How to Interpret the House-Tree-Person Drawing with Beyond Art Therapy:

How Do I Interpret Beyond Art Therapy Drawings for House-Tree-Person Drawing Technique using the House, Tree, Water, Animal, Sun?

by Nicoletta
(Greece)

Comments or Questions from a Greek Therapist:

Dear Dr. Michelle,
I have bought all your books about 8 months ago. I found them extremely helpful for my job with children and some of them with adults too. Till recently I haven't used the house-tree-person drawing technique or the new house tree water sun moon and animal Beyond Art Therapy drawing. I have some questions especially about the mother figure. what does it mean if the water is salty or not? And what if the animal is inside the water? Is there maybe somewhere I can read more details about these kind of art therapy drawings?


GDPR: Consented on Mon Oct 21 13:04:21 2019
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Michelle Stangline
8:55 AM (0 minutes ago)
to Nikoletta

Hello,
Thanks for your comment and question on Beyond Art Therapy Drawings of Sun, House, Water, Animal drawing, aka the house-tree-person drawing technique. It is certainly a topic of research and interpretation. You can look at the Penguin Dictionary of symbols for clues and also try the Dream Websites.

I have found that the most important interpretation with Beyond Art Therapy drawings and Sand Tray Therapy comes from the client themselves. I always research first and then ask the client what they think. I hope this helps. Congratulations, you definitely have the proper instincts for Beyond Art Therapy be so in tune with these variances. Good Luck!

Sincerely,
Dr. Stangline

Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.

*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed  mental health professional immediately.

"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.

For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.

Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of study.