Knighton Counselling
Shopping Cart
Your Cart is Empty
Quantity:
Subtotal
Taxes
Shipping
Total
There was an error with PayPalClick here to try again

My Blog
Blog
unleash the creative adolescent in the therapy room.
Posted on May 19, 2020 at 6:16 PM |
![]() |
Counselling young people – Is talking enough I have been working with young people
therapeutically for 3 decades and what I realised early in my career
was that most struggled with counselling being just a talking therapy. What’s the difference in counselling adults and young people?
Young people have specific needs when receiving therapy, this is a time in their lives that they are discovering
their own individuality. At this age young people (those aged 11-19) enjoy new experiences ,being creative is often
seen as a positive activity Abstract
thought has developed and this can be incorporated in facilitating them to
process their feelings and thoughts with
using metaphors within the use of creative tools. The expectation to just talk
can be intimating and put young people off seeking counselling. Having creative
opportunities is valuable to keeping young people engaged with the process. Creativity within the sessions allows the
young person to explore difficult situations and feelings in a safe manner
without having them feel too raw. Placing their thoughts/feelings onto a object rather owning it at that moment allows them to feel safe , then through exploration processing these difficult feelings can be achieved . The tool box I have found the counsellors that
I supervise have discovered a wide variety of exciting tools to use, art
equipment such as crayons, felt pens, chalks and paints are usually a good
starting point ,clay or playdough can be
used for those that prefer a median that is
to tactile and many can use the material to channel the release of emotional tension, in a simple primitive way. Investing or making
a simple sand tray that can accommodate the use of miniatures and objects allow
clients the opportunity for projective play. The use of miniatures and sand is
a non-threatening activity which needs
no art skills, which is less self-conscious than traditional use of
art materials. . They get into the exercise and discover unconscious material
that they hadn’t realised. Other ideas include the creation of collages with
materials such as magazines and coloured paper, I have had also used photographs
when a young man who enjoyed photography. . A favourite one of mine that I often
introduce is asking the student to Create a family portrait using whatever art materials they wish, This is a useful tool to assess and reflect on family relationships roles and dynamics that they young person may want to address. Non -Directive Approach I work as a person centered counsellor in a
non-directive way, I don’t interrupt I help the client process their creations and
allow them to discover their own meaning. Introducing creativity in the room is
a skill that is developed.The basis is a relationship that is non judgmental and the young person has trust within the counsellor. .Building good rapport and having a relationship based on respect is central to the success of counselling young. A young person will feel more relaxed and open
to being creative if the environment in the room is one tht gives them the control
, art material can be placed near to the young person in the session or will feel ok to be able to ask to use them. The
contract will be the first discussion to give permission to use the creative tools available during the session. . The person
centered approach is not to interrupt the creations but to enquire and explore
what the client is creating . The person
will be encouraged to find their own insight. Why use them? . Using creative tools can help with a range of issues and are presented by young people These include . Loss and bereavement, identity issues , Past trauma . Bullying and low self esteem, Anger sadness and low mood Have a go ! you don't have to be good at art its the process and not the end the product Clinical Supervisor to School counsellors and founder of space 4 u school counselling . |
/