An easy way in to using art in coaching - objects
Continuing my series on easy ways to bring art into your coaching, I explore using objects and how we can offer a deeper conversation using the ART in Coaching approach.
Working with objects means we are working with 3D visual imagery and language; we are working with mini manmade and natural sculptures, and design objects.
Working in person – offering objects to choose from
If you are working in person you can bring a curated set of objects with you. If you do this there needs to be a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, colours available within your objects. This is to ensure there is a choice for self-expression through the objects.
I have an eclectic mix I use which includes dolls’ house furniture, small toy animals, big colourful pipe cleaners, toy soldiers, vehicles, small balls and softly textured pompoms. I will also add some natural items including small fossils, pinecones and feathers.
When we curate objects, we need to mindful that we are probably attaching some kind of meaning or use to those objects. It is therefore worthwhile including random items that you may not like or wouldn’t have included just to break any of your own patterns.
Working online – offering objects to choose from
When working online we can’t offer someone objects to choose from and offering images of objects is not the same thing. Instead, we can invite our client to choose an object within the space they are in. Every time I have done this, clients have no trouble choosing an object… there are always things to choose from even in a seemingly sterile office including wastepaper bins, a ‘mouse’ and mouse mat, coasters, drinking vessels, even the table and chairs!
Choosing an object
As with choosing a postcard, once we have got to the point in our conversation where we are going to use objects, I will invite my client to allow an object to find them, without judgment or censorship. Even if they don’t understand why they are drawn to it.
I encourage the client not to overthink think the object and just pick it up.
This approach gives the right brain a chance to communicate through the visual language of the 3D object rather than the left brain coming in and telling them what they should be choosing. It allows the right brain to express what is in need of recognition for the client without interference from our left brain.
Connecting to the object and finding meaning
Once a client has chosen an object, I invite them to pick it up and hold it in their hand whilst telling me about the object. I do this without interpretation or judgement. I also do not get drawn into any judgement the client may make about why they have chosen that particular object.
As the client tells me about their object and what has drawn them to it I will open up a wider exploration inviting my client to connect more deeply to their object, bringing new insights, meanings or thoughts to the fore. Some of the ways I do this are through noticing:
- The colour or colours of the object
- Exploring the textures of the surface
- Noticing if the object has different parts, for example it may have a lid, handles, limbs, holes
- I invite the client to turn the object around, looking at it from different angles and spending time exploring the object from those positions. This may also bring new insights and a preferred way of positioning the object which may not be a traditional way of positioning it!
- Exploring the relational nature of the object – the object is 3D and therefore sits in space and has space around it. If someone chooses more objects this can be expanded in the relationship- between different objects.
Talking about the object in the first person
It is also important to remember that the object chosen is an extension of the client in that moment. It is their externalised interior self and as such I encourage the client to talk in the first person about what is emerging.
Clients may talk about the object in the third person as well as what that object represents. For example, a client may say ‘this is about energy’. Instead, I may ask them to say ‘this is about my energy’ to deepen personal connection and awareness.
Holding a safe space
When we work with art in the coaching space in a way that can take clients to a deeper part of themselves, we need to do this safely.
Taking time to go beyond a light touch exploration with a client may lead to emotional responses as they start to recognise what they may have been hiding from themselves or not giving themselves permission to accept as important to them. Therefore, it is important for a client to have agency and be able to stop at anytime or not to share what is coming up for them.
