The Specific Process of 1st Intervention
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| Event poster |
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| Hot field test |
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| Relaxed environment |
I invited some audiences and created a relaxed environment for them with background music and snacks and various drawing tools, I designed the name of the campaign after a very famous Chinese talk show and listed the names of the invited audiences in the column of the poster (which are usually the stars in that show) to add interest.
The topic of the activity is:
'Do you have the courage to confront your inner shadow self?'
Before the event we had a discussion about the 'dark side' and I presented the following ideas that could help us to understand that it is normal to have a dark side and that it is important to take it in stride.
What we call the dark side here is known in psychology as the 'shadow self' and was developed by psychologist Carl Jung. His theory is based on the "collective unconscious", the traits that everyone has, one of which is the shadow self, which is an animal instinct in our psyche. We hide this side unconsciously, as opposed to the mask of our personality (the side, we want to show to others). At the same time, the shadow self is linked to our survival instinct, which comes into play when our safety is threatened.
Psychoanalytic psychologist Ann Casement, Ph.D., fully understands this fear: "To accept your dark side, you have to first admit that you are imperfect. This can be a big shock; it means coming to terms with the unlikeable, socially inappropriate side of ourselves."
But what if the dark side is not our enemy, but a friend? What if accepting the dark side could lead us to develop our potential and learn more about ourselves?
For a long time, people have equated the 'shadow self' with the 'dark side of personality. Dr. Michael Daniels, the Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University (LJM), is keen to correct this misconception: "There are actually benefits to the shadow self, but they are limited and do not manifest themselves. "
Daniels explains that from childhood onwards, we start to notice which things are not socially permissible, such as fighting, and which things are not allowed by the family, such as being too introverted. We then learn to repress these unwanted behaviors inside our shadow selves, which become buried time bombs due to lack of expression, and like little naughty ready to come out and cause trouble.
We can't eliminate the shadow self, but we can further control it, says Jungian psychoanalyst Dr. Dale Mathers: "Knowing the shadow self, I know which reaction I'm going to have, so I can change the reaction I haven't had yet."
Dennis agrees that it's good to face the shadow self: "We should take ownership of all our qualities, and if there's a dimension that we're not aware of, we can't talk about understanding ourselves. We should integrate it into our character, otherwise, it is our shackle, for without it we are only half human, a poor imitation of the self."
Experts from the Jung Society of Atlanta liken the shadow self to fertilizer: dirty and smelly, but if used properly, it can make the flowers grow better and more beautiful. So, rather than being harmful, exploring the shadow self can unlock our potential and bring us further into awareness of our own nature. Jung said that the realization that we harbor such an opponent within us can lead to a more humble and fulfilling life. Also, it takes a lot of energy to suppress the dark side that does not want to be revealed. Learning to accept the shadow self can also save that energy.
Everyone has a shadow self, but everyone's shadow self is different. Completing the following exercises can help you to become familiar with your own shadow self. When answering the questions, please note down the answers as a basis for your analysis.
Test 1
Test 1
1. List the five categories of characteristics that you hate and find one person of the same sex that you hate and see which of these categories he/she fits.
2. Recall a time when you were angry or overreacted to a situation and identify what made you angry.
3. As a child, did you ever have a nickname such as "The Rebel", "The Little Smart Guy" or "The Scourge"? As an adult, do you have your own way of dealing with the world? Do you keep people at a distance? Do you talk loudly to get attention? For each of your answers, write down the role or behavior that contradicts it.
4. Have you ever dreamed or imagined doing something that shocked or even disgusted you?
5. Do you ever feel angry and deny it when a friend picks on an aspect of your personality?
6. Have you ever dreamed of appearing naked or in fancy dress on an important occasion? If so, what was the occasion? A date? Going to school or work? A gathering with friends or family?
Collate the answers to questions 1 to 5 and group the reporting features together. These are the characteristics that dominate your shadow self. Then look at the answers to question 6, which is the area of your life that is most significantly influenced by your shadow self.
If the dream relates to multiple friends, you need to ask yourself if you are being honest with these friends? Or do you want to change your image among your friends?
Test 2
Do you know your dark side?
1. You find a colleague so annoying that whatever she does, you can't stand it. This makes you feel.
A. Wouldn't want to work with her at all, how did this person get through the interview?
B. Feeling that you shouldn't have to think this way and try to avoid her. You like to accept others and make them accept themselves.
C. Look for her good qualities, although she is moody and clamorous, she is after all funny and friendly. Eventually, you may become friends.
D. Think about why she elicits such a strong reaction from you. Can you think of any others who are similar?
2． What do you think about sexual fantasies?
A．Think some fantasies are totally unacceptable.
B．Find some of your fantasies or dreams to be unpleasant and try to avoid them.
C. Think that some of your 'bad fantasies' are related to a lack of self-esteem, but enjoy them when no one else is around.
D. You know that some fantasies should not be acted upon, but sharing them with a suitable partner may improve your sex life.
3. A friend gives an honest opinion about why a previous relationship ended in failure. Do you feel that?
A．It was misunderstood. This person must not know the inside story, so perhaps you chose your friends poorly.
B．Frustrated. You know your friend is right and you feel like you've screwed up the relationship again, which is a real failure.
C. Grateful. You gladly accept the advice. After all, a good friend can see things best from the sidelines.
D. Relieved. Much of what your friend says makes sense and is expected, but you find that some of your friend's advice is influenced by personal experience and should be accepted selectively.
4． When you were a child, your family formed stereotypes about your thinking and thought you were rebellious, sensible, serious, or confused. Now that you have grown up and their views have remained the same, you would.
A. Show agreement. You may even cater to their views with your actions. After all, their opinion comes from how you behave, and people basically don't change.
B. Blame yourself. Feel that after all these years, your image in the family should change. You will be sad when your family stresses that you "haven't changed a bit".
C. Rebuttal. Although you used to be that person, you have changed a long time ago. It's time for them to change their views, isn't it?
D．Self-reflection. Have you really used to be like that? Maybe it's all wishful thinking on the part of your family?
5． When you are drunk you.
A. Talk nonsense and regret it the next day. But don't worry, it's just drunken talk.
B. You have a very different temperament and behave very differently from usual.
C. Take special care to prevent drunkenness. You don't like to lose control and don't want to say things you'll regret, so you usually drink moderately or not at all.
D. You show your true colors. Losing your self-control allows you to show hidden aspects of your personality. You show these aspects in your normal life and find that you are less likely to "lose it" when you drink.
6． After a fit of anger, your reaction is often.
A. "I don't know what just happened." Someone must have pushed you to the limit.
B．" How did I do that again? Unbelievable." You are disappointed in yourself for losing your self-control and vow never to do it again.
C．"It's really quite rare." You think it was just a momentary lapse of temper and that it must have been because you were stressed or too tired.
D．"Buddha got mad too." You apologize for hurting someone's feelings, but you say that everyone can't help being angry at times.
Test results
Count the number of ABCDs in your answers and choose your test result.
■ Most of the answers are A
You are largely unaware of the existence of your shadow self, so you may have occasional emotional outbursts or you may suppress your potential. You have a binary view of many people and things and do not feel that this view has anything to do with you.
■ Most of the answers are B
You know that there is a part of you that you don't understand, but you choose to suppress it. You are afraid of losing control and don't like the idea of a 'shadow self' because of the connotations of evil or depravity. You often blame yourself for your reactions but think you can overcome these tendencies by relying on greater self-control.
■ Most of the answers are C
You have a strong interest in growing as a person and strive to become more tolerant, caring, and self-controlled. You feel that once you learn to be a good person, your life will be smooth sailing and you will strive for perfection and happiness. You notice the presence of the shadow self, but think that by being alert enough, you can conquer it.
■ Answer D mostly
You are coming to terms with your shadow self in the right way. You know that some of the comments you get from friends and family are inaccurate and that many of the so-called 'negative emotions ' and 'negative reactions' are actually valuable. You are brave enough to admit that you have a "dark side" and that you are not afraid of it, but fascinated by it.
1. You find a colleague so annoying that whatever she does, you can't stand it. This makes you feel.
A. Wouldn't want to work with her at all, how did this person get through the interview?
B. Feeling that you shouldn't have to think this way and try to avoid her. You like to accept others and make them accept themselves.
C. Look for her good qualities, although she is moody and clamorous, she is after all funny and friendly. Eventually, you may become friends.
D. Think about why she elicits such a strong reaction from you. Can you think of any others who are similar?
2． What do you think about sexual fantasies?
A．Think some fantasies are totally unacceptable.
B．Find some of your fantasies or dreams to be unpleasant and try to avoid them.
C. Think that some of your 'bad fantasies' are related to a lack of self-esteem, but enjoy them when no one else is around.
D. You know that some fantasies should not be acted upon, but sharing them with a suitable partner may improve your sex life.
3. A friend gives an honest opinion about why a previous relationship ended in failure. Do you feel that?
A．It was misunderstood. This person must not know the inside story, so perhaps you chose your friends poorly.
B．Frustrated. You know your friend is right and you feel like you've screwed up the relationship again, which is a real failure.
C. Grateful. You gladly accept the advice. After all, a good friend can see things best from the sidelines.
D. Relieved. Much of what your friend says makes sense and is expected, but you find that some of your friend's advice is influenced by personal experience and should be accepted selectively.
4． When you were a child, your family formed stereotypes about your thinking and thought you were rebellious, sensible, serious, or confused. Now that you have grown up and their views have remained the same, you would.
A. Show agreement. You may even cater to their views with your actions. After all, their opinion comes from how you behave, and people basically don't change.
B. Blame yourself. Feel that after all these years, your image in the family should change. You will be sad when your family stresses that you "haven't changed a bit".
C. Rebuttal. Although you used to be that person, you have changed a long time ago. It's time for them to change their views, isn't it?
D．Self-reflection. Have you really used to be like that? Maybe it's all wishful thinking on the part of your family?
5． When you are drunk you.
A. Talk nonsense and regret it the next day. But don't worry, it's just drunken talk.
B. You have a very different temperament and behave very differently from usual.
C. Take special care to prevent drunkenness. You don't like to lose control and don't want to say things you'll regret, so you usually drink moderately or not at all.
D. You show your true colors. Losing your self-control allows you to show hidden aspects of your personality. You show these aspects in your normal life and find that you are less likely to "lose it" when you drink.
6． After a fit of anger, your reaction is often.
A. "I don't know what just happened." Someone must have pushed you to the limit.
B．" How did I do that again? Unbelievable." You are disappointed in yourself for losing your self-control and vow never to do it again.
C．"It's really quite rare." You think it was just a momentary lapse of temper and that it must have been because you were stressed or too tired.
D．"Buddha got mad too." You apologize for hurting someone's feelings, but you say that everyone can't help being angry at times.
Test results
Count the number of ABCDs in your answers and choose your test result.
■ Most of the answers are A
You are largely unaware of the existence of your shadow self, so you may have occasional emotional outbursts or you may suppress your potential. You have a binary view of many people and things and do not feel that this view has anything to do with you.
■ Most of the answers are B
You know that there is a part of you that you don't understand, but you choose to suppress it. You are afraid of losing control and don't like the idea of a 'shadow self' because of the connotations of evil or depravity. You often blame yourself for your reactions but think you can overcome these tendencies by relying on greater self-control.
■ Most of the answers are C
You have a strong interest in growing as a person and strive to become more tolerant, caring, and self-controlled. You feel that once you learn to be a good person, your life will be smooth sailing and you will strive for perfection and happiness. You notice the presence of the shadow self, but think that by being alert enough, you can conquer it.
■ Answer D mostly
You are coming to terms with your shadow self in the right way. You know that some of the comments you get from friends and family are inaccurate and that many of the so-called 'negative emotions ' and 'negative reactions' are actually valuable. You are brave enough to admit that you have a "dark side" and that you are not afraid of it, but fascinated by it.
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| Data collection |
In my opinion, extreme kindness is the angel, extreme badness is the demon; darkness and kindness coexist in the human being. We need to acknowledge and confront our 'dark side' and I think maybe we can use this power to do something constructive.
I've noticed artists are often perceived by the public as having qualities such as being 'eccentric' and 'different', and when I investigated the life experiences of many artists (e.g. Yayoi Kusama, Chiharu Shiota, etc.) and found that their art was inspired by childhood trauma, it got me thinking about whether negative emotions and trauma create an innate need to use art as an outlet for emotions and to heal oneself. I started reading books on art therapy and identified my topic - How to use the art form to help channel our negative emotions and help with mental health.
From the literature and research, I have read this week on art therapy, I have discovered that art therapy is a general term that has many different branches. Based on different theories, researchers will use different art materials and methods. I think what this has taught me is that the design of the intervention to be carried out afterward needs to be more refined, as both 'dark side' and 'art therapy' are very broad, so the design of the activities cannot be generalized, or it will not have a substantial effect. I should find an interesting entry point and then choose the most appropriate tool and artistic expression.
Overview of the intervention process
I invite a number of audience members to gather in a relaxed environment and prepare relaxing music, colorful drawings, collage tools, and paper.
Firstly, I ask the audience to discuss their current perceptions of negativity and 'shadow self', do they have a correct perception of their dark side? Next, I will ask them to take part in a warm-up psychometric test that I have prepared to help them gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of their 'shadow self' and that negative emotion and their dark side are not all bad.
Next, I will ask them to draw or create art on paper with the art tools they want and draw one negative thing they have done, and one negative thing they have met.
After drawing, the group will each make a guess. The participation of others and the guessing process will make the process of describing the 'bad thing' easier and more discussable. The "announcement of the correct answer" gives the person a more playful and courageous attitude on a psychological level than a direct description.
I thought perhaps the way I had designed would help the test taker to express some of their inner negative emotions in a more relaxed and egalitarian way, and that in psychotherapy, narration and straightforwardness are inherently the first steps in therapy. （ Narrative Therapy )
Narrative Therapy：
Narrative therapy is a post-modern counseling therapy, founded by Australian clinical psychologist Mike White, which helps visitors become more empowered and grow in themselves through techniques such as narrative storytelling, externalization, rewriting, witnessing, and regression.
References
American Art Therapy Association. 2022.
An Expert on School-Based Art Therapy Explains how Art Therapy Helps Children Make Sense of the Insensible - American Art Therapy Association. Available at: [Accessed 31 August 2022].
Cleveland Clinic. 2022. What Is Art Therapy?. Available at: [Accessed 31 August 2022]. Malchiodi, C., 2010.
The art therapy Sourcebook. New York: McGraw-Hill. Masterpeacebox.com. 2022. 30+ Creative Art Therapy Exercises (with Pictures). Available at: [Accessed 31 August 2022]. McNiff, S., 1998.
Trust the process. Boston: Shambhala. Psychology Today. 2022.
Just How Dark Is Your Dark Side?. Available at: [Accessed 31 August 2022]. Soworkshop.com. 2022. 12
Most Interactive Art Therapy Group Activities For Adults - Soworkshop.com. Available at: [Accessed 31 August 2022]. Theasmr.com. 2022.
What Is ASMR? Meaning, Definition, Benefits, and Trends – The ASMR. Available at: [Accessed 31 August 2022].