D. Maurie Lung, LMHC
PO Box 10907, St. Petersburg, FL 33733
P: 727-481-4577
E: www.lifeadventurescc.org / Gary Stauffer, LSW
6452 Robison Lane, Saline, MI 48176
P: 734.944.2615
E:
www.adventuresintraining.org
Power of One: Activity List ● ATBP 2007
· Perspective Circle: Invite client to “draw” a circle with their finger above their heads in a clockwise direction. Keeping this circle moving the same direction, lower it to about belly-button perspective. Now notice what direction the circle is moving (should be counter-clockwise). Process: It is all a matter of perspective.
· Line: Crossing the Line/Continuum Line: Using a masking tape or rope line on the floor, invite the client to place him/herself along the line in “rating scale” sort of fashion. Switch to an either/or (e.g., “Are You More Like…?”) types of question. Process: a beginning assessment activity requiring minimal self-disclosure but establishing the norm of belonging and getting to know one another, information-gathering about answers, standing on the line (instead of one side or the other), etc.
· Picture Card Connection: With a variety of pictures on a table or on the floor, invite your client to choose a picture that best reflects how s/he feels right at this moment. Process: Use the picture as a connection or shared value at the check in.
· Human Camera: Invite the client to be either the “camera” or the “photographer.” The camera has his/her eyes closed and bumpers up. S/he takes pictures as directed by the photographer. The photographer stands behind the camera with their hands gently resting on the shoulders of their partner (or other agreed upon communication method). The photographer guides the camera to a place to take a picture. To focus the camera the photographer can gently position the camera’s head so that the camera’s eyes are directed toward the item to be photographed. When the photographer taps the camera on the shoulder, the camera quickly blinks his/her eyes. Upon returning to your start position, the camera and photographer share what actually happened. Process: trust, sharing, supporting, communication, perspective
· Visioning Path: Invite your client to draw a picture of where s/he is now (feelings/thoughts – not physical location) and a second picture of where s/he would like to be in six months. Place the first picture at your client’s feet and invite the client to place the second picture physically from the first one the distance it feels to get from where there are right now to that picture. Then give the client index cards to create path from first to second, writing one way to get there, i.e., attending therapy, practicing listening, etc. Process: journey of the individual, therapeutic alliance, accessing resources, planning, create small steps to make cig changes, etc.
· River Crossing: Using the “vision path,” continue this journey from the here/now picture to the goal picture. Invite the client to, using only the resources given (e.g., the index cards and pictures), move toward the goal picture without touching the floor/ground (adjust the level of challenge and appropriateness for the client). Process: accessing resources, dealing with obstacles that impede progress, engagement with the therapist, etc.
· Change Three Things: Invite the client to (back to back) change three things about his/her appearance. Second round, keeping those three things, add five more changes. Third round, keeping those eight changes, add ten more changes. Process: change process, resources, strategies.
Stay tuned for our upcoming book for more ideas on using adventure with individual clients!