Utilizing road drawings as a therapeutic metaphor in art therapy

Journal/Book: Amer J Art Ther. 1995; 34: Vermont Coll of Norwich Univ, Montpelier, VT 05602. Amer J Art Therapy. 19-23.

Abstract: Roads have been universally significant since their development some 5,000 years ago. Their mythic and metaphoric meaning has permeated the language, art, poetry, and music of virtually all cultures. In this paper, I assert that road drawings can be a therapeutic metaphor in art therapy. I explain a procedure for administering road drawings and present examples produced by patients who participated in art therapy while in an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital. These examples illustrate how road drawings can be used to elicit spontaneous imagery that represents the client's origins, the history of his or her life, experiences to date, and intent for the future-even from just a single drawing. The periodic reparation or upgrade of the road serves as a metaphor for the client's capacity for change.

Note: Article MJ Hanes, 105 S Canadian St, Suite B, Purcell, OK 73080 USA

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