spiritual level (Swan-Foster, 2020).
Skar (2015) discusses two possibilities of using music in psychotherapy context: listening to music or improvising music. Similar to Jung's idea of active imagination, "Guided Affective Imagery with Music" (GIM), developed by Helen Bonny (1973), utilizes music listening in a relaxed state for the purpose of allowing imagery, symbols, and deep feelings to arise and then be used for self-understanding. "Analytical Music Therapy", developed by Mary Priestley (1975), employs music improvisations to explore the unconsciousness of clients. Skar (2015) shares a case of a 60-year-old woman who was immensely angry toward her ex-husband. The therapist drummed a rigid, unresponsive rhythm representing the ex-husband, and the client improvised along. The client's drumming alternated between a seductive soft insistence and frenetic pounding. Through this musical interaction, both the therapist and the client begin to experience the inner frustration that has surfaced.
Some research has explored various training exercises to support the development of empathy in therapists-in-training. For example, some students may participate in an exercise in which they imagine that they are in dialogue with several pieces of artwork (Ziff et al., 2017). The therapists-in-training were curious, and explored the artwork's historical story, new/current story, and empathized with themes of loss which they could relate to their own lives. This reflects much of the psychodynamic themes present in Jungian theory, as well as other research which has investigated the effectiveness of studying and imagining great works of art as opposed to creating works in an art therapy setting (Lee et al., 2016; Wedding & Corsini, 2019).
In what other ways does art therapy and related exercises strengthen the skills of therapists?