![]() In my opinion its best to treat them as just another force of nature, and respond accordingly. Most are friendly but they can be intrusive and run right through the middle of your work. As therapist it is your role to ensure that your client feels safe and that the work is held and confidential, at all times.ĭogs are a law unto themselves. We all have the right to request privacy but its always best to do so politely. Simply saying that “we are making art or doing drama together” can invite further unwanted interest or even an audience, as people tend to associate these activities with performance and exhibition, especially in public places. In my experience most people would consider informing a stranger that this is a therapy session a breach of confidence, but do not mind if you describe the activity as a workshop. ![]() It may be useful to have a conversation with your client beforehand to discuss what they would like you to say to a stranger if this occurs. Most passers-by keep themselves to themselves but occasionally you may attract interest, even an inquiry as to what you are doing. Woodland is used by the public less than open parkland and gives far greater privacy. If possible choose to work in a quieter more secluded part of the location, away from others, and speak quietly. If you are working in a public place then you are going to encounter the general public and their dogs. For this reason I would encourage anyone considering taking their work outdoors to spend some time in the location beforehand creatively exploring their own personal process and so acquiring a feel for the potential. ![]() The possibilities for creativity, meaningful personal process and therapeutic synchronicity are unbounded and this is what makes the work so exciting, but it can be daunting for the beginner. Just by being in nature, by moving through and responding to the environment, our work becomes more embodied. Unpredictable weather and the turning seasons have a profound bearing on the work. Nature becomes our co-therapist, and seems to have an agenda of her own. ![]() It is rather like working within a giant sand tray with a boundless cupboard of materials, or on an ever changing canvas with an equally fluid palate. If your client has any history of making accusations against carers, do not take them to a secluded location.Īs soon as we step out of the clinic room we find ourselves in a fluid and changeable environment that we can no longer control. Do they have mobility issues which might make moving across the land difficult? Do they have epilepsy, allergies or other health problems? How comfortable are they in nature? How are they with rain, mud, cold, wind or heat? How do they feel about working in a public area, possibly within view of passers by? Environmental arts therapists have the luxury of attracting people who seek to work outdoors but this is certainly not true of everyone, although it is worth bearing in mind that many new clients can be nervous at first but quickly discover, once they engage with nature, how much they prefer it to working indoors. Availability of shelter and toilets is always advisable, if possible.Īssess your client before deciding to work outdoors. If the land is attached to an institution, such as a school or hospital, find out when it is being used by others. If it is public land, i.e a park or common, identify areas that are quieter and more secluded. Assess it for ease of access, for safety, availability of shelter and toilets, and for privacy. If you are lucky enough to have access to private land you may already know it well but if not visit the location that you are planning to use before you use it. Dublin: Private CollectionĮnvironmental Art Therapy Power Point Presentation Below: ![]()
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