This study reflects on the introduction of the El Duende ‘one-canvas’ model as a teaching method for experiential ‘training groups’ on a UK-based master’s programme in Art Psychotherapy Practice.
The aim is to reflect specifically the learning and insights gained, challenges encountered, and the implications for future teaching practice.
| Alternative title: |
Applying the El Duende 'one-canvas' method in experiential art therapy training groups |
| Keywords: |
Art therapy education; experiential learning; art therapy training groups; El Duende ‘one-canvas’ method; repetition and return; transformation; use of the object; holding environment |
| Creators: |
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| Contributors: |
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| Academic units: |
Faculty of Health and Wellbeing (HWB) > Academic Departments > Department of Social Work and Social Care |
| Funders: |
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| Copyright Holders: |
Copyright and IPR relating to digital photographs of original artworks made by participants and used in the study will remain with the respective participant-artist |
| Publisher of the data: |
SHU Research Data Archive (SHURDA) |
| Publication date: |
2 March 2026 |
| Data last accessed: |
No data downloaded yet |
| Reason(s) for restriction and conditions for access: |
Due to the sensitive and personal nature of some of the data, anonymisation/redaction of meeting transcripts will be necessary prior to data sharing, and participant consent may need to be gained where appropriate.
All images remain the intellectual property of the artist and are subject to permissions and copyright. |
| DOI: |
http://doi.org/10.17032/shu-0000000322 |
| SHURDA URI: |
https://shurda.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/322 |
| Types of data: |
Dataset, Image, Text |
| Collection period: |
| From | To |
|---|
| 30 July 2025 | 11 September 2025 |
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| Temporal coverage: |
| From | To |
|---|
| 5 February 2025 | 3 March 2026 |
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| Geographic coverage: |
Sheffield, UK only |
| Data collection method: |
Observations and reflections were gathered from facilitators during two group meetings: one directly after the two-week review, one approximately six weeks later after most student reports were marked, and at individual meetings with each participant. Meetings involved free-flowing conversation about the use of the one-canvas model, how it functioned in the training groups, challenges encountered and the learning gained. Interventions from the principal investigator were minimal with reflections and questions based on responses . This allowed for flexibility and spontaneity as well as in-depth exploration of participants’ individual perspectives and experiences. It also offered the opportunity to approach the material and the context in which it emerged with an attitude of curiosity, imagination, and discovery. Meetings were recorded with participants’ consent. |
| Data processing and preparation activities: |
Data analysis was an iterative, collaborative, and reflexive process which took place during and following, data collection, allowing a flexible, and adaptive response to material as it emerged; iteration and feedback providing opportunities for identifying and correcting misinterpretations, and refining focus, understanding and insights.
Fireflies AI software was used to aid in the transcription process.
Transcriptions were read and corrected by the first author and initial codes, themes, and relationships identified. Early thematic diagrams were circulated to participants prior to the second group meeting and revised in response. The second author independently reviewed meeting transcripts and codes, themes, and relationships were further refined and revised as understanding evolved. Draft results/findings were circulated to participants to check for resonance with experience and accuracy of researcher understanding. |
| Statement on legal, ethical and access issues: |
The study was approved by SHU Research Ethics Committee. After completion of the analysis, the student cohort was invited to contribute images of their artmaking process for the purposes of illustration, with the option to be accredited by name. |
| Resource language: |
English |
| Metadata language: |
English |
| Depositing User: |
Deborah Michaels
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| Date Deposited: |
02 Mar 2026 14:31 |
| Last Modified: |
02 Mar 2026 14:31 |
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