Who Do You Think You Are? Drawing the Ideal Self: A Technique to Explore a Child’s Sense of Self

Abstract

The art of designing and asking questions is a key task in psychological therapies. Therapists working with children need to do this in a way that allows them to give a meaningful answer. This article introduces a technique that enables children to become actively involved in the therapeutic process and to gain a better understanding of themselves. ‘Drawing the Ideal Self’ requires little equipment but provides the therapist and child with a permanent record of their work together. Step-by-step instructions and a case example are included in this article. It could be useful to all mental health professionals who need to plan directions in therapy or to design interventions with a child.