In my consulting work, I like to use various projective tests: projective stories, projective drawing tests. Many I invent myself, for example, the last time I asked a woman to answer the question, if she were furniture, then who exactly. She, without hesitation, said «armchair.» And it became clear what her role in the family is, how the household behaves. In further conversation, it turned out to be so.
One of the classic exercises that I offer clients is a tree. Its author is V. Stolyarenko «Fundamentals of Psychology» The tree itself is a symbol of life. And the thickness of the trunk and branches just determines how energetic a person is, how vitally strong. The larger the tree on the leaf, the more confident a person is in himself and in his abilities.
The branches are directed downward. It is obvious that a person has a lot of unresolved problems. If they draw specifically a willow, then this is depression and isolation on the past.
The branches are directed upwards. The tree stands firmly on the ground, branches up, a person has a successful life, he strives for growth and power, branches in different directions — the search for self-affirmation. If the client draws the trunk and branches of the same line without interruption, this is his desire to escape from reality, the refusal to really look at things. If all branches are connected in a circle, as in the picture of my client, then this is a desire to help others.
An abundance of branches, greenery (I also have a bird), a desire to take care of myself, my growth.
The roots of the tree are drawn, this is a reliance on others, as well as a desire to understand oneself, internal changes.
If a spruce is drawn, this is a desire to dominate.
A person draws hollows, knots — these are surgeries, some unpleasant moments.
This exercise has a continuation.
House — Tree — Man
Depending on how a person arranges these objects in the drawing, one can determine his problems and life values.
In the exercise, such parts of the drawing are highlighted: which house is multi-storey or small. What kind of roof does it have, maybe it’s a castle or a rural house. Is there a door or not. There is a door — a person is open, not closed. The roof is a realm of fantasy. Windows say the same. Smoke from tu.e. — internal tension. The house is far away, the person feels rejected. Stairs and paths are important. Well drawn — a sense of control. Long paths — a sense of distance. The path at the beginning is wide, but narrowing in front of the house — an attempt behind outward friendliness to desire to be alone. What matters is the weather in the picture. Who else is there. People, trees. What corner is the picture in? On the right side at the top of the sheet — the client is connected with the present moment or directed to the future. These are positive emotions. If the drawing is at the bottom left — orientation to the past, negative emotions and passivity. The closer the drawing is to the top edge, the higher the self-esteem and dissatisfaction with one’s position in society. If the picture is below, the opposite is true.
You can also look at the details of a person. But…
For me the main thing. I don’t remember what is written in the textbook, it’s just an opportunity to watch a person, how he draws, what he says, how his face changes. I usually add something from myself that I understand while the person is drawing. So this drawing is just a tool in a short time to get to know a person better and give the recommendation he needs.
Read more: V. Stolyarenko «Fundamentals of Psychology»