Introduction

The Somatic Inkblot Series (SIS) is a structured, projective, diagnostic procedure and

is an adjunct to psychotherapy and counseling. The SIS is structured by a sequential

presentation of intentionally designed and field-tested inkblot-like images. These

images demonstrate typical and atypical response potentials. The SIS procedure is

projective because it is based on spontaneous, individually generated responses to

semi-ambiguous figures, which elicit intrapsychic associations specific to the person

presented with them.

The SIS is a diagnostic procedure as a consequence of the interaction of structure and

stimuli. These stimuli evoke symbolism and meanings unique to the responding

individual. These can be differentiated from typical and atypical peer norms, and can

be analyzed according to internationally recognized diagnostic criteria. The procedure

is an adjunct to therapy because responses can be further explored to create a more

effective treatment plan, and can be re-addressed in later discussions, providing

opportunities to elicit deeply defended material. During the administration of the SIS

procedure, clients, patients and students may abreact emotional conflict raised to

consciousness by the images, which can be a therapeutic experience in itself.

What is the Somatic Inkblot Series ?

The Somatic Inkblot Series (SIS) was originally conceived in 1959. After years of

research and field-testing on SIS-I, the SIS-II (62 image Booklet Form) was developed

in 1980. Encouraged by the tremendous success of the booklet form, the SIS-Video

(video version of 62 images Booklet Form) was launched in 1984. It provides diagnostic

and therapeutic aid. The SIS-Video is a self-administered test consisting of five segments:

1. A series of beautiful flowers to reduce test anxiety.

2. An instructional section in which a “subject” illustrates how to give free associations

to a video inkblot.

3. An induction period in which semi-hypnotic relaxation suggestions are given.

4. A test section in which 62 specifically-designed images having color, structured

form and, at times, movement are presented.

5. A recovery portion in which a series of non-threatening nature scenes, combined

with upbeat music, bring the viewer back to the time and space reality of the test

situation.

The viewer writes responses on an answer sheet. Most of what is included in the

ambiguous structure relates to specific life situations and post-traumatic dream content

that has been found to have clinical significance. Viewing the SIS has both diagnostic

and therapeutic applications that are far reaching.

The SIS Video is highly innovative and, in a sense, a “time machine.” It takes the viewer

away from present reality. If there is unresolved painful material in the past memory

storage, through the magic of television, the projected responses will tend to be shaped

by this material. This can emerge even though the viewer may have long forgotten the

buried traumatic images and their associated affect. It facilitates the expression of

feelings and earlier forgotten life events underlying many forms of mental illness and

conversion pain. When the viewer rates those images which are the most threatening,

the examiner gets a quick psychological overview of the subject. The technique enables

the professional to more readily empathize. The administration of the SIS is designed

to maximize the pulling power of inkblot projection. The subject is given an answer

booklet. The first section includes a health questionnaire. The process of filling out the

health questionnaire creates an immediate perceptual set to project images related to

medical and psychiatric problems, for themselves or for loved ones. The space/time

dimensions of the viewing situation are subtly altered by the video presentation of

mesmerizing flowers. These are electronically transformed so the viewer experiences

a magical feeling of traveling through a mental garden of beautiful flowers. This draws

the subject away from the present reality, back in time, to episodes of previous illness

or trauma. Following this sequence, a photograph of a beautiful mountain, followed by

an artist’s rendition of the same scene, heightens the hypnotic effect.

Next, an example of a person responding to a typical inkblot is cited to show the viewer

how to fill out the answer booklet. After this presentation, audio suggestions to relax set

the stage for slipping further back in time and re-experiencing images of illness or

post-traumatic dreams. During the initial viewing, the subject is entirely alone just as in

dreaming. This eliminates the inhibiting effect of another’s presence.

By writing responses, rather than verbalizing them, just like in hypnotic writing, the

subject may more readily access and release painful material. In addition to the cathartic,

therapeutic response, the person may gain some insight and sense of mastery of the

traumatic material by the act of drawing and labeling the images. Also, when the

procedure is assigned repetitively over time, the experiencing of the healing flowers, in

association with the threatening, anxiety-laden images may serve to desensitize the

viewer.

In many instances, there is a sufficient richness of material elicited by interviewing the

subject concerning the “threatening” images, that little more needs to be delved into. In

this sense, for the busy clinician or interviewer, the procedure readily serves as what

has been referred to as a “quick and dirty” test. Occasionally, an insightful subject may,

after having completed the procedure, or having experienced previously repressed

post-traumatic dreams, open the interview with a statement about how helpful it was.

This person may simply wish to elaborate on memories of past upsetting experiences

such as an emotionally unresolved abortion, a miscarriage, past psychological, physical

or sexual abuse, or the witnessing of an accident, etc. Given the power of the technique,

it

2 Introduction

is rarely necessary to review associations to the entire 62 images. However, the

psychologist, who becomes sophisticated concerning content analysis and symbolic

interpretation, may glean much additional information from an overall scrutiny of the

responses.

Applications of this procedure have proven to be far-reaching and international. The

use of graphic images, rather than words, allows the SIS Video to cross both cultural

and language boundaries. The number of uses in medical diagnosis, psychological

assessment and psychotherapy is rapidly growing. It is anticipated that in the 21 st

century, all students of the healing arts and psychology, during their training will have

the opportunity to be introduced to this technique. Currently, a complete data bank is

being developed where individuals from various SIS Centers around the world may

submit data and access information via modem or facsimile communication. This could

truly be a comprehensive artificial intelligence system to be employed for good in a

world beset by evil.

SIS Instruments can be

Obtained from :

Somatic Inkblot Center

4501E, 104th Avenue,

Anchorage, Alaska - 99516 (U.S.A.)

E-Mail : drcassell@gci.net

Web Site at : http://www.somaticinkblots.com

Somatic Inkblot Center,

Post Box 1107, Sector - 15, Post Office;

Chandigarh - 160 015 (India)

Tel./Fax. : 91-172-710986, Tel. : 91-172-710985

E-mail : sisdubey@rediffmail.com

E-mail : sisdubey@hotmail.com