(as defined by Wikipedia)
Expressive therapy, also known as the expressive therapies, expressive arts therapy or creative arts therapy, is the use of the creative arts as a form of therapy. Unlike traditional art expression, the process of creation is emphasized rather than the final product. Expressive therapy is predicated on the assumption that people can heal through use of imagination and the various forms of creative expression.
Making a Child’s Vision Board
Ages 6 – 12
Materials
- Large piece of poster board
- Glue sticks or double sided tape (non-toxic)
- Lots of old magazines, catalogues, travel brochures, etc.
- You can also write words and quotes
- Markers (non-toxic)
- Stickers, glitter glue, other decorations (optional)
- Scissors (child safe)
Directions
Think of some goals that you’d like to accomplish, things you’d like to have, and places you want to go. You can also think about positive words or phrases that are important to you. The following are some examples of questions you may ask yourself while creating your unique board.
The board becomes a positive reminder of things like:
- What do I want to learn this year?
- What makes me smile?
- What is a “crazy” fun thing I would like to do?
- How would I like to spend time with family and friends?
- What are good values?
- What do I love about nature?
- How can I stay relaxed?
- What are healthy things I can do?
- What goals do I have for 2017?
Go through magazines and start cutting out images that represent that goal, or anything that speaks to you. Lots of things you never even thought of will get cut out. This is the really fun part!
Lay out the images on the poster board before you start gluing. Overlapping is fine!
Begin gluing. Gluesticks tend to work well.
Most important have fun!