Using Creative Techniques With Children Who Have Experienced Trauma

Abstract

Verbal and emotional forms of expression can be difficult for young children who have experienced trauma. Creative methods and approaches such as puppets, sandtray, letter writing, and art are therapeutic mediums that provide an outlet for a young client’s story of trauma to be told. Children can use puppets to depersonalize and share feelings with a counselor that would provide insight into their coping strategies. Similarly, sandtray is another nonverbal approach that gives children the opportunity to externalize their feelings safely and can be easily used with extroverted and introverted clients. Letter writing and art can empower children and give them hope for the future. In summary, creative techniques can allow counselors to help explore stories of trauma with young clients.

KEYWORDS:

• art
• creativity in counseling
• letter writing
• puppets
• sandtray
• trauma

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kimberly J. Desmond

Kimberly J. Desmond is a Professor in the Department of Counseling at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Aaron Kindsvatter

Aaron Kindsvatter is an Associate Professor in the Counseling Program at the University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.

Stephanie Stahl

Stephanie Stahl is a High School Counselor at Waynesboro Area Senior High School, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.

Hillary Smith

Hillary Smith is a former graduate student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pennsylvania.