Space 22: An Art Therapist’s Review

Space 22: Food for Thought

Firstly, on a positive note, the artist and psychotherapist, Noula Diamantopoulos demonstrates a caring and empathic nature, which is an important baseline for good psychotherapy.

Secondly, given this is a TV production, a celebrity host—singer and actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte—is par for the course. The show is further enriched by involving an Archibald Price finalist, Abdul Abdullah, and Archibald-winning artist, Wendy Sharpe, for the art activities. Of course, this is not something a normal psychotherapist would ever do.

Thirdly, the art activities are way beyond what a normal art therapist would do: not in terms of the activities themselves, but in terms of the equipment used. The ABC has a sizeable budget for the show, which again, for a TV production is expected. For the everyday therapist working with several patients every day, a far more modest budget is the norm. And a full-on paint melee is not likely to happen either.

Finally, if I am allowed to be critical, I have the following ideas for improvement.

Even though Noula’s caring nature is well expressed, she interprets too much, not allowing the participants the chance to explore and find their own answers. In fact, it’s this personal discovery process that is so critical to enlightenment, which then serves as the catalyst for healing and growth.

One of the first lessons an art therapist learns is to avoid projecting their own ideas or interpretations onto a client. This process requires patience and takes time. It involves creating a safe space for reflection and when necessary, gently asking questions that help the client to first reflect and then explore the wisdom emerging from their own art.

When unconscious material becomes conscious, the client often enjoys an aha moment, one of self-illumination, a moment in which he or she makes sense of the revelation for themself. In this highly respectful process, the client ends up ‘shining’, not the art therapist.

Perhaps the confines of a television show don’t allow for this slow progression of personal discovery. Or maybe it requires the dialogue to be a little more staged for the camera. Whatever the reason, an incorrect impression of the therapist’s role is conveyed, one in which the art therapist is cast as an interpreter of the client’s art rather than a facilitator helping the client in a process of self-discovery through their own art.

I can only conclude that the ABC did not consult with someone who has studied art therapy, leaning instead on a psychotherapist who likes using art in therapy. While the TV show is indeed entertaining, it doesn’t convey how art therapy ought to be practised. There is even a danger of re-traumatising those who have suffered trauma in a TV-show setting or when the process of self-discovery is rushed. To be frank, a well-trained art therapist would operate very differently from what is modelled in the show.

In conclusion, I applaud the show’s attempt to bring art therapy to the public’s attention. It is well-presented and it’s very entertaining. However, I would advise anyone interested in becoming an art therapist or any practising therapist who wants to add art therapy to their skillset, to not use this show as a model to follow. Instead, I recommend seeking the professional training and skills necessary to become a good art therapist.