Age range: 8+

Diagnosis: Any

Supplies Needed: A few bowls, water, acrylic paint or food coloring, plastic straw, hand soap or dish soap, plain paper, surface covering such as newspapers, an old cloth, etc, if possible, an apron or old tshirt for the client to wear (or ask the client to wear a a shirt they don’t mind potentially getting some paint on

Uses: An activity that is such a fun activity, but be warned that this can get a little messy! It is great because it provides the client with a breathing activity, as well as a fun process and final product.

Artistic skills needed: None!

Telehealth Modifications: This intervention is not recommended for Telehealth unless a family wanted to do it for a family session and was willing to do the prep steps!

Age range: 8+

Diagnosis: Any

Supplies Needed: Plain paper, black sharpie or black marker, colored pencils, crayons, or markers

Uses: This activity is fun, simple, and can be insightful as to how the client thinks about things, as well as some potentially relevant imagery.

Artistic skills needed: None!

Telehealth Modifications: None, this intervention is great for Telehealth!

Age range: 6+

Diagnosis: Any

Supplies Needed: Plain paper, paper with circle outline (optional), colored paper OR paint chip samples from a hardware store, scissors, glue (optional)

Uses: An activity that is about both the process and product, and can help clients verbalize and conceptualize how they are feeling. This activity can also give the client a sense of control of their emotions.

Artistic skills needed: None!

Telehealth Modifications: Advanced notice and preparation needed, younger client would need parent support

Age range: 7+

Diagnosis: Any

Supplies Needed: Any coloring page printed on plain paper, inspirational quote, colored pencils, any type of oil (coconut or baby oil works best, but olive oil works too), Qtips, paper towels

Uses: An activity that is about both the process and product that can be taken with the client to use as a reminder for themselves of a message quote that they want to see

Artistic skills needed: None!

Telehealth Modifications: Advanced notice and preparation needed, younger client would need parent support

Age range: 10+

Diagnosis: Any

Supplies Needed: A gallon sized ziploc bag or a page protector, 1 piece of black paper, 1 piece of white paper (sturdy paper is recommended here if you have it!), permanent markers in various colors, scissors

Uses: A great way for clients to think about and show what they would like to work on in therapy. These can be used to create therapeutic goals for treatment planning.

Artistic skills needed: None!

Telehealth Modifications: Advanced notice and preparation needed, younger client would need parent support

Age range: 10+

Diagnosis: Any, works very well for family or couples sessions but can be done individually as well

Supplies Needed: A piece of plain paper, any writing utensil

Uses: Visually representing the challenges of communication, listening, and assuming others understand us. Practices using descriptive vocabulary, communicating ideas to others, recognizing steps in a process and recognizing the importance of the use of clear language. Also can bring in humor and laughs!

Artistic skills needed: None!

Telehealth Modifications: Advanced notice for supplies but that is it!

Age range: 10+

Diagnosis: Any

Supplies Needed: A map printout of a location of the client’s choosing from Google Maps (or a similar website), Sharpie or black marker, pencil, tracing paper, vellum paper, wax paper, or thin plain white paper

Uses: Visually representing an area of importance to a client, starting the conversation or story sharing about a client’s life

Artistic skills needed: None!

Telehealth Modifications: Advanced notice and preparation needed, younger client would need parent support

Age range: 5+

Diagnosis: Any

Uses: Discussing and naming emotions, emotional regulation, understanding emotions

Supplies needed: A marble or bead, multiple colors of acrylic paint, paintbrush, shoe box top or box , egg carton, paint pallet, muffin tin, another box top, or anything to put paint in, plain paper

Artistic skills needed: None

Telehealth Modifications: Advanced notice and preparation needed, younger client would need parent support

Age range: 8+

Diagnosis: Any

Uses: Relaxation, practicing focus, stress relief, rapport building

Supplies needed: CD, acrylic paint, paint brush, pencil/chopstick/toothpick/ pointed end dowel, surface covering

Artistic skill needed: None!

Telehealth Modification: Advanced notice of supplies and having the client/parent paint the CD before so it has time to try