What is the theory behind this Art Therapy Counseling Group Activity?
Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that facilitates expression of one’s internal states in the form of visual arts. It is particularly helpful when verbal expressions fall short or are too overwhelming for clients in therapeutic settings. The good thing about art therapy is that it can be used in group settings with people of all ages just as easily as one-to-one sessions.
How will the worksheet help?
The worksheet will provide an art activity that can be used in a group counselling setting to teach about varying perspectives and how each individual views the same situation in a different way to others. This art activity can help individuals realise the importance of respecting and acknowledging varying perspectives.
How to use the worksheet?
Arrange all the material beforehand. Read out the specific directions one by one. Give participants enough time to read the handout and ask any questions. Once completed allow individuals to share their drawings. Initiate discussion about how different the drawings are even though everyone was given the same instructions.
Art Therapy Worksheets: Free Art Therapy Counseling Group Activity
| Activity | Varying perspectives |
| Purpose | To acknowledge and respect differing perspectives |
| Materials | CardsheetsMarkersPencilsColoursCrayons Handout of drawing instructions |
| Instructions | Make sure participants are seated with enough spacing between them.Hand each participant their cardsheets and drawing/colouring material of choice along with the handout. Give them enough time to complete their drawingsAllow participants to view each other’s drawingsInitiate discussion on how everyone followed the same instructions and yet the drawings differ according to the individual’s preferences. Emphasise how each one of them is unique based on their backgrounds, brought up and personal preferences. Emphasise how there are no right or wrong drawings, just different perspectives. |
Drawing Instructions Handout:
Draw an object with the following characteristics::
- Pointed edges
- A hole somewhere
- One edge longer than the others
- One edge shorter than the others
- Two different colours
- Two different patterns inside it
Reference
Liebman, M. (2006). Art Therapy for Groups: A Handbook of Themes and Exercises. Routledge,
You can download this worksheet here.