Mandala Symbolism and Techniques

Mandalas are important therapeutic tools promoting focusing, wholeness and healing. This book introduces nearly two hundred different techniques for designing mandalas and adapts mandala creation for the purpose of eliciting thoughts, feelings and concerns about pertinent therapeutic issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships and goals. Therapists can use the many practical mandala exercises outlined within to enable a wide range of clients to enhance self-awareness and explore issues in a non-threatening way. Mandala design is presented in a variety of creative ways with different media, allowing the therapist the flexibility to gear sessions towards clients' specific needs and capabilities. This will be a valuable and unique addition to the therapist's library and will be of particular interest to art therapists, counsellors, psychologists and professionals looking for innovative therapeutic approaches that build on traditional practices.

Table of Contents

Introduction by Alexandra R. Katz, BA.; 1. Drawing.; 2. Self-awareness.; 3. Painting.; 4. Mandala Collage.; 5. Group Work.; 6. Stress Reduction.; 7. Mixed Media Mandala.; 8. Reflective Writing.; 9. Kellogg's MARI[copyright] Revisited: Archetypal Approach to the Creation and Interpretation of Mandalas. Laura Loumeau-May, Adjunct Professor, Ramapo Community College, New Jersey.; References.; Index of Projects.; Index.

Author Biography

Susan I. Buchalter is a senior clinical therapist at the University Medical Centre at Princeton. She is a certified art therapist, licensed professional counselor, and certified group psychotherapist, and has over 30 years' experience of leading art therapy and psychotherapy groups. Susan is the author of A Practical Art Therapy, Art Therapy Techniques and Applications and Art Therapy and Creative Coping Techniques for Older Adults, all published by JKP.