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Illuminations: The healing image
The Arts in Psychotherapy,
Vol. 17, p. 83. 0 Pergamon
Press plc, 1990. Printed in the U.S.A.
BOOK
Illuminations: Madeline (Berkeley,
CA: Wingbow
0197-4556/90
$3.00 + .OO
REVIEW
The Healing
Image
McMurray Press, 1988, 86 pages, $12.95)
At first glance this is a delightfully entertaining, colorful, pictorial history of one woman’s personal use of art in her own therapy and in her private practice. A reference guide to further readings that are primarily Jungian, as is the author’s stated approach, is also included. Ms. McMurray attempts to balance theories with step-by-step exercises for how to use art as a guide for self-exploration. Her explanation of personality and Jungian terminology as well as theory in general, however, adds little to the existing art therapy or creativity literature. She states that one does not have to be an art therapist to use art with clients, just someone who respects the dreams, symbols, and images that emerge from the unconscious side of the personality. The exercises provided are enjoyable and welldesigned yet make no attempt to help us understand when to apply these techniques; nor is there reference to who might benefit or indeed be hurt by such experiences. The role of the therapist or the interface between the therapist and client that supports the unfolding art expression and provides feedback to help reframe negative self-perceptions or help contain painful affect is likewise neglected. Ms. McMurray has attempted to do in the therapy
world what Betty Edwards did in the art education world, and perhaps for the worried well of the general public this will be an inviting introduction to the use of art as a tool to rediscover and unblock oneself. However, from a clinician’s point of view, the book trivializes the whole process in a way that may be very misleading. My own biggest disappointment is that though the author’s own art is offered as a testimony to her journey, it is referred to briefly, and often the verbal descriptions do not do justice to the wealth of complexity nor especially to the impact of the feeling intensity I experienced in the viewing of her art. On a positive note, I enjoyed her exercises and occasional displays of humor and use of puns. There are indeed frequent invitations for letting go to see what comes up and to trust one’s intuition and not judge or criticize imaginal material. The author offers many reminders about what we can do to be our most creative and healthy self; her intention is basically well-meaning, positive, and self-affirming, and such a position bears repeating.
JoEl M. Vogt, MA, ATR, LPC Kansas City, MO
83
Vol. 17, p. 83. 0 Pergamon
Press plc, 1990. Printed in the U.S.A.
BOOK
Illuminations: Madeline (Berkeley,
CA: Wingbow
0197-4556/90
$3.00 + .OO
REVIEW
The Healing
Image
McMurray Press, 1988, 86 pages, $12.95)
At first glance this is a delightfully entertaining, colorful, pictorial history of one woman’s personal use of art in her own therapy and in her private practice. A reference guide to further readings that are primarily Jungian, as is the author’s stated approach, is also included. Ms. McMurray attempts to balance theories with step-by-step exercises for how to use art as a guide for self-exploration. Her explanation of personality and Jungian terminology as well as theory in general, however, adds little to the existing art therapy or creativity literature. She states that one does not have to be an art therapist to use art with clients, just someone who respects the dreams, symbols, and images that emerge from the unconscious side of the personality. The exercises provided are enjoyable and welldesigned yet make no attempt to help us understand when to apply these techniques; nor is there reference to who might benefit or indeed be hurt by such experiences. The role of the therapist or the interface between the therapist and client that supports the unfolding art expression and provides feedback to help reframe negative self-perceptions or help contain painful affect is likewise neglected. Ms. McMurray has attempted to do in the therapy
world what Betty Edwards did in the art education world, and perhaps for the worried well of the general public this will be an inviting introduction to the use of art as a tool to rediscover and unblock oneself. However, from a clinician’s point of view, the book trivializes the whole process in a way that may be very misleading. My own biggest disappointment is that though the author’s own art is offered as a testimony to her journey, it is referred to briefly, and often the verbal descriptions do not do justice to the wealth of complexity nor especially to the impact of the feeling intensity I experienced in the viewing of her art. On a positive note, I enjoyed her exercises and occasional displays of humor and use of puns. There are indeed frequent invitations for letting go to see what comes up and to trust one’s intuition and not judge or criticize imaginal material. The author offers many reminders about what we can do to be our most creative and healthy self; her intention is basically well-meaning, positive, and self-affirming, and such a position bears repeating.
JoEl M. Vogt, MA, ATR, LPC Kansas City, MO
83