History of Sculpting
Sculpting is an experiential technique that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s during a
time of ferment and experimentation in the family therapy field. Rather than relying exclusively on explanatory verbal language, family therapists began to explore visual, physical, and sensory interventions to understand and change family systems.
Why Sculpting as Therapy?
Sculpting as a valuable technique that illuminates the emotional gestalt of a couple’s impasse, and highlight each partner’s subjective experience like their emotions, beliefs, and assumptions, both present and historic. The partners’ performance brings forth and makes visible their unacknowledged expectations, vulnerabilities, and yearnings as well as their projections and distortions. Sculpting is recommended for couples that want to work on minor issues before marriage, to create an understanding and learn behaviors between couples, and to learn better communication skills for their future.
When Sculpting is Not Recommended
Emotional or Physical Crises
If either partner is in a crisis such as immobilizing depression, extreme anxiety, or grief, or the client is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is inadvisable to introduce sculpting.
Timing
It is best not to use sculpting until a supportive therapeutic relationship and alliance have been established with the couple.
Heated Argument
Sculpting should not be initiated when the couple is in the midst of a heated argument. In heightened emotional states, couples are more likely to use the exercise as fuel for spite and vengefulness.