As we enter the new year, many people will be making new year's resolutions. Many of these resolutions are quickly forgotten or given up within the next few months, but maybe art-making can help with this. At times, I have ignored this tradition because it so often feels like a waste of time or like I keep repeating myself year after year. It can be easy to become cynical about new year's resolutions, but I find that there can be value in taking time to think about my life, what I hope to … [Read more...]
Coping With Tragedy
In the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut many children will be experiencing confusion, fear, and sadness. My heart goes out to all those families impacted by the tragedy and all children who are experiencing grief or fear after such a shocking and terrible event. Many parents, teachers, and other adults are wondering how to address the tragedy with children. Through talk, art, and other interventions, parents and helping professionals can be a supportive resource to help children to … [Read more...]
Sock Monkey Fun!
I recently signed up to participate in a sock monkey swap and donation, sponsored by Six Degrees of Creativity. This involves creating one sock monkey to be mailed and swapped with another participant, as well as creating a second monkey to be donated to Operation Sock Monkey. Although creating my first sock monkey was a bit challenging, now that he is done, I'm hooked! What a cool transformation to see a regular pair of socks turn into an adorable toy monkey. Just like quilting or knitting, … [Read more...]
Who’s the Boss? — A Dyadic Art Therapy Intervention
The art process can be a wonderful way to observe and intervene in parent-child dynamics in therapy. One art therapy intervention that you can try is to have the child and parent take turns being "the boss" during art-making. One person is in charge first and is told by the therapist that they will get to make all the decisions for the art piece. The person in charge participates in the art-making while also telling the other person in the dyad what they should do. The one … [Read more...]
Gratitude Jar — An Activity to Focus on Thankfulness
During the past few months, I have come across a few pins on Pinterest for "Gratitude Jars" or "Blessing Jars." I thought this would be a great idea to share now as Thanksgiving approaches. This would be a great activity to try for yourself or could be a therapy homework idea for children or families. To create a gratitude jar, find any large jar or container. I like a clear container because it allows you to see the jar filling up as more and more slips of paper are added. Each day, try to … [Read more...]
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