In my psychotherapy practice, a small wooden object rests on a little table between two armchairs. Waiting to be discovered, it sits next to a box of paper tissues, a water carafe and two drinking glasses. Once it enters the client’s consciousness, this unobtrusive object opens up a world of associations with existentially essential matters, bringing them into focus in the therapeutic process.

The use of objects as psychotherapeutic instruments falls into the general category of impact treatment methods. An interactive encounter with a special object can have a powerful and lasting effect on the client’s psyche. By getting the client involved in a (mildly) alarming experiment, it may be possible to spark off perceptions, expose the subject to new ideas or generate images. These can strongly impact the consciousness, and will not be easily forgotten (cp. D. Beaulieu, 2013).

And this brings us back to the small item awaiting clients in my practice: the object is a Chembongo, made of African Blackwood. It is an aesthetically appealing and extremely puzzling toy, seemingly with a mind and free will of its own. Crafted elegantly in a shape reminiscent of a long and narrow boat, the Chembongo wobbles at the touch, balanced on its center of gravity. When spun clockwise it behaves as expected and continues to spin. But spun counterclockwise it reveals its uncanny character: after one or two revolutions, the Chembongo begins to wobble in impatient resistance. It then changes direction, returning to a smooth clockwise rotation, entirely of its own accord.

The Chembongo has proven to be an effective and practical tool that complements my work as a behavioral therapist, based on and related to my training in gestalt and systemic therapy. I find it exciting to employ and observe as it uncovers and brings attention to existentially vital issues.