Person Picking an Apple from a Tree (PPAT) Art Therapy Directive
Art therapy combines psychological principles with creative processes to foster healing, insight, and personal growth. Among the diverse array of art therapy directives, the Person Picking an Apple from a Tree (PPAT) assessment stands out as a meaningful tool. Here's an in-depth look at its history, reasoning, appropriate usage, and methods for analysis.
History of the PPAT Directive
Developed by Linda Gantt in 1990, the PPAT was designed as an accessible, standardized art therapy assessment. Its straightforward nature helps clients project their inner feelings, relationships, and self-perceptions onto paper, providing valuable diagnostic and therapeutic insights. Gantt aimed for an easy-to-understand task that minimized intimidation, making it suitable for diverse populations.
The Reasoning Behind PPAT
The PPAT directive is based on projective psychology, wherein clients' artwork serves as a reflection of their unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This particular task—drawing a person picking an apple from a tree—reveals meaningful insights into an individual's coping strategies, social interactions, resourcefulness, problem-solving skills, and overall psychological functioning.
Symbolically, the apple represents goals, desires, or resources, while the tree symbolizes strength, stability, and support systems. The person's approach to picking the apple can illustrate their strategies in handling life challenges.
When and Why to Use the PPAT Directive
The PPAT directive is beneficial in various therapeutic and diagnostic contexts, including:
Initial assessments: Ideal for quickly gauging client strengths, cognitive capabilities, emotional states, and interpersonal functioning.
Trauma and anxiety: It gently engages clients who may find verbal expression challenging, offering a non-threatening entry point for therapeutic dialogue.
Developmental assessment: Helpful for assessing developmental stages, especially in children, adolescents, and individuals with developmental delays.
Evaluating coping skills: Particularly useful in identifying adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms, problem-solving abilities, and resourcefulness.
Its simplicity makes it suitable for almost any client demographic, from young children to older adults, across various cultural backgrounds.
How to Conduct the PPAT Directive
The directive is simple:
Provide paper (usually 12x18 inches) and a set of 12 colored pencils.
Instruct the client: "Draw a person picking an apple from a tree."
Allow approximately 10-15 minutes for the drawing.
Once completed, prompt the client to discuss their drawing, eliciting insights into their symbolism and emotional responses.
How to Analyze the Results
Analyzing a PPAT drawing involves both structured and interpretive approaches:
Formal Elements: Observe spatial relationships, use of color, details provided, and overall completeness. For instance, sparse drawings might suggest depression or anxiety, whereas vibrant, detailed drawings could indicate confidence or openness.
Symbolic Interpretation: Consider the following elements:
Tree: Represents stability, support systems, family, or environment. Note the health and size of the tree.
Person: Reflects self-image and identity. Observe the positioning, effort exerted, and emotional state of the depicted person.
Apple: Symbolizes goals, opportunities, or needs. Pay attention to accessibility, number of apples, and the client's portrayal of effort.
Narrative Inquiry: Discuss with clients what the elements represent to them personally, inviting deeper reflection and self-awareness.
Conclusion
The Person Picking an Apple from a Tree (PPAT) directive remains a valuable and accessible tool in art therapy, providing rich insights into psychological functioning, coping mechanisms, and interpersonal dynamics. Understanding its historical context, practical application, and analytical strategies can significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes.
