Serial drawing

Jungian serial drawing is a method of psychological assistance developed by John Allan, a Jungian child analyst. During the war, the technique was adapted for extraordinary conditions. There are now three adapted versions: individually in a group – face-to-face format; individually in a group – online format (adapted by O. Zaleska); and serial drawing combined with free play in a group format (adapted by N. Bakhurinska, O. Zaleska).

• The method is based on analytical psychology (Jungian psychoanalysis).
• It draws on children’s innate imagination and free creativity.
• It relies on safe contact between an adult and a child.

Its essence lies in creating special conditions for activating natural healing mechanisms. Children work with psychologists individually and in a group.
In a safe and stable environment, the child expresses their feelings through a series of drawings, relying on free creativity and the focused attention of an adult.
The specially organized process of serial drawing helps stabilize the child’s emotional state, cope with new situations, and overcome the trauma of dangerous events.

Project goal

• To establish and strengthen adaptive mechanisms to changes and new living conditions.
• To overcome the effects of stress.
• Preventing the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.

History

During 2014-2015, Oksana Zaleska created an adapted version of Serial Drawing for use in emergencies, namely war. The method proved to be effective and, at the same time, highly safe to use during crisis events (the first groups in 2014-2015 with displaced persons from Crimea in the village of Litky). In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an adapted online version was created. In 2024, Nadiya Bakhurynska and Oksana Zaleska created a group version of serial drawing combined with free play.

The adapted version of Serial Drawing:

• Creates space for intense expression of feelings.
• This approach creates safe conditions for mastering emotions and symbolizing past events.
• Combines group and individual work.
• This approach enables children to conceptualize their experiences through an art exhibition at the end of the support process (7-12 sessions).
• Providing support to psychologists is a preventive measure against emotional burnout during times of extreme stress.

Historical roots of the creation of an adapted version of the serial drawing method:

C.G. Jung’s approach to dreams is not as separate phenomena, but as a story woven around a complex, emotionally charged theme/symbol/archetype. And if we look at a series of dreams, we see the central conflict, or internal theme, important task, or leading symbol that a person is working with. Jung also pioneered the method of amplification in working with dream and drawing material. Interpretation is aimed at synthesis and the search for a leading and integrating symbol.

Allan J. proposed applying a serial approach to the consideration of drawings. He suggested considering drawings as storytelling. In modern terms, this is storytelling, but in drawings.

Winnicott’s concept of holding can be described as an adult’s focused attention on a child, considering their condition and ability to withstand complex and sometimes difficult emotional experiences while remaining stable and confident.

Bion’s concept of containment complements holding and describes the mental process of processing emotional experiences and understanding them deeply.

Ogden’s concept of “reverie” is part of the process of containment and involves searching for meaning and significance in emotional experiences through imagination and the ability to dream.

Bowlby’s and Newfeld’s concepts of attachment and the importance of contact are essential components of child development, as they relate to the child’s need for a reliable adult who helps the child develop a sense of security and support.

The idea of Eva Pattis-Zoja is implemented in the Expressive Sandwork project. The concept involves working individually within a group to strengthen the group’s containing function.

The “concept of witness” and “tactful attention to the process” by E. Bick (observing children) and Mary Whitehouse (authentic movement) – a special approach to support, which is associated with the ability to be there and provide space for self-expression without actively interfering in the process.

What we do in this project

• We provide psychological support to children and parents.
• We train specialists – psychologists and social workers – through practical internship experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.
• We provide ongoing supervisory support.

Features and benefits of the program

1. Short duration – 7-12 meetings once a week for 45 minutes. One psychologist works with three children for 3 hours.
2. Safety – the child proceeds at their own pace with the support of an adult.
3. Cost-effectiveness – actual costs are only for drawing materials and the work of specialists.
4. Effectiveness – the in-depth method of work provides qualitative changes.
5. A combination of group and individual work gives children an additional resource for overcoming stress.
6. Training takes place through direct internship under the guidance of an experienced specialist.
7. Supervisory (intervision) group work with colleagues immediately after the group session contains the emotional experience and prevents burnout.

Results and achievements

Project development:
From 2015 to 2021, 165 volunteers were trained, including psychologists and social workers, and 1,187 children received assistance.
Since 2020, an online version of Serial Drawing has been developed and is being actively implemented.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion (February 24, 2022), 250 volunteers have been trained, including psychologists and social workers, in cooperation with the Voices of Children Foundation and the Caritas charity organization (Ivano-Frankivsk). Additionally, 1,500 children have received assistance.
Yulia Hrushetska is researching the effectiveness of the program, its impact on resilience, and the prevention of PTSD.

Program research

A pilot study shows that after completing the program, participants demonstrate a reduction in behavioral difficulties, inattention, peer problems, and emotional problems. On the contrary, the participants’ level of resilience increased, namely optimism, purposefulness, and extroversion.
The project is carried out in cooperation with the Mental Health Center of NaUKMA, the Professional Association Children`s Analytical Psychologists, and the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.

The method is being implemented in person at the NaUKMA Centers in Kyiv and Vorzel, and online throughout Ukraine and beyond.

Team of psychologists working with children using the Serial Drawing method:

The PAChAP team of psychologists:
Yulia Larina – analytically oriented psychologist, Jungian sandplay therapist, member of PAChAP, member of the Ukrainian Developing Group of IAAP (UDG).
Natalia Goryachek – member of PAChAP, member of the Ukrainian Society of Psychologists, practical psychologist, systemic family psychotherapist, child psychoanalyst, specialist in neuropsychology, sand therapist.
Svitlana Snitko – an analytically oriented psychologist, psychotherapist of children and adults, member of PAChAP.

Team of psychologists at the NaUKMA Mental Health Center:
Viktoria Solovyova – psychologist, head of the Mental Health Center of NaUKMA in Pokrovsk-Kyiv
Lyudmila Romanenko – psychologist, head of the Mental Health Center of NaUKMA in Hirskе-Vorzel
Natalia Opryshko – psychologist, expert of the Mental Health Center of NaUKMA
Iryna Zhadik – psychologist of the Mental Health Center of NaUKMA
Yevheniia Demianova – psychologist, of the Mental Health Center of NaUKMA
Viktoria Antonova – psychologist, of the Mental Health Center of NaUKMA
Valentyna Kozhushko – psychologist, of the Mental Health Center of NaUKMA

Partners

If you want to learn serial drawing:

The training program in the “Serial Drawing” method for specialists includes a theoretical component, personal experience, and practical work under supervision and with supervisory support.
Duration of training: 4 months
Number of hours: 94
At the end of the training, students write an essay and defend their certification work.