Gratitude Tree

For one art therapy supervision, we created a Gratitude Tree. Each person cut out several paper leaves. Then we wrote down things we were grateful for, skipping the obvious "friends and family" ones. One art therapist was thankful for small health advances made after major surgery. Others wrote their favorite foods and drinks. Spa days, TV shows, and travel experiences were other items written. Then everyone helped make the tree trunk and branches, and we taped it to the wall and added our leaves. The tree looks cool, and we made an envelope with blank leaves, so more could be added. It was a nice self care activity to remind ourselves of thing we enjoy and appreciate. It also served to help the group get to know each other better. 

Zentangle drawing

In April, a colleague and I attended a Certified Zentangle Teacher training Seminar in Providence, RI. Creating Zentangle tiles is a meditative drawing method that can help increase focus and decrease stress. It is easy to learn and has many applications. For example, you can create Zentangle-inspired art like greeting cards, decorative boxes, picture frames, or bags. Now, we are facilitating a group for the patients at the hospital as a way for them to enhance their leisure skills, be creative, and do something relaxing. We have also taught staff the drawing method for self care purposes or just to enjoy something artistic. For more information, visit www.zentangle.com. 

Power Thought Cards

For supervision last week, I asked everyone to fold their paper in half. I asked everyone to create an image on one side of a problem, difficult patient, or challenging situation. After they did that, I passed around some Power Thought Cards (box of 64 by Louise Hay) with various sayings on the front and back. I asked everyone to choose one that resonated with them or related to the image they drew, and then create another image on the other half of the paper related to the card they chose. Some therapists drew about a challenging patient, other's drew about difficulties with other staff. The Power Thought Cards served as an inspirational idea or a positive affirmation. The cards are useful in groups with patients as well. I used them in my poetry group as inspirations for poems, and in my Visual Journaling group as inspiration for stress management and coping skills.