Throughout the past few years, I have gotten to learn about and experience many different types of facilitation techniques that are available. One of my personal favorite facilitation styles is the creative arts. The term creative arts refers to a broad range of activities that utilize self-expression and have roots based in the arts and theories of creativity. One of the major benefits of using this technique is that there are such expansive opportunities available, so there is something for everyone and lots of different things to try. Some of the modalities that fall within the scope of creative arts includes...
Arts and Crafts
Music
Drama
Dance and Movement
Poetry and Bibliotherapy
Play
Sand play
This facilitation technique has many different benefits. First off, being that it encompasses such a large number of activities, there are options available for everyone no matter their likes and skill sets. Utilizing the creative arts gives an opportunity for self-expression and self-exploration. This allows a chance for individuals to show how they are feeling when they are unable to put it into words. Using this facilitation techniques also requires active participation and encourages the use of imagination both of which can redirect attention and focus therefore alleviating emotional stress. Along with that, many of the modalities of this style offer sensory benefits which can be beneficial to many different populations. Lastly, this technique allows for the opportunity to work on building mind and body connections which can be very beneficial to an individual’s mental health as it can allow them to tap into relaxation responses.
Even though there are many benefits to using this particular facilitation technique there are several important factors that you should keep in mind if and when you use it. You want to make sure that you pick the correct activity keeping in mind if it fits their interests, skill level, and is age appropriate. Keeping these things in mind helps to ensure that they will not only give the activity a chance but get the most out of it as well. One last major thing to keep in mind is that you do not want to project conclusions and let participants and their work speak for themselves, as you may interpret their work differently than they do.
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