LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®

Self-stigma is like an invisible mark of shame that a person put on himself. It is one of the most significant challenges in mental health that affects various aspects of a person’s life.

In the group session today, participants have been experiencing labeling and discrimination from people around them. Many feel obligated to seek help and support yet being able to come out is actually challenging to them due to the fear of stereotyping and devaluing.

By using Lego bricks with photo cards, they shared the way how they would like to see themselves and the elements that deems importantly to their recovery. When they gradually accept their condition and knowing that they are just human beings who are going through a hard time, many of them regain the energy to focus more on their strengths as well as to embrace their limitations.

“I picked this photo as I value those who are willing to walk along with me during my recovery journey. I wish to become a sea turtle who is strong and patient enough to walk with other people, to share their tears and happiness, and to shoulder their burden.” One participant described about his “model”. It is important, wonderful and comforting to know that they are not alone in the struggle.

Left: I ‘m like an octopus, trying to use my legs to explore the world … … Luckily I have a social worker who always gives me courage and support to face the “unknown”.

Right: I need companion while I can be a good companion for others during the journey of recovery.

The basic therapeutic principle of Bowen Theory is that ” …… the emotional problem between two people will resolve automatically if they can remain in contact with a third person who can remain free of the emotional field between them, while actively relating to each” (Bowen, 1978, p. 229). During the group sessions, it was important for me to see emotional process flowing back and forth among the participants. By building their models, participants were able to observe and “see” the relationship patterns with their family members and how s/he relate to each of them. Majority of them were inspired with a quote from Dr. Bowen that … …

“An entire family can be changed through the effort of one person.”
(Bowen, 1978, p.246)

Without putting the blame on others or taking the blame from others, participants were encouraged to reflect on their “automatic responses” and “functioning pattern” while they were interacting with their family members. It was helpful to realize the reciprocal effect of one’s reaction to the other and the hypothetical beliefs that s/he holds toward the other. With a more thoughtful base of guided principles, some members were able to cut through the reactivity, such as anxiously lecturing their children or partners. By being more observant in the family and more tolerate of tension, distress and anger, it allows new relationship patterns to emerge and bring forth positive changes.

Let Go of Self-stigma @ LEGO X Photo Voice

Family-of-origin Journey@ Watercolor X Lego