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Learn How to Translate the
House-Tree-Person Drawing
Therapy Technique
Disclaimer: The House-Tree-Person Art Therapy Activity is only to be used by a mental health
professional. See the directions for House-Tree-Person Drawing Therapy Technique link at the bottom of
the page.
House-Tree-Person Drawing Technique Translations:
The House:
Basically, the house is the sense of self and the ego of the client. Look at the size of the house. Is the
house big (Possibly a very controlled atmosphere or large ego)? Is the house small (Low self-esteem or
complete rejection of the home life)?
Where is it located on the paper (Center, upper corners, or lower corners)? Is the house grounded, or is
it floating? What is the atmosphere of the drawing overall? Does the house look warm and inviting? Or,
does the house look cold and ostentations.
The lines of the house can also tell a lot about the client / artist’s ego strength and the way they set
boundaries. Heavy lines indicate too much ego, and thin lines equal a weaker ego. The lines can also
indicate how the client / artist set boundaries around their phenomenological world.
Is there a welcoming walkway? This lets the therapist know how the client interacts with the world
around them. The walkway tells the therapist how people are allowed in. Is the walk way long? Short?
Wide? Look at the different scenarios to see how the client allows others to come into their world.
Are there windows and doors? Windows and doors suggest that the client / artist is open and accessible
to the world. A lack of windows and door suggest the person is withdrawn and not very open to the
world.
If the client draws too many windows and doors this can indicate that they are very “needy” and
dependent on others.
The roof can represent the client’s religious, intellectual, or private fantasy world. The chimney can mean
several things. It can mean how warm and open you are as a person.
This might also represent the "father image". Smoke from the chimney can mean that the father figure
was warm and kind, or that there is anxiety present.
If there is too much smoke it might mean there is hostility and too much masculine energy. If there is no
chimney drawn it may signify that the person’s home life, or ego, lacks warmth and compassion.
The Tree:
The tree’s trunk is the client’s ego, self, and basic personality. The limbs on the tree are the way the client
reaches out to the world. If the branches are little, there is the possibility of an introvert personality.
If the branches are too large it could indicate neediness. Bare branches can indicate depression and
hopelessness.
Leaves from the tree mean that we are being well fed from these relationships (think of how the leaves
make food for the tree by photosynthesis.). The roots from the tree represent how grounded in reality a
person is.
The Person:
Where is the person in the drawing? What is the size of the person in the drawing? The size of the
person in the drawing is related to the person’s self-esteem and self-concept.
A smaller person may mean low self-esteem, depression, and lack of energy. An average size person may
mean a healthy self-esteem. A larger person in relation to the house and tree might mean an inflated
ego and delusions of grandeur.
Is it close to the house or tree? What are the arms doing ( Reaching out, or defensively closed)? Are the
hands drawn? Pointed fingers often mean aggression is present, while mitten hands may mean anxiety is
present.
The legs are similar to the tree roots and represent how grounded a person may be. Small feet can
possibly mean insecurity in a person.
Look at how the mouth is drawn. This is similar to the leaves on the tree as it is how we get fed (foods,
needs, etc.). Teeth can mean aggression if they are drawn. They often say the eyes are the mirror to the
soul.
The House-Tree-Person- Drawing Technique Direction Link
See More Art Therapy Techniques Here
See More Creative Counseling Ideas Here
Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and
school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.
*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort
or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed mental health professional immediately.
"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is
not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness,
meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.
For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.
Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health
provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of
study.
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