An Introduction to Expressive and Creative Techniques for Counselors in Training

Abstract

This column is designed to underscore relationally-based creative teaching practices used by counselor educators in the classroom. Our intention is to provide examples of novel, innovative ways for counselor educators and students to deepen their learning while collaborating toward a spirit of connection and cooperation. If you have implemented a creative teaching method, or if you have adapted an existing method that you would like to share with readers, please follow submission guidelines in the author information packet available at http://www.creativecounselor.org/Journal.html Expressive techniques can be useful for helping clients communicate their inner thoughts and feelings. As a greater awareness and acceptance of expressive techniques occurs, counselor educators are faced with deciding if, when, and how to introduce these modalities in counselor preparation programs. This article describes how students were introduced to various expressive techniques as part of an Advanced Theory and Techniques course. The introduction of expressive techniques for counselors in training proved to be well received.