Positive Outcomes of Creativity with Early Adults as well as Different Creative Techniques

Question:

Creativity peaks in early adulthood. In my own therapeutic techniques and beliefs, creativity is a significant resource within my clients to tap into and gives a sense of well-roundedness, purpose and therapeutic outlet. Discuss the positive outcomes of creativity with early adults and then brainstorm on different creative techniques to use with clients. Remember, creativity is vast so don't define it by painting alone. This is a chance to tap into your own creative side!

Answer:


One of the most positive outcomes of creativity is achieving the “flow” and the refreshing sense of self that comes with it. This heightened state of pleasure when we are immersed in mental challenges that absorb us can help boost self-esteem, because it makes you feel good about yourself. The process of creativity is very rewarding too, as you are absorbed into whatever you are doing, you reach a peaceful, tranquil state of mind where your daily stresses are forgotten, if not unloaded. We may not realize how daily stress have taxed on our mental well-beings, and how they hang in our minds that prevent us from enjoying the moment. Being creative can help us to reach a place where stresses are put out of your mind.


Creative therapy includes drawing, painting, playing musical instrument, dancing, writing, etc., but I find one creative project especially rewarding, i.e. home DIY creative projects. It involves creative thinking to utilize limited materials available from home improvement stores or the nature, to beautify or optimize the use of space in your apartments. A lot of housewives, especially in the US because of large homes or houses, are self-administering this therapy to themselves. It gives them not only pleasure but also a sense of purpose and contribution to their families.

Arts and crafts are a big thing here in the US. It is not only therapeutic to do alone, but also strengthens our social support system as many people like to get together to do crafts.

Further thoughts:
What are some unique artistic ways? It is important to seek their strengths, and being creative is as vast as the differing personalities of your future patients.



Answer 2:

I believe in Creative Intelligence, some might call it "Multiple Intelligence", which basically encompasses 8 categories of creative intelligence.

Below are the following 8 categories:

1) Social / Interpersonal
- Asking clients to create Events to socialize, share ideas and discussions.


2) Music Therapy
Asking client to indulge in music in a way to change their moods.

3) Spatial Therapy
- I think Art and Crafts, or what Michelle talked about will fit this category.
Examples : Paint, draw, design web pages, design rooms, make cards, create logos, map out routes, mind mapping

4) Bodily-Kinesthetic Therapy
Get the clients to involve in sports

5) Logical-Mathematical Therapy
Examples: Solve problems, balance checkbooks, create schedules, budget money

6) Intrapersonal Therapy
Keep a personal journal, read alone, meditate, study to answer personal questions. Basically it is asking the client to find the answer on his/her own.

7) Naturalistic Therapy
Like a forensic scientist, get the client to collect things from Mother Nature. Nature helps stir insights and connections.

8) Verbal-Linguistic Therapy
Ask the client to Tell stories, write essays, participate in interviews, converse easily with peers if he/she is really good at languages.

Creative intelligence can be defined as believing that there is always an answer, or perhaps a different answer -- an answer that no one has thought of it yet. Creative intelligence is looking for answers that haven't been found before. We have to find out the client's interest and strengths and giving them the appropriate therapy.


Answer 3:

Creativity in adults fosters unique ideas and solution in the college and workplace. Creative children outperform other in the school. It is same for creative adult in the work. I cite Walt Disney as an example to manifest how important creativity is. Though experienced rejection and setbacks in his early life, Disney turns his simple idea to a timeless empire of cartoons.


If a client comes to my room and remains silent for lengthy time, creative techniques may be utilized to proceed the session. I recommend House-tree-person test (HTP) if the client feel ease to draw on the paper. HTP provides understanding of his/her personality via interpretation of drawing and responses to questions.


The second technique is playing cards. It can be great for clients with little rapport at the beginning of the session.


Group A cards – animals or insects. The client chooses which card represents his/her parent and explains why he/she chooses to understand the relationship among them. The process is repeated for other members in the Genogram

Group B cards – Moods or facial expression. The client chooses which card represents his mood right now and explains why he/she chooses to understand what affects emotion.

However, no therapeutic technique will work until the therapeutic alliance has been established. So if a client refuses to talk, rapport is the first order of business, then back to therapy. HTP is a great tool, but is a psychological assessment, not just drawing. If you use it, as with all psychological assessment protocols, we have to be absolutely sure that we are using it as intended rather than just as a creative tool.


Answer 4:

I have also seen, been involved with theodrama. This is a theological expression through drama, getting at issues. I have only been involved with it as a participant not as the counsellor/therapist. But very interesting what can emerge.

On the lines of creativity, what I wonder if Donica is also getting at is, how creative are we. There is an expression, "we can only lead someone as far as we ourselves have gone," (may be another word other than lead but not sure), anyway the point is, how creative are we and how much creativity are we open too? I don't know about you all but I have very limited creative opportunities/experiences, due to busyness of life.


Answer 5:
I personally believe everyone has a creative side to them, just because one may not have the time to explore it does not mean it doesn't exist within them. You bring up a really good point, being well rounded is difficult with a busy schedule, but is very important for overall mental and physical well being. Part of being a responsible psychologist is self-care so that you are at your best mental health state to counsel patients. We must learn to be well rounded much more than any other profession for this reason.

Further thoughts: How creative are you? Not do you have time, but if you did have time, what are your creative talents that you would want to express and have experienced up to now in your life?


Answer 6:
Just because one may not have the time to explore it does not mean it doesn't exist within them." Creativity is there and it may need to be encouraged or unearthed. Self-care is imperative!


I have always been a more sporty person, but even now find squeezing that into the schedule a challenge. That being said, I enjoy doing arty things with my kids. Believe it or not, just playing with them in this manner can stimulate some creative juices. Whether it is making cards, decorating cookies, building things, or making scrap books from holidays it can be 'restful' and fun. Creating and hosting theme events, parties for big and small can also be alot of fun. In the past, I have also been involved directing a puppet team and drama teams.

The second therapy has been used in the field and proved successful when we help some problematic children in a local school. They refuse talking to us but love to "play" cards. The rapport is then built up!