In addition to being a psychologist and coach, I am also an art historian (MA) and have worked in the international art trade. In my art coaching I can therefore combine my two types of knowledge and passion of mental health and art. Art coaching is an optimal tool, especially for people who are more visually oriented, like often people with autism. We will carefully and mindfully examine paintings in a museum or indoors on the iPad using the 'Socratic method' and analyse them based on your challenges and problems. According to the psychoanalyst Carl Jung (1875 –1961), art can be used to get more in touch with your subconscious (by free association through art) rather than just talking by means of your consciousness. If you reason with your consciousness, you may be more likely to fall into socially desirable answers or idealised stories about yourself, for example because you cannot face the truth or because you are afraid of what the coach will think. Art can create a bridge between the conscious and the unconscious, giving you insight into your deeper feelings, desires and inner conflicts. This allows you to achieve 'self-realisation' (getting the best out of yourself). Art also encourages creative ideas and 'out-of-the box' solutions. For some, it is also nice to focus on the work of art during the session instead of looking directly into the coach's eyes, what also can feel like a pressure to give socially desirable answers.
