Psychotherapy at Glenn’s Studio

(Mandala Assessment Research Instrument)

Carl Jung recognized the mandala as "the centre of personality, a kind of central point within the psyche, to which everything is related, by which everything is arranged and which is, itself, a source of energy..."

Jung's description of the mandala is also an excellent description of the MARI.

In addition to symbols, the MARI is comprised of colors and stages of development. The relationship of these variables creates a visual 'snapshot' of the self as experienced in the present moment.

THE MARI - THE SPECTRUM OF PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES

Each aspect can be viewed as existing on a continuum of psychological knowledge:

TRADITIONAL:

On the traditional level, the MARI can reveal the functions addressed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-Revised (DSM IV-R). A counsellor who works with psychiatric population can discover insight into disorders related to adjustment, anxiety, dissociation, eating, mood, sexual, substance and personality. Many clients however, are dealing with non-pathological problems of shorter duration. The MARI is particularly helpful in identifying more current issues around identity, struggle and tension. Often the client is aware that "something" is wrong but they are unable to identify what it is. They appreciate the insight that is provided by the MARI and feel that they are understood.

TRANSPERSONAL:

The MARI provides the richest container possible for questions and discussion around the deepest spiritual and philosophical issues. Even therapists with a transpersonal orientation who expect, and are familiar with, therapeutic discussions of a more philosophic nature are amazed by the immediate depth that is revealed by the MARI. The MARI can reveal spiritual insight and intuition as well as religious, spiritual, and deeply mystical orientations and issues. This is particularly helpful because the visual nature of the MARI enables a client to better imagine the elusive issues and solutions s/he is dealing with. Many deep "core" beliefs (such as feeling abandoned or punished by God) and/or archetypal associations (such as a Wounded Healer or Divine Child) are made visual and opened for discussion.

THE MARI IS POSITIVE AND STRENGTH-BASED

One need only observe the care that the individual takes in choosing his or her own symbols and colors to recognize the presence of the urge to wholeness. The choices always reflect the aspects that are most important to one's psyche at the time. This system works because, as Jung emphasized, the psyche cannot tolerate self-deception! In addition, the client literally provides his or her own guidance for any issue being struggled with. It is this last aspect of the MARI - the wisdom of one's own intuitive guidance - that assures us that the process of individuation is present and active.

The MARI reflects all the values of one's total Being, making this system a perfect fit with with today's more positive psychological approaches.

Above text is excerpted from Mari Creative Resources web site: www.MariCreativeResources.com