The individual may lack the language, insight or confidence to tell their story or they may be experiencing shame, anxiety or embarrassment and may require a more structured and supported metaphor based model.
6PSM provides the individual with a completely blank slate upon which they can create stories with the facilitation of the therapist.
The model was developed by Mooli Lahad in Northern Israel as a tool for identifying coping strategies and mechanisms from stress and anxiety. Northern Israel had experienced a high level of military and terrorist activity for an extended period of time, leaving many individuals with stress and anxiety. A form of intervention was needed which could work metaphorically with ‘hard to reach’ stories and address ways to promote coping mechanisms.
The psychological therapist Dr Kim Dent-Brown has been a key figure in promoting and pioneering the 6PSM within the UK and researching it’s efficacy as an intervention tool within mental health.
The method is now implemented extensively within the field of Dramatherapy and Playtherapy. Our team of Arts Therapists are trained in the 6PSM and frequently use this tool within individual and group therapy sessions.
The ‘blank slate’ nature of the 6PSM allows a completely new story to be created and told. Using metaphor, imagination and complete poetic licence, the individual is free to create the story of their choice. It is recommended that the individual does create an original and personal story rather than re-writing an existing piece of fiction. This allows for a new story to appear, instead of the re-telling of a fairy story or myth. As Dr Dent-Brown has identified, an existing fairy story may be possible to use, however, further investigation into the individual’s choices and projections may be required. Dr Dent-Brown has also identified that using a story which pre-exists may limit or hamper the creative process and restrict the individual with options for story progression.
As with all fictional stories, the newly created six part story addresses roles, characters, heroes, villains, damsels in distress and characters to be rescued. It looks at where the action takes place geographically, when it takes place, e.g. day, night and considers the tone of the story, happy, sad, funny, tragedy or comedy. The story addresses relationships, obstacles and how to overcome them.
6PSM can be used as a standalone therapeutic exercise. However, when considering Dramatic Enactment or Embodiment, Role and Projection, it may form the basis of the enacted story rather than the individual choosing to work with a pre-existing myth or fairytale.
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