Layered Self: Embodying the Metaphors of the House Tree Person Assessment

The House, Tree, Person Drawing is a well-known tool in the field of art therapy. Its elements can also be utilized in analyzing spontaneously created and prompted imagery to reveal numinous parts of the self and one’s experience. During this 2.5 CE workshop, we will be discussing the classic assessment and its inherent metaphors, focusing on potentials for using house, tree, and person drawings in embodied art therapy practices with individuals who have experienced trauma. Through didactic presentation, discussion, case illustrations, and participation in a visual arts experiential, participants will discover salient parallels between each of the elements of the HTP, and connect them to the use of the chakra system, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, as well as the Expressive Therapies Continuum. Participants are encouraged to have colored drawing supplies of their choice handy, as well as at least one sheet of paper. Crayons, color pencils, paint sticks, and oil pastels or other media which can be layered are a great fit for this directive.