The Toolkit
Arts & Crafts
Creating provides a different way to express feelings without words, giving the opportunity to put imagery to thoughts and feelings, visualise experiences in a different way, as well as helping to develop creativity.
Music
Musical instruments encourage communication through sound. This can be particularly powerful for individuals who struggle to talk, who are selective mute or have learning difficulties. Music can provide a safe, alternative way to communicate.
Role Play & Costume
Through role play and costume, individual can ’try out’ situations in a safe environment. They can embody characters and feel what it’s like to stand in another person’s shoes.
Puppets & Masks
Puppets and masks provide individuals with a safe distance to be able to talk about things that are challenging for them. The puppet or mask becomes an extension of the individual and they can address issues that might be too painful for them to address directly.
Movement
Through expressive movement ‘feel good’ chemicals are released, and individuals are able to experience their bodies and feelings in a different way. Scarves, long tailed fans and pom poms can be found in the therapy room to encourage this.
Sand Tray
The sand tray provides a contained space in which an individual can play out and create a number of scenes using symbols and small world toys. The sand tray is a place where children will often access deep and subconscious play which can be a very powerful way to move children forward in the healing process.
Clay, Play-Doh & Sensory Play
Clay, Play-Doh and Sensory Play invite sensory interaction. They allow individuals to express their thoughts and feelings in a non-verbal way. Clay and Play-Doh can be excellent ways for individuals to express their emotions, release anger, relax or gain a sense of control. Other sensory items can also be used to explore four of the five senses: sight, smell, hearing and touch. This encourages connection and helps to develop motor skills in creative ways.
Therapeutic Stories are used to help individuals process difficult experiences and emotions through metaphor. The characters and events subtly mirror real life themes and allow time and space for the individual to draw out comparisons in emotions/experiences between themselves and the characters featured.
Games
Games are used to have fun, develop bonds, reduce inhibition, and/or increase client confidence as they recognise their ability to address and solve situations.
Creative Visualisation
Creative Visualisation aids physical relaxation, improves concentration, helps the individual to have control over they thought process and deal with stress. It also improves an individuals mindfulness, enhances self-understanding and improves creative thinking and memory.
Lego
LEGO bricks have therapeutic bricks that can range from reliving stress and improving emotional well-being to helping children develop social and communication skills.
