The Mirror

A therapeutic art experience

The focus of this exercise is to draw yourself from a mirror. It’s an art therapy exercise, so the focus is not on making something “beautiful”, drawing realistic or making it look exactly like you.. Of course you can pursue this, if you feel like it. The purpose of this exercise is to see what comes up and to explore your own mirror image.

Perhaps old stories of not being able to draw well enough, critical voices or other judgements will come up, when you sit down to have a good look at yourself.

For this exercise you’ll need the following:

• A mirror - Large enough so you can comfortably see your own face

• Paper for drawing (preferably A3 size or larger) and another for taking notes 

• Art materials such as pencils, color pencils, markers, crayons or acrylic paints if you feel like it. You can use anything, so choose what feels right or whatever you have.

• A drawing board or hard surface to have your paper on

• A quiet space to focus without distractions. This work requires attention.

• Good music to get you in the mood

Time: 45-60 minutes, or longer if needed.