A Case Study of an Initial Interview Based on Case Conceptualization Using Art Therapy

This study explored the experience of an initial counseling interview based on case conceptualization using art therapy techniques (collage and layering painting) with a woman in her 40s who had suffered from anxiety accompanied by panic, depression, and interpersonal difficulties for over ten years. The study aimed to overcome the limitations of traditional initial interviews, such as verbal defenses and limited information, to enhance psychological understanding and facilitate client change. The main research question was what the client's experience was regarding the formation of the counseling relationship, the understanding of the chief complaint, and the setting and change of counseling goals(agreed-upon goals and clinical goals) when utilizing case conceptualization-based art therapy in initial interviews. This study applied a single-case study design and conducted a qualitative analysis through in-depth interviews regarding experiences of the intake interview—including interpretation of MMPI-2, SCT, and TCI assessment results—and the initial interviews (sessions 1 and 2), based on a case conceptualization model. The research findings revealed that the case conceptualization-based initial interview utilizing art therapy had a highly positive effect on counseling relationship formation, understanding of the client’s chief complaints, as well as the setting and change of counseling goals. Notably, the use of collage and layering painting assisted in visualizing and organizing complex emotions, helping the client recognize repressed anger stemming from an inner “strong standard.” Based on the research findings of this initial interview, which contributed to overcoming the limitations of traditional initial interviews(such as verbal defenses and limited information) and facilitating the client's psychological understanding and change, implications for counseling practice were discussed.