The "Emotional Monster" exercise is an interesting and useful art therapy technique that helps in diagnosing emotions that are expressed through sensations in the body. Sometimes it happens that a person does not realize that his emotions are not expressed in words or actions, but are, as it were, “postponed” at the level of the body. This technique helps a person to feel himself on two levels - bodily and emotional, and also to compare which bodily sensations are the result of frequently experienced and suppressed emotions. For a psychologist (art therapist), the data obtained as a result of the exercise can be valuable material for further work with the client, helping him. Here is how you can conduct this exercise: Prepare materials: Prepare paper, paints, pencils, markers or other materials for drawing that you like. Draw a template of the human body: Using a simple pencil, draw the outline of the human body, trying not to miss its main components - the head, torso and limbs. Whether to draw a person in more detail is up to you. Listen to yourself: Close your eyes. Remember which parts of the body bother you most often? Could it be a headache? Or a runny nose? Or a feeling of trembling in your hands? Now think about what you associate these feelings with (in what way)? And, most importantly, try to remember what emotions most often provoke these sensations in your body? Draw the emotions: In the outline of the person you prepared in advance, draw the sensations in the body in the form of images that presented themselves to you. Label the sensations in the body: After you have drawn sensations in the body in the form of images, label what emotions these sensations in the body are most often trying to express. Share with yourself or others what you have created, and explain what feelings and associations your drawing evokes. This can help you better understand and discuss your emotions. Place your drawing somewhere prominent in the room and look at it. There's a reason he's comically called an "emotional monster"! How many emotions that are important to you are hidden in your body. And, importantly, now you know about them, and this can help you better understand yourself. Note: the “emotional monster” of a client is presented who began to feel physically unwell after several years of exhausting work. When performing the exercise, it turned out that most of the symptoms arose against the background of chronic conflicts in the work team. Repressed emotions appeared in the form of physical symptoms (headache, trembling hands, a feeling of trembling in the chest). The drawing is posted with the client’s permission. This exercise can be a useful way of processing and expressing complex emotions. A competent psychologist and art therapist will help with deeper work with suppressed emotions. Dilyara Abzalova is a clinical psychologist, art therapist, and practicing neurologist. To sign up for a consultation write to What'sApp: +79178889216