ABSTRACT
This activity uses art to facilitate the process of externalization in narrative therapy. Although it is presented here in a narrative therapy context, the activity lends itself to multiple therapeutic approaches. The utility of art in narrative therapy has been established in the clinical and research literature (Bermudez & Bermudez, 2002; Carlson, 1997; Keeling & Bermudez, in press; Keeling & Nielson, 2005; Zimmerman & Shepherd, 1993). In addition to addressing a variety of presenting problems, this activity can be used with individuals, couples, families, and groups. It is designed to help clients externalize problems in a tangible way that helps them explore their relationships with their problems, encourages a systemic, nonblaming perspective, and increases clients’ sense of agency to overcome their problems.
