Graphology and Graphotherapy

It is the study of how an individual’s handwriting indicates their character attributes. Graphology is brain-writing. Handwriting is unique to every individual.

Used of Graphology: Psychological Assessment Tool Forensic Profiling Behaviour modification Forgery Detection

Development of Graphology It was known that graphology’s origin was at India and China in 2,000 BC. In 1622, ”How to recognize from a letter the nature and quality of a writer”, the first book in

graphology was written by Camillo Baldi. 1875, Jean Michon coined the term “graphology” from the greek: “ Graph” meaning “to write”

and “Logos” meaning “study” Crepieux-Jamin, who spent his life collating and improving upon Michon's observations, is today

credited with founding the "Societé Francais de Graphologie". He defined the various elements of handwriting which today form the basis of the French school of graphology, and divided these elements into seven categories:Dimension, Form, Pressure, Speed, Direction, Layout and Continuity.

In 1897, the 2nd "Graphological Periodical" was founded in Germany by Hans Busse (who also formed the Association for Graphological Research). The chief contributors were Dr Georg Meyer and Busse's assistant editor, Dr Ludvig Klages. Meyer's work was important, but even his greatest contributions were overshadowed by the eminence of Klages. Later, Klages moved to Switzerland where he was to continue his research work and create the first complete and systematic theory of graphology.

Also in Switzerland, Dr Max Pulver, a renowned psychologist who had a deep interest in graphology, was to make a further contribution, in terms of the symbolism in handwriting, both in direction and in symbolism of space. His division of the handwriting into the three vertical 'zones' explains aspects of the handwriting previously misunderstood, with his formulation of the 'Three Dimensions' - vertical movement, horizontal movement, and depth - providing an integral understanding of graphology as we know it today.

It can be argued that, the most significant single breakthrough in graphology has been made in the United States. HRC's CHAPS (Computerized Handwriting Analysis Profiling System) HRC's mission: To develop a valid system of handwriting analysis which would accommodate the high-volume personnel assessment needs of employers by utilizing state-of-the-art computer technology.

Elements of Graphology Slants Zones Spacing Margin Pressure Size

Baseline Speed Rhythm Letter Shapes Letter Specifics Letter Form Quality Lead-in and Ending Strokes Connectedness

Approaches in Analyzing Gestalt Approach Trait Approach

Basic Principle of Graphology

Possible Marks which could be seen in the handwriting of a Trauma Survivor.

Graphotherapy

It is the science of changing your personality by changing your handwriting. Our Handwriting can reinforce our bad habits, or we can choose to use it to modify or eliminate

them. Graphotherapy: Set of repetitive exercise in which the target is to change a specific letter; by

doing this repetitive exercise we are sending powerful suggestion to the subconscious affecting the character.

Graphotherapy in relation to Trauma The objective of graphotherapy for Trauma survivors is to help them develop character and

attitude to be able to cope. Traumatic experience could dealt negative impacts to the individual’s personality, such as low

self-esteem, distrust, hot-tempered and etc, thus making him/her unable to cope. But with Graphotherapy, we could eliminate and modify such negative impacts to the

individual’s personality.

Guide to Graphotherapy A Session usually takes about 1 hour. The average number of session is about 5-10. Initial 3 session must be done to set the phase. Have a sample handwriting specimen of the client Identify characters or traits to be modified. Debrief the client, set your expectations and goals. The client must use a ball-point pen or if ever he have a favourite pen with him, let him use it for

the session. Make sure the client is relaxed before starting the session if not, do some relaxation exercise Also reinforce the client to write in cursive writings, not in print. The session must be done with no interruptions. For the therapy to be more effective it has to be done everyday or at least if the client is not

available for a certain day, have him practice at home the most recent character he was modifying. Maximum of 1-2 weeks gap between sessions.

Dedication and commitment to change to the therapy is a must.

How to do Graphotherapy Identify the stroke you want to modify Show the ideal stroke and the strokes to avoid Have him practice the ideal stroke while avoiding the “stroke to avoid” in whole bond paper

until he used up all space in the paper Next have him write the sentence or the question first then answer it in the paper. Once he have almost consistently changed his character, add another character to change in the

next session and still include the previous character he was practicing.

Guide Questions for sessions1. My purpose for completing this therapy.

a) What are some beliefs of who you are and what you are capable of?b) List at least 5 goals which can help you in your goals.c) What will you gain after you complete this therapy?

2. Describe the event happened?a) What did you feel during the event?b) What did you do?c) What do you feel now after the event?

3. Prove to me that you are a strong person.a) List your strength and weaknessesb) Weaknesses are just temporary obstacle which slows us; How do you

compensate for your weakness?c) How do you use this strength?

4. No man is an island. Explain.a) List the names and ages of your family members.b) When was the best time you had with your family? Describe.c) Your family will always be there for you. Will you be there for them too? Why?

5. Friends are one of our greatest treasure in our life. Explain.a) List the names of your friends who will always be there for you.b) What are the things you usually do with your friends?c) What advice do you think your friends will say to you? Explain.