Creative Counseling Techniques March 24, 2015 WVDE Regional School Counselor Conference Dr. Bob Rubenstein, Professor Dr. Lisa Burton, Associate Professor Marshall University Counseling Department

Creative Techniques To focus the session To make concepts more concrete To heighten awareness To dramatize a point To speed up the counseling process To enhance learning because people are visual learners To enhance learning because people are experiential learners

8 common mistakes of counselors 1. Reflects much more than necessary 2. Listens to too many stories 3. Rarely interrupts the client 4. Does not focus the session 5. Waits too long to focus and funnel the session-- dawdles 6. Does not use theory--uses the "hope" method of counseling 7. Makes counseling boring--rarely uses creative techniques 8. Does not pay attention to client’s and his/her voice and face

Why create a vision board It is intended to inspire and focus goals by keeping them on display 24/7….365 days of the year. It assists students in clarifying for themselves what is most important to them. It keeps the WHAT right in front by focusing on the big picture of life. Helps to enhance the positive aspects about the student. Great way to set and visualize goals.

Vision Board Ideas Brave Girls Information and Templates http://bravegirlsclub.com/archives/4566 http://www.bravegirlsclub.com/pdfs/brave_little_girl_project.pdf

Great Blog with ideas http://entirelyelementary.blogspot.com/2012/08/beginning-of-year-theme-be- yourself.html This blog is great for links to resources for the words and phrases.

Different Props Shield – person feels verbally attacked by others Filter – use when helping student not take things so personally – filtering out comments Cups – self-esteem, need for love, and personal worth cup Fuse - anger Rubber Bands – tension, trusting Balloons – anger or feelings being held inside Post-it Notes – insights in counseling are not sticking once they leave Money – self-worth Hammer – tendency to beat up on themselves or others Play-Doh/Rock – controlling anger, bullying, problems at home (some things in life we can control situations, some times in life we can change the situation, and some times in life we can’t control situations.)

Memory Boxes can be used for grief Memory Boxes can be used for grief. It is a nice way to remember someone and compartmentalize the grief when it gets too overwhelming

The Road of Your life Art Therapy Intervention to represent one’s life like a road. “Imagine your life is like a journey along a road. Draw a picture to represent what this road would look like. Think about the important events that have happened so far and where you hope to be heading.”

You Rock Give to students after individual sessions to take with them. Reminder that someone thinks they “rock” and a reminder about the session and what was discussed.

Stress fidgets $1 pool noodle + 1 serrated knife + 2 minutes = 52 stress fidgets.

Door decor Post it notes and colorful paper – great way to stay positive and pass positive thoughts to students

Soundtrack of life Create a soundtrack that reflects who they are and/or major events in their lives. Ask students to do the following: 1. Make a list of significant events in your life. 2. Write down the names of five to ten songs that accompany those events. 3. Create cover art to accompany the song selections. This can be in the form of drawing, painting or collage. Have students share song list. Discuss the meaning for each song and its relevance to the life event. It can help increase their ability to express their emotions, self-esteem, and self-worth.

Worry Dolls Great activity to help students make that struggle with anxiety and those that worry too much. For example, if they are having trouble sleeping due to worrying, they can tell the doll their worries, place it under their pillow and let the doll worry in place of them for the night. https://gretchenmiller.wordpress.com/2012/06/19/worry-doll- muneca-quitapenas-how-to/

Connecting the Positives with a Name http://www.wordle.net/

Being in charge of yourself Things you can control inside the hula hoop. Things you can’t control outside the hula hoop. Students must decide through your list or with the issues they bring to you – if they can control it or not. Examples: school rules, their behavior, their feelings, their attitude, their friends and their reaction to friends.

Cool Down Cubes - Anger Plastic Ice Cubes about $4.00 Container and a Marker Write down safe “cool down” strategies on each ice cube. For example: count to ten, walk away, talk to a friend, take three deep breaths, etc. Leave a few black for students to come up with new ideas. You can even put them in the freezer for a bigger impact.

Self-control bubbles First, blow some bubbles and as expected let students pop them. Then challenge the students to NOT pop the bubbles even if one lands on their nose. Great way to introduce and work with students on self-control. It is important to stop and think before you act or say something.

Magic Wand – solution focused What if a magic wand was waved over you tonight as you sleep and this problem is gone, what would be different about you in the morning? Students are able to reflect on what their goals really is and then we are able to work towards that goal.

Creative Interventions you have used

Questions Dr. Bob Rubenstein brubenstein@marshall.edu Dr. Lisa Burton burton15@marshall.edu