ABSTRACT
In this chapter the author, whose ‘lived experience’ influences his way of working, describes his innovative development of ‘the painting wall’ in the grounds of a medium secure forensic unit for young offenders. A twelve-week programme enables residents time to paint together, using spray cans, brushes, or other tools, learning to draw from their imagination, and use art for expression. Case examples are used to show how the artwork centres around their experiences, emotions, and memories, which aid self-reflection and the expression and transformation of difficult emotions. The art on the wall can be surprising and reflect the group process as well as the individual’s. At the end of each twelve-week group participants paint over the wall, returning it to a blank canvas.
