Emotions Color Wheel An Art Therapy Directive www.creativitymattersllc.com Description: This activity is good to break the ice with any client. It is also an easy “check-in” to find out how the client is feeling and the issues he/she is dealing with at this time in his/her life. After creating a pie chart with 8 sections, the client gets to choose 8 emotions and then color in the pie pieces. Materials: Colored Pencils or Markers and a White Piece of Paper. Instructions: First – Start with a piece of white paper and draw a circle filling the page. Second – Draw a line straight down the center of the circle, then draw a line down the center, criss-crossing the first line. Follow this by halving the other pies and again until you have 8 pies. Third – Ask the client, “What are 8 emotions that you would like to put in each pie on the wheel?” Then, as the client mentions the emotions place the word above the pie (on the outside). (The client may need some assistance with coming up with 8 emotions. Give assistance but be careful to not choose for the client.) Fourth – Ask the client to now fill in each pie with a corresponding color or picture that matches his/her idea of what the emotion means to him/her. Fifth – When the client is finished coloring have him/her explain what had him/her choose the color or explain what the picture means. Sixth – Ask the client to share where in his/her life he/she is experiencing that emotion/feeling. Dialogue about it as the client feels comfortable. Outcome: This exercise is designed to have your client open up and feel more comfortable expressing his/her emotions/feelings, and establishing rapport/trust with you! Questions to Ask Client: 1) Could you tell me about your Emotions Color Wheel? 2) What had you choose that color/design for that emotion? 3) Where else in your life do you experience that emotion/feeling? Note: Use affirmative statements with the client. Always acknowledge the client's positive qualities and work with the client to notice their own ability to create beauty/something of importance/value.
Self-compassion, acceptance, and loving yourself are so important to mental health and self-esteem. Unfortunately, many people try to seek this acceptance and validation from other people instead of first finding it within themselves. The last blog post shared some ideas for addressing the Inner Critic that voices self-criticism and makes us feel not good enough. …
Emotions Color Wheel An Art Therapy Directive www.creativitymattersllc.com Description: This activity is good to break the ice with any client. It is also an easy “check-in” to find out how the client is feeling and the issues he/she is dealing with at this time in his/her life. After creating a pie chart with 8 sections, the client gets to choose 8 emotions and then color in the pie pieces. Materials: Colored Pencils or Markers and a White Piece of Paper. Instructions: First – Start with a piece of white paper and draw a circle filling the page. Second – Draw a line straight down the center of the circle, then draw a line down the center, criss-crossing the first line. Follow this by halving the other pies and again until you have 8 pies. Third – Ask the client, “What are 8 emotions that you would like to put in each pie on the wheel?” Then, as the client mentions the emotions place the word above the pie (on the outside). (The client may need some assistance with coming up with 8 emotions. Give assistance but be careful to not choose for the client.) Fourth – Ask the client to now fill in each pie with a corresponding color or picture that matches his/her idea of what the emotion means to him/her. Fifth – When the client is finished coloring have him/her explain what had him/her choose the color or explain what the picture means. Sixth – Ask the client to share where in his/her life he/she is experiencing that emotion/feeling. Dialogue about it as the client feels comfortable. Outcome: This exercise is designed to have your client open up and feel more comfortable expressing his/her emotions/feelings, and establishing rapport/trust with you! Questions to Ask Client: 1) Could you tell me about your Emotions Color Wheel? 2) What had you choose that color/design for that emotion? 3) Where else in your life do you experience that emotion/feeling? Note: Use affirmative statements with the client. Always acknowledge the client's positive qualities and work with the client to notice their own ability to create beauty/something of importance/value.
Back by popular demand, I am sharing more art therapy directives informed by DBT group work. Some of these directives were designed by me, o...
"The healthiest form of projection is art" ~ Fritz Perls Here is a popular internet list of art therapy activities originally posted up in 2011 by the Nursing School Blog. I have since taken over the list and I consistently research current links that reflect the most inspiring art therapy...
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” (Shunryo Suzuki) Yesterday my husband brought home a beautiful African Spear plant. I was delighted and surprised since I’m usually the one bringing home plants. When I asked about his inspiration for the plant, he proudly showed me the attached...
Outside/Inside Masks An Art Therapy Directive www.creativitymatterllc.com Description: People often do not realize that they put on masks when interacting with others. We wear masks to get through stressful times. We put on masks when we are with our children being loving and nurturing, at work being professional, and with strangers to keep them from seeing too much (to name a few). There are thousands of masks we wear, sometimes all within one day. This directive is designed to help clients begin to become aware of these masks so that they can choose what masks to wear. They will also become more aware of what is really going on behind the masks in order to learn how to deal with them in healthy ways. Materials: There are a multitude of ways clients can make masks. The simple way is to use regular paper and markers or colored pencils. You can also have the client make a mask out of paper Mache, or buy a mask at Hobby Lobby and have the client decorate it. Instructions: First – Explain the nature of “masks” to the client. Have the client identify some of the “masks” she wears and why. Second – Draw an oval shape on a piece of paper, taking up the whole sheet. Put eyes, nose and mouth in a general shape on the paper, inside the oval. Put the word “Outside” at the bottom of the sheet to identify that this drawing will be the mask that the client shows to others. Third – Ask the client to draw what comes to mind when she is showing others a (general) “mask”. Fourth – After the client finishes the drawing for the “Outside” mask, take a second piece of paper and draw the oval, eyes, nose and mouth in the same way you drew the first mask features. At the bottom of the paper write “Inside” to identify that this drawing will be what is really going on inside the person, how she is feeling inside. Ask the client to decorate it however she would like. Fifth – When the client is done drawing both the Outside and Inside faces, ask her to tell you about the drawings. Have a discussion about what she sees in her drawings. Write down what the client says about each image they created and color they chose. (Ask permission before you write or mark on the picture, and then I suggest you do it in pencil.) Make an arrow and then write down each meaning indicated by the client. This will enter in words (which will activate the left side of the brain) and the images (which has already activated the right side of the brain). It will also give you a clear guide to the image later when you go over these images at the end of the time with the client, for the review of the artwork created and therapy completed. Follow-up Questions: 1) Tell me about the drawings you created. How did it go? 2) How are the drawings different? How are they the same? 3) What do the colors mean to you? 4) What did she see about herself in the overall process? Objective for this Directive: 1) Allowing the client to have a safe space to begin to get in touch with her feelings is imperative. Each client has different ways of looking at this directive. Some will catch on quickly and be able to express how they are feeling. Others will need more guidance. It is always important to make sure to emphasize to the client that this is a “safe space” where the client can express herself and experience acceptance in the process. Also, by creating a “safe space” the client is beginning to learn who may be a “safe” person to open up to and who is not, trusting herself to know the difference. 2) Increasing the client’s self-awareness and self-acceptance. By encouraging that the client is in a safe space the client is also receiving the message that it is OK to feel what she is feeling, and that it is acceptable. This promotes self-acceptance in general and can increase the client’s willingness to deal with negative emotions, especially when her confidence increases through the use of healthy ways to express and communicate those emotions that may be more uncomfortable. 3) Identifying the difference between what the client communicates with others versus what she is actually feeling can stimulate conversations for healthy communication and increase the client’s sense of self-control. This exercise naturally opens conversation that highlights healthy boundaries and how they work. It is not always appropriate to share everything one is feeling with others. Conversely, it is not always healthy to keep everything inside, not sharing anything. Finding that balance is key to being mentally healthy. It is important for the client to learn when it is appropriate to share and when it is not. NOTE: This mask directive can be applied to any masks you want to create with your client. Have fun with it and allow the client to explore the metaphors in masks. You can add sequence, feathers, beads, and anything else the client would like to utilize. You can pick up basic white masks at Hobby Lobby, which make great canvases to make some amazing masks. There are a myriad of ways to create masks. Explore and have fun with it!
Body silhouette example ~ Sara Roizen ‘Each body has it’s art…’ ~ Gwendolyn Brooks A few months ago during our Happiness Art Therapy Group with veterans we used a session to explore mind/body connection. I believe that art therapy automatically lends itself to the physical and bodily realm; the tactile exploration of art materials...
Try this fun Beyond Art Therapy Roll-A-Feelings Game | From the Beyond Art Therapy Experts at Creative Counseling 101.com
I found this cute art therapy activity on Pinterest, from Emerly Arts, and decided to create my own version to share. The exercise can be used during a time of transformation, or just to help make …
I’ve recently been expanding my therapeutic book collection, and thought I would start sharing some of the books and accompanying art prompts that I have been using with child clients. Bibliotherapy is a great way to engage kids in discussing various topics or helping them understand experiences through story. And as an art therapist, I …
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"The healthiest form of projection is art" ~ Fritz Perls Here is a popular internet list of art therapy activities originally posted up in 2011 by the Nursing School Blog. I have since taken over the list and I consistently research current links that reflect the most inspiring art therapy...
Emotions Color Wheel An Art Therapy Directive www.creativitymattersllc.com Description: This activity is good to break the ice with any client. It is also an easy “check-in” to find out how the client is feeling and the issues he/she is dealing with at this time in his/her life. After creating a pie chart with 8 sections, the client gets to choose 8 emotions and then color in the pie pieces. Materials: Colored Pencils or Markers and a White Piece of Paper. Instructions: First – Start with a piece of white paper and draw a circle filling the page. Second – Draw a line straight down the center of the circle, then draw a line down the center, criss-crossing the first line. Follow this by halving the other pies and again until you have 8 pies. Third – Ask the client, “What are 8 emotions that you would like to put in each pie on the wheel?” Then, as the client mentions the emotions place the word above the pie (on the outside). (The client may need some assistance with coming up with 8 emotions. Give assistance but be careful to not choose for the client.) Fourth – Ask the client to now fill in each pie with a corresponding color or picture that matches his/her idea of what the emotion means to him/her. Fifth – When the client is finished coloring have him/her explain what had him/her choose the color or explain what the picture means. Sixth – Ask the client to share where in his/her life he/she is experiencing that emotion/feeling. Dialogue about it as the client feels comfortable. Outcome: This exercise is designed to have your client open up and feel more comfortable expressing his/her emotions/feelings, and establishing rapport/trust with you! Questions to Ask Client: 1) Could you tell me about your Emotions Color Wheel? 2) What had you choose that color/design for that emotion? 3) Where else in your life do you experience that emotion/feeling? Note: Use affirmative statements with the client. Always acknowledge the client's positive qualities and work with the client to notice their own ability to create beauty/something of importance/value.
Promote positive sportsmanship and find out how to transform common childhood games into social-emotional learning experiences with our free tips and resources!
This creative exercise uses art and writing to explore what we need to keep in our life and what we need to let go of or keep out.
The Recovery Book An Art Therapy Directive (This directive was originally created by Libby Schmanke, MS, LCAC, ATR-BC , http://www.ar...
If you’re like me, you have a diverse caseload of kids that learn the social-emotional skills we want to teach them in different ways. We counselors can’t seem to get enough of finding new and creative ways to engage our kids in therapy. After countless hours planning and prepping, I’ve found a couple simple truths
One of my favorite self-portrait interventions is what I like to call the Inside Out/Outside In self-portrait. The point of the exercise is for clients to draw and/or write about themselves (their …
As you might know, I'm part of the huge art journaling online class, Life Book. Today I thought I'd share some of the beautiful work that students from that class created in response to my lesson. My lesson was all about turning negative words into something beautiful. Literally. This is the page I taught students to make: And here are some of the student pieces that were posted on instagram (I used the instagram embedder for these photos, so if you don't see them, click HERE): a little doodle from the Life Book Class with Julie Fei-Fan Balzer #balzerdesigns #doodle...
Self-confidence is defined as the belief in your ability to succeed or handle a challenge that you may be presented with at a point in time.
Emotions Color Wheel An Art Therapy Directive www.creativitymattersllc.com Description: This activity is good to break the ice with any client. It is also an easy “check-in” to find out how the client is feeling and the issues he/she is dealing with at this time in his/her life. After creating a pie chart with 8 sections, the client gets to choose 8 emotions and then color in the pie pieces. Materials: Colored Pencils or Markers and a White Piece of Paper. Instructions: First – Start with a piece of white paper and draw a circle filling the page. Second – Draw a line straight down the center of the circle, then draw a line down the center, criss-crossing the first line. Follow this by halving the other pies and again until you have 8 pies. Third – Ask the client, “What are 8 emotions that you would like to put in each pie on the wheel?” Then, as the client mentions the emotions place the word above the pie (on the outside). (The client may need some assistance with coming up with 8 emotions. Give assistance but be careful to not choose for the client.) Fourth – Ask the client to now fill in each pie with a corresponding color or picture that matches his/her idea of what the emotion means to him/her. Fifth – When the client is finished coloring have him/her explain what had him/her choose the color or explain what the picture means. Sixth – Ask the client to share where in his/her life he/she is experiencing that emotion/feeling. Dialogue about it as the client feels comfortable. Outcome: This exercise is designed to have your client open up and feel more comfortable expressing his/her emotions/feelings, and establishing rapport/trust with you! Questions to Ask Client: 1) Could you tell me about your Emotions Color Wheel? 2) What had you choose that color/design for that emotion? 3) Where else in your life do you experience that emotion/feeling? Note: Use affirmative statements with the client. Always acknowledge the client's positive qualities and work with the client to notice their own ability to create beauty/something of importance/value.
Art is an excellent way to reach kids who are grieving the loss of a significant person from their lives. Learn how using art therapy for children can help them
Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, LPAT, LPCC, ATR-BC, is a leading international expert, syndicated writer, and educator in the fields of art therapy and art in healthcare. She is a research psychologist, a Bo…
This case study is focused on alcohol addiction and the typical treatment pathway that a client with alcohol addiction may experience.
I found this cute art therapy activity on Pinterest, from Emerly Arts, and decided to create my own version to share. The exercise can be used during a time of transformation, or just to help make …
The Bad Seed activity: The Bad Seed is a moving and heartbreaking book that belongs on every single counselor's bookshelf! This post contains ideas for classroom guidance lessons or small group counseling activities using this title to promote kindness and acceptance in every classroom.
One of my favorite self-portrait interventions is what I like to call the Inside Out/Outside In self-portrait. The point of the exercise is for clients to draw and/or write about themselves (their …
I believe that teaching healthy boundaries is an essential topic when working with teenagers. Teens often struggle with learning when and how to say no to others, deciding what to share and what to keep private, and knowing who they can trust. Those that have experienced trauma or grew up in a family with unhealthy …
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Pablo Picasso Art therapy is a broad term used to refer to the practice of creating as a way
Creating hands-on counseling lessons can be easy and inexpensive. You can often find inspiration by looking through your junk drawers or craft boxes! String is one craft supply that many people have sitting around and it can easily be incorporated into hands-on lessons for school counseling. String is a great tactile tool that is inexpensive and comes
A feeling of safety is essential for mental health and well-being, but this feeling can be hard to connect with for some of our clients, especially those with trauma or significant anxiety. Art therapists are likely very familiar with the directive of drawing a safe place. Most of us learned it in graduate school and …
This art in therapy directive - expressing emotions as weather - helps clients build awareness and acceptance of emotions.
Therapists, counselors, parents, and kids all seem to enjoy the movie Inside Out. I loved it and have also loved how it has helped children in my therapy practice to talk about their emotions and understand the value of all of their feelings. Parents can easily fall into the habit of encouraging kids to not …
In the profession of Art Therapy, activities that are seen as “crafts” are often not given as much focus as the traditional fine arts, like painting, drawing, and sculpture. However, I believe there is value in offering crafting in our creative therapy approaches or in looking at the therapeutic value of clients doing crafts. One …
