What is MARI?

(Mandala Assessment Research Instrument)

• MARI is a non-verbal explorative process
• assists in accessing material from the unconscious mind
• uses symbols and colours to assess a client’s present psychological state
• brings clarity to the issue at hand

The MARI system of symbology developed as a result of the analysis of mandala drawings used during the GIM (Guided Imagery and Music) process. Helen Bonny, the founder of GIM, worked with Joan Kellogg, an art therapist, and, as a result of their collaboration, Joan developed the MARI system. Joan analyzed over 2000 mandalas, which had been drawn during the GIM process. She noticed many recurring images present in these mandalas. Using this discovery as a spring-board, she created a set of 39 symbols and over 40 colour cards, to be used in conjunction with a large board, reflecting 13 stages of psychological development.

The process is essentially non-verbal. The symbols and colours chosen by the client (6 of each) reflect the person’s current psychological, physical and mental state. 2 more cards and colours are chosen, later during the process: one, a ‘challenge’ card, and the other, a ‘guidance’ or ‘helper’ card.

The MARI process is diagnostic, as well as therapeutic.

The MARI practitioner and client embark on a process of discovery together. They find out what the chosen cards mean within this system, applied to the client’s life, in a holistic way. They hereby gain insights and can make possible changes to the lay out – extending the value of the MARI to being a systemic tool.

The beauty of this process is the manner in which the creative, right brain is accessed, how it assists in accessing material from the unconscious in a gentle way, and the fact that the discoveries bring clarity to the client’s issue at hand by integrating left brain thinking simultaneously.

For further information about the MARI system, please visit www.mari-sa.co.za