Saturday, September 7, 2013

Sunday Mini Challenge: Doctor Mouse Is In the House!

Hello, Toads. So what brings you to the Garden today? I see, but what’s really on your mind? That’s what I’m here to help you discover. Let me introduce myself: I’m Dr. Lolamouse. Please have a seat. Or lie down on the couch if you prefer. I’m going to show you some images, and I’d like to you tell me what they bring to mind. 

Oh, you want an explanation first? That’s a bit unorthodox, but for you, okay. I’ll break the rules of psychoanalytic diagnosis if you insist, but don’t complain to me later if your transference doesn’t develop properly!

Back in the day, when I was a practicing psychologist, I often used projective tests to help me understand and diagnose my clients. These tests come in many forms, but perhaps one of the most well-known is the Rorschach Inkblot Test. The idea behind the Rorschach, or indeed any projective measure, is that when presented with an ambiguous stimulus, we will project our own unconscious feelings, desires, fears, and/or wishes on it. Some practitioners think the Rorschach is unreliable, invalid, and general hooey, while others rely on it heavily. We’re not here today to debate the merits of the inkblot test but to have a little creative fun with it.

The original Rorschach images are now public domain, and if you are interested, they are easy enough to find. As a psychologist, however, I would be violating my ethical principles to reveal them here, since doing so would compromise the test’s integrity. Not to worry, though! We’re resourceful and creative people. I have created my own inkblot images to inspire your unconscious. Or, if you like to play, make your own. It’s easy! Just fold a piece of paper in half, dribble some random ink or paint blobs on one half, then fold it over, press, rub, and open to reveal your creation!

Here are some I created:
  






Your challenge, dear Toads, is to choose an inkblot and write whatever comes to mind. You may focus on the entire inkblot or any section of it. You may also rotate the images any way you wish. If unstructured, free form thought causes you to become anxious, use your associations as a stepping stone to a more structured form. Or keep it raw and unedited. 

Oh, I see that our time is up. I look forward to reading your minds, I mean, your poems!


22 comments:

Kerry O'Connor said...

Oooh! I like the effect created by the different colours..!

Hannah said...

These are wonderful Lolamouse and such a great idea to translate them into words. Thank you for the challenge!

Ella said...

LOLamouse you are so fun! I worry what my mind may reveal ;D

hedgewitch said...

I like this one, LM--and great images. Will do my best to come up with something for tomorrow--but I warn you, you may not really want to know what is lurking in my projections. ;_)

Lolamouse said...

I promise I'll keep all deep psychological information I glean from your responses confidential!

Maude Lynn said...

You're ethical? That's going to take all of the fun out of my transference.

Helen said...

A hip HIPAA mouse doc ...

Kerry O'Connor said...

annell, your link seems to be faulty. please try again.

Kay L. Davies said...

I had fun with this, Ms Mouse. Thanks!
K

Susan said...

Fun and Danger all in one. Thanks, Doc.

Margaret said...

...I hear what you are saying. I will dig deep and see how I feel...

Ella said...

I was very naughty! Do forgive me Ms. Mouse-pretty please ;D

Kerry O'Connor said...

What does it say about me that I never see butterflies and angels in inkblots, only awful, ugly things...

Jinksy said...

A real mind bender, and no mistake! lol

Lolamouse said...

Toads,
I'm working my way through your responses, ur, poems. I'm wondering whether some group therapy may be helpful...

Marian said...

is someone offering therapy? sign me up!

L. Edgar Otto said...

I only commented on the top one. The inclusion of red must have some psychological component... so who said they need a little testosterone in the poetry... well the bottom one- Go Pack! are you ready for some football... looks like that NFL robot!

Panchali said...

The colors brought back lovely memories...hope it meets your requirements (indirectly, at least) Smiles..

Gail said...

In the hat. What fun! Thank you.

De Jackson said...

LOVE this! Thanks, Doc. ;)

Rambling Woods said...

It's funny as I was just asking my daughter if they still used these as she is a psychologist....Michelle

Unknown said...

Thanks for the inspiration ( haven't written anything for ages )...this made me smile ...hope my ditty does the same for you x x x