Learning to be yourself and not hide who you are is an important part of growing up (and, unfortunately, something many of us still struggle with as adults). The creative arts are a great way for kids to explore who they are and express themselves freely. And the stories and characters in books can provide role models for kids, prompt self-reflection and discussion, and inspire new action. In the third part of the creative bibliotherapy series, I have three books about the theme of being … [Read more...]
Creative Bibliotherapy Part 2: Art and Books for Healthy Relationships and Coping
I’m continuing the creative bibliotherapy series with part 2 and sharing a few books that I like that address interpersonal relationships and coping with strong feelings. (Missed part 1? Be sure to check in out for a selection of books about emotions.) 1. How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids, written by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer, illustrated by Maurie J. Manning This book is a classic and kids are often introduced by school to this book and the idea of being a “bucket filler.” The main … [Read more...]
Creative Bibliotherapy: Books and Art Directives for Emotions
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 love how easily certain books can inspire further exploration through art and creativity. I’ve also found that bibliotherapy has been a great approach as part of … [Read more...]
Create a Self-Care Collage
What comes to mind when you hear the words self-care? Is self-care something that is an integrated part of your life or something that you recognize the importance of but fail to prioritize? As the stress, loss, and unknowns of the coronavirus pandemic continue, therapists know more than ever that we must focus on self-care – both our own self-care and encouraging it in our clients. This crisis will continue for many months and we cannot simply try to power through or distract ourselves. Many … [Read more...]
In Your Circle of Control
Journaling about what you can control and what you cannot is one of the prompts in my new guided journal The Balanced Mind. And although I did not include a connected art prompt in the journal, the writing prompt lends itself well to creating imagery. I also think the themes of control and acceptance are something that we can all benefit from exploring in this time of chaos and unknowns. In wonderful coincidence, I had already planned to start my own art piece on this theme during my monthly … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- …
- 15
- Next Page »