Integrating memory drawing into art therapy

Who is this course for?

The course is open for art therapists who would like to integrate memory drawing into art therapy through:

• understanding the emotional process included in memory drawing
• integrating memory drawing into the art making within art therapy

Course content

Insight into the basic theories and practice of memory drawing is offered in the course by means of lectures, reading, written text, discussions and workshops, whereby participants take part in the drawing process and experience the opportunities facilitated. Knowledge of one’s own memory drawing increases the participant’s understanding of such drawing processes for their clients. A number of ways to create memory drawing will be introduced in the course, with the aim of memorising, expressing and processing emotions, as well as facilitating self-awareness and emotional well-being.

The aims of the course are to:

• Introduce the basic methods and theories of memory drawing within art therapy
• Present the methods of memory drawing that facilitate memorisation, expression of emotions and thoughts, creativity and well-being
• Increase understanding about the way in which conscious and unconscious memories, emotions and thoughts can be expressed and processed through memory drawing
• Offer participants a means to learn about themselves through their own memory drawing
• Provide the knowledge that memory drawing is generally an effective long-term memory aid for coursework learning as well as for processing emotional material related to stress and/or trauma

Module 1 – 1st week

13:00 – 16:00

An insight into integrating memory drawing into art therapy will be provided, including an introduction to its basic theories and practices.

Module 2 – 2nd week

13:00 – 16:00

Introduction to integrating intellectual work into therapy, especially in terms of memory drawing and the basic theories and methods in relation to that application.

Module 3 – 3rd week

13:00 – 16:00

Integrating art making and intellectual work with clients within therapy.

Testimonial

Sonný Hilma Þorbjörnsdóttir, teacher and artist:

"What you offered to us who participated in the course was an opportunity to stop, look, review and rethink. Your presence allowed us a certain freedom to be, just be present there and then in the moment, which can only be created through respect for the individual and belief in the individual's abilities. You gave us a framework and I think we all adjusted to it without fear of being judged. What we learned about art therapy and the insight you provided into that world was immeasurably valuable for me. Giving keys to that world to someone who is ready to open up will increase our possibilities to work on and support ourselves and others. You are a great teacher, Unnur, and hopefully I will get the chance of meeting you again soon and experience and learn more and more and more."