Description
Book SynopsisThis book contains a wealth of practical arts activities, which creatively and playfully bring positive psychology concepts - such as flow, character strengths, goals and self-awareness - to life.
With straightforward, step-by-step instructions, each chapter includes an overview of a positive psychology concept, followed by associated arts activities, and case examples illustrating the activities' uses in therapy and supervision. Also included are post-activity guiding questions to promote a dialogue between therapist and client, and suggestions for adapting the activities for clients to utilize outside the therapy room.
Blending the strengths-based focus of positive psychology with the healing, transformative practice of the arts, this book is for all practitioners wanting to cultivate the mental health, flourishing and wellbeing of their clients using a creative approach.
Trade ReviewDr. Darewych has operationalized positive art therapy, giving us a fully equipped toolbox to put this exciting new subfield into practice! This is truly a must for any student or therapist wanting practical tools for incorporating the arts into their work. Outstanding! -- Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, Co-Founder, Creative Wellbeing Workshops and Co-Author, Positive Art Therapy Theory and Practice
Dr. Olena Darewych has shared a beautiful gift with practitioners of positive psychology. Each of these gems is evidence-informed, clear, and aimed at the very heart of accessibility. These dynamic, thoughtful, and engaging approaches expand the toolbox. They offer hope to those of us looking for new ways to ignite the spark in the machine. -- Dan Tomasulo, Ph.D., MFA, MAPP, Core Faculty Spirituality Mind Body Institute, Teachers College, Columbia University. Author of 'Learned Hopefulness: The Power of Positivity to Overcome Depression'
This book is a goldmine! It's a work I've been waiting for, and Dr. Darewych really delivers! She offers fresh ideas and crystal clear instructions; all you need to succeed in leading positive art activities that expand happiness and wellbeing for those of all ages and abilities. I'm inspired and can't wait to use these activities! -- Gioia Chilton, PhD, ATR-BC, LCPAT, CSAC, Co-author of 'Positive Art Therapy Theory and Practice: Integrating Positive Psychology with Art Therapy'
A very practical helpful resource for mental health professionals, teachers, supervisors, and students involved in art-based practises as well as for people excited to experiment with engaging in an art based experiences as a way to cultivate wellbeing, an essential premise in the field of positive psychology. -- Duanita Eleniak, Registered Clinical Social Worker, and Board Certified Art Therapist, educator and supervisor
Table of ContentsForeword
Preface
Introduction: Positive Psychology and the Arts
Chapter 1: Creativity
1.1 Symbolic connections
1.2 Imagine that
1.3 Imaginative chair movement
1.4 Spontaneous scribble
1.5 Creative outlets
1.6 Sensory sack
Chapter 2:Flow
2.1 Calming colours
2.2 Celtic mandalynth
2.3 Zesty flow
2.4 Flow-free writing
Chapter 3Positive emotions
3.1 Positivity palette
3.2 Poetic positives
3.3 Favourite kind of day
3.4 Hope ritual
3.5 Gratitude card
3.6 Gratitude scroll
3.7 Virtual gratitude visit
3.8 Harmonious and obsessive passion
Chapter 4:Character strengths
4.1 Strengths stones
4.2 Strengths collage
4.3 Strengths shield
4.4 Strengths atom
4.5 Tree of life
4.6 Strengths spotter
4.7 Strengths-based illustrated children's books
4.8 Strengths at the movies
Chapter 5: Self-awareness
5.1 Nesting doll
5.2 Best possible self
5.3 Cultural identity
5.4 Sustainable self
5.5 Visual affirmations
Chapter 6: Goals
6.1 Getting unstuck
6.2 Bridge drawing with path (BDP)
6.3 Career anchors
6.4 Future trip
6.5 Bus to future
6.6 Time capsule
Chapter 7: Meaning
7.1 Sources of meaning
7.2 Downward and upward spiral
7.3 Living in the present
7.4 Labyrinth walk
Chapter : Spirituality
8.1 Sacred singing bowl
8.2 Sacred space
8.3 Spiritual pathway
8.4 Portable altar
8.5 Three Blessings
8.6 Prayer flags
8.7 Gift of forgiveness
8.8 Spiritual animal
8.9 Nature walk
Chapter 9: Well-being
9.1 All on my own
9.2 Nature sculpt
9.3 Interactive drawing task
9.4 Island of connectivity
9.5 Wellness container
References
Websites
Appendices
Appendix A: Imagine that
Appendix B: Spontaneous scribble
Appendix C: Spontaneous scribble drawing rating scale
Appendix D: Trinity Celtic mandalynth
Appendix E: Positivity palette
Appendix F: Gratitude scroll
Appendix G: Circle
Appendix H: Tree of life
Appendix I: Nesting doll
Appendix J: Getting unstuck shoe
Appendix K: Bridge drawing with path rating scale
Appendix L: Career anchors
Appendix M: Future trip drawing rating scale
Appendix N: Bus to future
Appendix O: Downward and upward spiral
Appendix P: Living in the present - marketplace photograph
Appendix Q: Living in the present - marketplace outline template
Appendix R: Labyrinth
