Creating Creative Clinicians: Incorporating Creativity Into Counselor Education

Abstract

Creativity plays a critical role in today’s society by aiding an individual’s response to the mounting complications of modern life and assisting in the maintenance of mental health. Though counselors seek to promote similar developments in their clients, they often do so without the benefit of any particular training in theories of creativity or creativity-enhancing techniques. This article examines literature in the fields of creativity, counseling, and education to highlight the essential nature of creative processes in counseling and psychotherapy, ultimately presenting a rationale for the incorporation of creativity in counselor education.

KEYWORDS:

• creativity
• counselor education
• counseling
• creativity in counseling

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christopher Lawrence

Christopher Lawrence is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling, Social Work, & Leadership at Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Kentucky.

Victoria A. Foster

Victoria A. Foster is a Professor in the School Psychology and Counselor Education Program at The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Carol L. Tieso

Carol L. Tieso is the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and an Associate Professor in the School of Education at The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia.