The role concept in art therapy

Photo by Javad Vatanparast on Unsplash

🌱 Idea and Concept

The role in art therapy refers to the various parts of the self that a person can explore, express, and transform through artistic creation.It originates from psychodrama (J. L. Moreno, 1940s), where people act out roles to understand emotions and relationships. In art therapy, this principle is applied visually — through drawing, painting, collage, or sculpture.

Art-making becomes a stage, and the client can safely explore inner roles, such as:

• The Child, curious and spontaneous

• The Protector or Caregiver

• The Critic

• The Dreamer, Artist, or Hero

By externalizing these roles visually, clients can see their inner dynamics from a distance and discover new, more adaptive or healing roles.

🎨 Examples of Role Work in Art Therapy

1. Self-portraits as different roles:The client creates several self-portraits, each representing a different side of themselves — for example, the professional self, the parent, the friend, and the hidden self.

2. Masks:Creating masks is a classic art therapy technique that helps express roles people play in daily life — the face we show to the world vs the inner face we hide.

3. Role dialogue through drawing:Two or more roles (for example, the wounded child and the inner protector) are drawn on one page or on separate sheets and then invited into a dialogue — through images, symbols, or short written messages.

4. Role transformation:A client can redraw a role that causes distress (for instance, the inner critic) into a more supportive figure (for instance, the wise advisor).This supports emotional regulation and self-compassion.

🪞 Therapeutic Meaning

Role work in art therapy helps:

• Expand the sense of self

• Strengthen flexibility and creativity in identity

• Build empathy toward oneself and others

• Explore relationships and social expectations

• Integrate conflicting parts of the personality

Through art, clients can play, experiment, and transform — without needing to verbalize everything.

📚 Key Art Therapists Who Developed the Role Concept

1. Shaun McNiff (1981, 1992)Explored the idea of creative imagination and personified images. McNiff viewed each image as a “living presence” or role that communicates with the creator.→ Reference: McNiff, S. (1992). Art as Medicine: Creating a Therapy of the Imagination. Boston: Shambhala.

2. Judith Rubin (1984, 2001)Used role exploration through drawing and mask-making, helping clients see different aspects of self.→ Reference: Rubin, J. (2001). Approaches to Art Therapy: Theory and Technique. New York: Brunner-Routledge.

3. Dalley, Case & Schaverien (1987)In Images of Art Therapy, they describe role and identity themes in group work, where clients enact social roles within art-making processes.

4. Lusebrink (1990) and Kagin & Lusebrink (1978)In the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC), they link art processes to different functional levels — kinesthetic, emotional, cognitive, and symbolic roles of self.

5. Cathy Malchiodi (2012)Discussed art as a tool for role integration and trauma recovery — helping clients rebuild identity after loss or violence.→ Reference: Malchiodi, C. (2012). Handbook of Art Therapy. Guilford Press.

6. Vija Lusebrink and Pat AllenEncouraged viewing art-making as a conversation between inner parts — a meeting of multiple roles within the creative process.→ Reference: Allen, P. (1995). Art Is a Way of Knowing. Boston: Shambhala.

   
   

💡 Practical Art Therapy Task

🖌️ "My Inner Theatre"

1. On a large sheet of paper, draw a stage or symbolic space.

2. Imagine and depict 3–5 of your inner roles — using colours, shapes, or small characters.

3. Give each role a name and a voice: what do they need, fear, or desire?

4. Finally, create a small symbol or bridge showing how these roles can connect or cooperate.

This visual process brings insight into one’s identity — revealing both harmony and conflict — and helps to integrate the “cast” of the inner self.