Making the Intangible Tangible: Using Expressive Art During Termination to Co-Construct Meaning

Abstract

In this article, a creative termination activity grounded in relational-cultural theory is presented. In addition to providing a means for summarizing the counseling experience, this activity promotes relational development in the midst of client termination. Following implementation of the activity, the client and counselor are provided tangible, co-constructed gifts that are symbolic of the therapeutic relationship and relational growth. The authors provide a rationale for how this intervention promotes self-awareness, outline directions for implementation, and provide a case illustration to demonstrate how counselors can help promote relational closure and solidify clients’ therapeutic gains.

KEYWORDS:

• termination
• creativity in counseling
• expressive arts
• relational-cultural theory

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jessica A. Headley

Jessica A. Headley is a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program at The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio.

Melanie Kautzman-East

Melanie Kautzman-East is a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program at The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio.

Cassandra G. Pusateri

Cassandra G. Pusateri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling, Special Education, and School Psychology at Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio.

Victoria E. Kress

Victoria E. Kress is a Contributing Faculty Member in the School of Counseling at Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota.