Creative Approaches and Purpose explaining Personal Development,Therapeutic and Therapy

Creative Approaches and Purpose explaining Personal Development, Therapeutic and Therapy

1st Level: Personal Development

When Creative activities are used for personal development the aims are general but are known to have good outcomes for the person and the group.
  • Building Confidence 
  • Developing Self-esteem
  • Knowledge about the self through reflection
  • Inclusion and belonging
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Improves general well-being
  • Creative thinking 
  • Imagination development
  • Individual: Expression of self
  • Group: Expression of group concepts such as group identity
  • Identifying areas for potential personal development
  • Get to know other people when used in groups
  • Identify gaps in knowledge 
  • Share knowledge, skills and ideas
Example of personal development creative activity: Lifeline to look back on ones life and plan future goals.
Example 1
Example 2


When Creative Activities are used as a therapeutic activity the aims can be specific but does not amount to clinical treatment or therapy.
Relationship: self, one to one and group work with a professional such a Social care worker/social worker

  • Creative and imaginative expression; Making something like art, can in itself can be therapeutic
  • Making music etc
  • An recording and outlet for feelings
  • Creative writing 
  • A process that helps to identify issues
  • A process that allows relief of low level issues
  • Group dialogue and discussion 
  • Conflict exploration and resolution
  • Physical Movement improvements
  • Personal learning, reflection and insight

 Example of therapeutic activity: Lifeline to examine ones life and make changes
 

When Creative Activities are used as a Therapy the aims are specific, operates within a clinical plan under clinical supervision, works with the unconscious process, involves interpretation and addresses difficulties with the clear intent of relieving symptoms.  The process is designed to help the client to make sense of their reality and resolve issues.  Creative therapists work with many forms of expression: dance, play, music, art song, poetry, drama etc.

Relationships: one to one or group work with a qualified therapist.


  • Gain specific insight into an issue
  • Relief of symptoms arising from unresolved issues
  • Catharsis - expression of strong emotions
  • Resolving an specific issue
  • Working with the unconscious 
  • Working within a clinical relationship 
  • Confidentailaity 
  • Boundaries 
  • Containment of strong expressions 
  • Use of projections and transference in understanding the issues

 Example of Therapy activity: The Lifeline can be used to focus in on a particular issue within the context of the therapy. For example see the problem or issue within the context of the life line.

More info on Lifelines



Location: Ireland Ireland