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Creative Expression as Transitional Object: Bridging Personal-Professional Identity.
Beth Gonzalez-Dolginko1, Dorit Netzer2
1Beth Gonzalez-Dolginko 19 Eatons Neck Rd. Northport, NY 11768
Psychoanalytic Review
|February 22, 2021
Summary
Art therapy students use creative expression to integrate personal history with professional identity. Object relations theory provides a framework for understanding this process, fostering personal/professional growth in clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Art Therapy
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Object relations theory offers insights into identity development.
- Art therapy utilizes creative expression in clinical training.
- The intersection of personal and professional identity is crucial for clinicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the implications of object relations theory for art therapy students' identity.
- To examine how creative expression facilitates personal/professional integration.
- To understand artwork as a transitional object in clinical development.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of student observations and artwork.
- Application of object relations theory concepts to art therapy practice.
- Exploration of creative expression as a bridge between personal history and professional individuation.
Main Results:
- Students applied object relations theory beyond its original scope through creative expression.
- Artwork served as a transitional object, linking personal history to professional identity.
- Creative expression facilitated a more integrated personal/professional self.
Conclusions:
- Object relations theory is a valuable lens for art therapy training.
- Creative expression is a key tool for developing a cohesive professional identity in art therapists.
- Integrating personal and professional selves enhances clinical training and practice.
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