This intervention was one I worked on for yet another assignment and one I can easily implement into therapy. This intervention is creating an animal self with clay and can be used in a clinical setting or as self-care.
The Goals: Identify your own emotional needs and ways to fulfill them and to list some positive things about self and elevate self-esteem.
Materials: Air dry Crayola clay, Acrylic paint.
Procedure/Directives:
1. Start off with a short exercise to play and manipulate the Crayola clay.
2. You can then introduce the prompt of depicting self as an animal. Either an animal believed to represent self or a favorite animal.
3. Then provide time to create the animal.
4. After finishing the clay animal, discuss the artwork, and tell a story about it.
5. Describe the artwork at the end of the activity and what was taken from the intervention.
6. When the clay is dry you can paint the animal.
Variations: Air dry clay is a good alternative to clay that requires a kiln. If you have access to a kiln, real clay may be used. This could also be used as a self-portrait method of creating themselves from the air-dry Crayola clay.
Adaptions: Depending on the participant's abilities and levels, some may struggle with the clay. A therapist may need to implement hand over hand assistance. If participants are younger or older alternative material could be used to reduce the risk of eating clay.
Supply information/Resources: Supplies may be purchased at local craft stores or online. 25 pounds of Crayola air-dry clay can be purchased online for 30$ which should last for a group and multiple sessions. Other materials like paints can also be found at many locations with varied pieces mostly under 10$. The estimated cost of this project is about $30-40 for a group setting.
Contraindications/Safety Considerations: When using paints, be aware of what you use. When used with children, use non-toxic art supplies. Use water-based products to avoid potential hazards from solvents. Make sure containers are closed when not in use and be aware of flammability. Also, when using acrylic paint be careful of respiratory irritation or allergies of individuals. When using clay, the art therapist should monitor the use and assure participants do not ingest.
Population: This could be used in a group or individual settings with children, adolescents, or adults. The project can help with self-esteem issues and positive self-regard.
Cultural Considerations: The art therapist should be aware of animal meaning across cultures for those participants from cultures other than her own. Some animals may have cultural importance and some animals may be more common than others.
Resources: Having pictures of animals available may help. Providing magazines and past examples may help as well.
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