Assessments (bridge drawing & favorite time of day)

These assessments (bridge drawing and FTD) were discussed and processed in groups during class.

The following questions will be answered pertaining to each assessment.

1) Was it useful or not useful?

The Bridge Drawing was useful to me. I thought it was not going to express anything, but it ended up expressing a lot. The bridge was rickety and the water took up most of the page.

The FTD was useful as it brought me to a place of serenity and a calmness. I was able to "go" there and was reminded of some of my favorite memories.

2) Will you apply these assessments?

Yes!

3) What information was gained?

My bridge is not sturdy indicating an I feel an unstable foundation in my life. The water represents the peace I wish to feel in my life, as it takes up most of the space.

I learned that simply drawing my favorite time of day, revealed where I would like to be right now at the very moment and those that would be with me.

4) Will you use it with your clients or forget about it when you go home?

I will continue to use this assessment with my clients, as it has proven to be helpful both for the client and me to recognize where the client sees themselves in life between two places and to note progress throughout treatment (using the assessment during a beginning session and then again during a later session).

I am looking forward to using this assessment with my clients as I have yet to try it!

Bird's Nest Drawing (BND)

The BND is a projective assessment created to evaluate the attachment security of the participant.

In children, attachment is evaluated in terms of classifications (secure, insecure avoidant, insecure ambivalent, and insecure disorganized)

In adults, attachment is evaluated in terms of relationship styles (secure, dismissing-avoidant, preoccupied, and fearful-avoidant).

MATERIALS:

- 8 1/2 x 11 white paper

-10 standard color markers

The administrator instructs the participant to:

1) "Draw a bird's nest."

2) "Write a story about the drawing that includes a beginning, middle, and end."

There is no time limit or specific age range.

Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS)

The Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS) utilizes scales that measure the particular variable. The drawing is to be viewed as if the rater does not know what it was supposed to be.

The variables contained in the FEATS that are used in this project are the following:

prominence of color, color fit, implied energy, space, integration, logic, realism, developmental level, details of objects and environment, line quality, and perseveration.

Each variable is rated on a scale of 0 – 5.

The FEATS focuses on the process of drawing rather than the product of the artwork.

Levick Emotional and Cognitive Art Therapy Assessment (LECATA)

The LECATA was created by Myra F. Levick (one of original founders and 1st president of AATA). It can be used with preschoolers, adolescents, or adults. Children the ages of 3-11 are most commonly included with the LECATA.

Materials: 16 cray pas

12x8 white paper

pencil/eraser upon request

The Drawing Tasks:

1. Free art task and story of completed artwork

2. Draw yourself

3. Scribble with one color and make a picture from the scribble.

4. Place what you would like to be (ages 3-5); place important to you (ages 6-11).

5. Draw a family.

Through the projective drawing tasks, this assessment measures the the normal cognitive and emotional development of children. The rating manual is used to determine the level of development and includes emotional indicators of defense mechanisms.

Click here to check out Myra F. Levick's website!