Early to middle childhood span several years. Social development and peer groups become more important for them. Anxiety of school, peers, and caregivers can begin to weigh on these children. Challenge yourself to utilize your theory/theories and techniques but also creative techniques that are beneficial to children at this age.
Creativity in counseling has been found to be very beneficial to clients/students. There are so many ways to work with clients that involve different kinds of mediums which may allow the client/student to delve deeper into the issues addressed.
For this assignment, research some creative therapies/techniques that may work with this client/student from scenario below (art, biblio, music, animal assisted, horticulture, mindfulness, etc.). This scenario can be addressed in the various specialties (i.e. school counseling, marriage and family and clinical). You should address the scenario according to your specialty. For example, Marriage and Family students may consider bringing in parents/caregivers to a session. Answer the following questions in a narrative APA format:
I. Introduction
II. Description of the creative therapy/technique picked
a. description/certifications necessary/materials needed
b. how has it been used before? Benefits/drawbacks
c. why chosen for this client/student?
III. Types of sessions
a. describe at least 3 sessions that you would have with this client/student utilizing the creative therapy – this can be as detailed as you like. Sessions should include the technique used, goals, topics, reflection, etc.
IV. Personal reflection why you were drawn to the therapy/technique
a. utilizes your theory/theories of choice?
b. interest in it before?
c. Are there any multicultural implications/considerations with this therapy?
This assignment is worth 100 points and is due on Sunday (Day 7) at 11:59pm CST.
Claire is an 11-year-old girl who has just moved into town. She has also started a new school and does not know anyone. Her parents wanted her to start counseling because she was bullied at her previous school. Lately, some students at the new school found out that she was bullied because she really likes horses. They have been using this to make fun of her. She spends a lot of time at her barn with her horse and rides in horse shows. She has won several blue ribbons and really enjoys it but when she comes to school and people call her “horse girl” she becomes embarrassed. She is desperately seeking friends and is currently friends with two of the “mean girls” in the class. Claire does not like being their friend and you can tell she is starting to pull back from them. She is feeling very worried about the upcoming year that it will be like the previous school.
Claire is failing most of her classes. Her parents say when she comes home she isn’t relaxed until she goes to the barn with her horse. She is yelling at them a lot and she can be cruel to her little sister. Sometimes Claire wants to be alone and sometimes she wants to cuddle with her parents and cry. She doesn’t seem to be able to express why though.
You have met with Claire three times already. She is pretty open in talking with you. She does not want to be friends with the mean girls and has identified some kids in her class that she does want to get to know better. She also wants to have a better relationship with her family. She is able to express her feelings, but is unsure why she feels anger towards them.