Group Mandala

Materials: Large sheet of paper (posterboard or larger), variety of drawing utensils

Procedure: Draw a large circle on the paper. Divide the circle so that each member present has a section. Instruct the group to use their section of the circle to draw anything they want. If you need to cross into another person's circle, make sure to get permission.

Processing: How do members approach the task? Do they appear to be comfortable with one another? How do they approach boundary issues? Is the finished product cohesive? If so, in what way? If not, what could make it cohesive?

Rationale: Creates group cohesion, stimulates discussion about similarities and differences, addresses boundary issues

Adaptations: Instead of members drawing anything they want, implement a more specific directive, such as, "Sadness," "Relaxation," "Hope," etc.

Family Kingdom Drawing

Materials: large sheet of drawing paper (mural paper or posterboard size), drawing utensils of choice
Procedure: Ask clients to draw a picture of the (Insert family name here) Kingdom. Emphasize the importance of each person's contribution to the kingdom to ensure that it is a special "place" for everyone. Explain that every family is different and will create a unique kingdom through a unique process. (For example, some families may choose to discuss their plan beforehand, whereas other families may just start right away and plan as needed.)
Observations: How does the family work together? How does this family approach boundary issues? How do they approach disagreements? Does each person seem to be respected and appreciated for his/her contributions? Do opportunities for praise and/or intervention arise?
Processing: Is there conflict in the kingdom? How can the family work together to protect the kingdom from destruction? What was it like working together to create the kingdom? What are other things in real life that you approach as a team?

Feelings quilt

My classmate, Becky Miller, made up this quick and simple intervention for a presentation on depression.
Materials: index cards, crayons, markers, hole-punch, yarn
Procedure: On one side of the card, using one color only, scribble sadness/depression. On the other side, using one color only, scribble happiness. When everyone is finished, lay cards side by side in a quilt-like pattern. Each persons chooses which side is exposed and where to place his/her piece. Tie together.
Processing questions: Which side did you decide to expose? What made you make that decision? Was there a reason why you chose to place the piece where you did? Describe your sad side. Describe your happy side. How are you feeling today? Notice which side is scribbled with more emotion. What colors were chosen?
Rationale: Everyone experiences depression, just as everyone experiences happiness. Some experiences look similar to others. Some look much different than others. Creates the opportunity to discuss emotion through metaphor.