Magic Key Activity

by Miranda

Sometimes when children have experienced loss, they may not be able to express their feelings. The "Magic Key" can be used to help children become more open about their feelings of loss. This technique can be used to encourage more discussion about the child's feelings of loss. This drawing can help facilitate dialogue to help the healing process. 

References:

http://www.lianalowenstein.com/e-booklet.pdf  source: David A. Crenshaw Published in Assessment & Treatment Activities for Children, Adolescents, and Families Vol. 1

Crenshaw, D.A. & J.B. Mordock. (2005). Handbook of Play Therapy with Aggressive Children. New York: Jason Aronson.

Crenshaw, D.A. & J. Garbarino. (2007). “The Hidden Dimensions: Profound Sorrow and Buried Human Potential in Violent Youth.” Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 47, 160-174.

Crenshaw, D.A. & K.V. Hardy. (2005). “Understanding and Treating the Aggression of Traumatized Children in Out-of-Home Care.” In N. Boyd-Webb, ed., Working with Traumatized Youth in Child Welfare, pp. 171-195. New York: Guilford.

Butterflies in My Stomach

by Andria

Play therapy has been proven to be an effective intervention when working with children facing stressors in their life (Cochran, Cochran, Fuss, and Nordling, 2010).  Play therapy creates a non-threatening environment where a child is able to engage in self-expression (Cochran et al., 2010).  Often times, when children present themselves for therapy they are initially unwilling to share directly their thoughts and feelings (Lowenstein, 2011).  However, the use of play therapy can break down this reluctance and create an outlet for the child to express his or her feelings and emotions (Lowenstein, 2010).  Therapists who effectively use play therapy can have very productive sessions with children.  One play therapy intervention that is particularly effective is an activity named “Butterflies in My Stomach” (Lowenstein, 2011).

References

Cochran, J. L., Cochran, N. H., Fuss, A., & Nordling, W. J.  (2010).  Outcomes and stages of child-centered play therapy for a child with highly disruptive behavior driven by self-concept issues.  Journal of humanistic counseling, education and development, 49(2), 231-246.

Lowenstein, L.  (2011). Creative play therapy interventions for children and families.  Retrieved from http://www.lianalowenstein.com/article_journals.pdf

Rapport Building Developmental Assessment

The video demonstrates the use of drawing "Face Circles" and "Family Circles" in order to conduct a developmental assessment of a child while also building rapport.  Completing a developmental assessment allows an interviewer to later tailor questions to a particular child's competence and overall functioning, including motor skills, language, and cognitive skills.  This will aide in collecting the most reliable information from the child during later interviews.

Drawings can assist in building rapport with a child because drawing, typically, is an engaging activity and is an appropriate tool of communication with all ages of children.

The video also demonstrates the skill of inviting narrative from the child while both are engaged in drawing.  This allows the child to practice answering in narrative form while discussing neutral or positive topics.

References:

Anderson, J., Ellefson, J., Lashley, J., Lukas Miller,  A., Olinger, S., Russell, A., Stauffer, J., & Weigman, J. (2010). The CornerHouse Forensic Interview Protocol: RATAC®. The Thomas M. Cooley Journal of Practical and Clinical Law, 12(2). 193-331.  Available at: www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=258656

Hiltz, B. & Bauer, G. (2003). Drawings in forensic interviews of children. American Prosecutor's Research Institute, 16(3). Available at: www.ndaa.org/pdf/update_vol16_no3.pdf