2011

Creative approaches in counseling can be defined as using techniques involving music, dance and movement, imagery, visual arts, drama and play, and humor (Gladding, 2005). In counseling, creative approaches can be used in various settings (Carson & Becker, 2004). Authors (Bowman & Boone, 1998) have discussed the benefits of using creativity in a group setting, in particular raising self awareness and community development. In fact, compared to more linear approaches to counseling, creative counseling has been described as providing clients different opportunities for bringing thoughts and feelings into awareness, since creative approaches allow clients to express themselves in multiple ways, which can lead to increased awareness of self and others (Gladding, 2005). Creative approaches in counseling allow a client the opportunity to “experience.” Authors (Carpenter, 2002) have discussed potential positive outcomes of experiencing for clients, including the notion that experiencing is a powerful teacher, and learning is increased through this mechanism. In addition, clients can access emotions more quickly and in a more authentic way when experiencing. Some of the usual defenses that serve as protective features are not as readily available when experiencing. Creative approaches oftentimes feel playful to clients, so that this way of working is unexpected and unfamiliar to clients so that perhaps clients are more open to the counseling process (Carson & Becker, 2004).