Life is stressful, especially now with COVID-19 and all the anxieties that might come with the pandemic affecting us. It is easy to get into a negative mindset with all that is happening in the world and it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. While these are hard times, it is so important to take time out for oneself and to practice some self-care. One way I love treating myself is to create. Art as therapy is relaxing and can be powerful. I created this blog to share some art interventions that might be helpful for clinical practice or for one to do self-care.
This art intervention is one of my favorites! I call it “Affirmation Cards” and the overall goal is to focus on the positive and empowering affirmation that can or already do get you through your day. I often use this as a self-care activity to create and with clients who struggle with anxieties. This activity works well with adolescents or adults and it helps those who struggle with negative thinking.
Materials: I have collected a bunch of game cards over the years and love using these as a base. If you do not have cards you are willing to destroy, you can create your own with sizing around 2.5 x 3.5 inch or using whatever is available to you. I recommend using paper with some weight, but it really depends on what you use to create. Collage material will be needed to create including art scraps, magazines, paints, drawing materials, tissue paper, glue, markers, colored pencils, stickers, beads, and scissors. This intervention is great because you can really use whatever materials you have.
Directions: First, collect all the materials you want to use to create. Then, I always start off by creating a list of affirmations that help in times of stress that you already use, you might like, or you want to start using. The goal is to think of positive words, words that resonate with the individual, and quotes or lyrics that are uplifting. After creating a list, I pick one I want to focus on and think about personally or discuss with the client. Lastly, you start creating with the materials and include the affirmation. Sharing what you create can be powerful, empowering, and might also help or inspire someone else.
Goals: The focus is to identify positive affirmations that might be implemented in times of stress. This can be used as self-care in stressful times of life and remind of the power of positive. Teaching positive self-talk and encouraging the use of this coping skill.
Here are some examples created by myself and found at Ursuline College
These were created in an Internships class practicing the intervention.
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