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Human modelling is a kind of psychotherapy. The client is requested to 'make a person', i.e. a fictional character, and with human, lifelike qualities. In completion of this task, the client is asked to write or tell a life story ending in the present, about the fictional person, and/or make a model of the fictional person out of art material or whichever medium the client chooses.
The fictional person is then referred to as the 'modelled person', and is treated as if it is a 'real' person and a 'real' life. 'Real' in this context refers to transitional space in a Winnicottian sense.
By following these instructions, a therapeutic realm is created in which the client's subjective experience is brought to the fore, in the form of a metaphor. This allows the therapist and client to explore together the life, character and conflicts of the modelled person. It leaves various opportunities for the psychotherapist to influence the client. i.e. through role play, guided imagery, and taking on the role of the modelled person. The indirect way in which this form of therapy is conducted, seems to enhance the therapeutic effect and level of integration achieved. References to the similarities between client and modelled person are not encouraged.
Human Modelling is also successfully used as a group therapy in both hospital and other populations.