Two-Truths and a Sketch
A great way to kick off your art therapy session and get everyone engaged is by playing Two-Truths and a Sketch. This fun and interactive icebreaker combines storytelling with creativity, allowing each participant to share a little bit about themselves through drawings.
Share drawings
After sharing two truths and one lie about themselves, each participant will then be asked to sketch an image that represents one of their truths. This could be a favorite hobby, an important life event, or a dream they have. Sharing these drawings with the group can help build connections as you learn more about each other’s interests, experiences, and aspirations.
Guess the lie
Once everyone has shared their drawings, the group can take turns guessing which sketch represents the truth and which one represents the lie. This game not only encourages active listening and observation but also allows for lighthearted laughter as participants try to discern the true stories from the false ones. It’s a great way to break the ice and create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for your art therapy session.
Collaborative Mural Creation
For a fun and engaging art therapy activity, consider creating a collaborative mural with your group. This project allows everyone to contribute their own unique touch to a large-scale artwork, fostering a sense of teamwork and connection.
Pick a theme
To start, pick a theme for your mural that resonates with the group. This could be something broad like “nature,” or more specific like “growth and transformation.” Encourage everyone to brainstorm ideas and come to a consensus on the theme that best represents the collective vision of the group.
Add personal touches
Once you have decided on a theme, it’s time to add personal touches to the mural. Each member can work on their own section of the mural, incorporating their individual style and creativity. You can use various art supplies like paint, markers, and collage materials to bring your ideas to life on the canvas.
Emotion Color Wheel
Clearly, colors play a significant role in expressing emotions during art therapy sessions. One powerful tool that can be used to explore emotions through colors is the Emotion Color Wheel.
Assign emotions colors
When using the Emotion Color Wheel in your art therapy session, you can assign specific emotions to different colors. For example, red may represent anger, yellow may symbolize happiness, blue could signify sadness, and so on. Encouraging your clients to choose colors that resonate with their emotions can help them express and process their feelings in a visual and creative way.
Discuss choices
After your clients have selected the colors that relate to their emotions, take the time to discuss their choices with them. Ask them why they chose a particular color to represent a specific emotion and how they feel when using that color in their artwork. This discussion can provide valuable insights into their emotional state and help them deepen their self-awareness through the creative process.
Clay Storytelling
Your art therapy session can be enriched through the use of clay as a medium for storytelling. The tactile nature of clay can help you tap into your subconscious thoughts and emotions, allowing for a deeper exploration of your inner world.
Mold Personal Symbols
As you work with the clay, consider molding personal symbols that hold significance for you. These symbols could represent aspects of your identity, experiences, or emotions that you want to explore further. Let your intuition guide you as you shape the clay, allowing your subconscious to communicate through the art-making process.
Share Their Meanings
After creating your clay symbols, take the time to reflect on their meanings. Share with your therapist or group members the stories behind the symbols you have created. Exploring the significance of these symbols can help you gain insight into your own thoughts and emotions, leading to a deeper understanding of yourself.
Music and Mark-making
After warming up with some icebreakers, it’s time to delve into the connection between music and mark-making in art therapy sessions. This dynamic combination can help you express emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a unique and powerful way.
Draw to music
Choose a piece of music that resonates with you and start drawing or painting while listening to it. Let the music guide your hand and explore how different sounds and rhythms influence your marks on the paper. This exercise can help you tap into your subconscious and bring forth hidden emotions and experiences.
Compare artworks
After completing your artwork, take a moment to compare it with others in the group. Notice the differences and similarities in color, shape, and texture. Discussing your artwork with others can provide valuable insights and perspectives you may not have considered on your own.
Draw to music
| Materials | Paper, drawing or painting supplies, music player |
| Instructions | Choose a piece of music that resonates with you. Start drawing or painting while listening to the music. Let the music guide your hand and express your emotions through marks on the paper. |
Compare artworks
| Materials | Artwork from each participant, space for display |
| Instructions | After everyone has finished their artwork, compare and discuss the pieces as a group. Notice the differences and similarities in colors, shapes, and textures. Share thoughts and insights on each other’s work. |
Blind Contour Drawing
Keep your pencils on the paper and your eyes on the object in front of you – this is the essence of blind contour drawing. In this exercise, you will be focusing on the outline of the object without looking at your paper. This technique is not about creating a perfect drawing but more about connecting with your subject on a deeper level and letting go of expectations.
Draw without looking
Your hand may feel unsure at first, and that’s okay. Embrace the imperfections that come with this exercise as they are part of the process. By drawing without looking, you are allowing yourself to truly see the object in front of you and to connect with its form in a new way. Remember, it’s all about the experience of creating, not the end result.
Laugh and connect
Art therapy is not just about creating art; it’s also about building connections and having fun. In this exercise, take turns with a partner drawing each other without looking at the paper. This playful activity can lead to lots of laughter and a stronger bond between participants. Don’t take yourself too seriously and enjoy the process of creating together.
Art Supply Swap
Now, let’s explore the idea of an art supply swap in your art therapy sessions. This activity can be a fun way to connect with others in the group and discover new materials to incorporate into your creative process.
Share unused materials
Take a moment to gather any art supplies that you have lying around and no longer use. These could be pencils, paints, brushes, or any other materials that someone else in the group might find inspiring. By sharing these unused materials, you not only free up space in your own stash but also give someone else the chance to explore new mediums.
Create new pieces
Now that you’ve exchanged supplies with others in the group, challenge yourself to create something using the new materials you’ve acquired. This can push you out of your comfort zone and spark new ideas and inspiration. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite art medium or technique along the way!
Artistic Charades
Not only is charades a fun and engaging game, but it can also be a great icebreaker for art therapy sessions. Artistic charades allows you to express yourself without words, using only body language and gestures to convey artistic concepts and ideas.
Act out mediums
For this activity, you can act out different art mediums such as painting, sculpting, drawing, or even digital art. By physically demonstrating the process of creating art using different materials and techniques, you can help your group members guess the medium you are portraying. This can spark their creativity and imagination, making them more comfortable and engaged in the session.
Guess art forms
In this version of artistic charades, you can act out different art forms or styles such as abstract art, impressionism, surrealism, or pop art. By embodying the essence of each art form through your movements and expressions, you challenge your group members to guess the specific style you are portraying. This not only encourages them to think critically about art but also allows them to appreciate the diversity and richness of artistic expression.
Picture Stories
Art therapy sessions often involve using images to tell stories or express emotions. One powerful way to do this is through creating picture stories. This activity allows you to visually communicate your thoughts and feelings in a creative and engaging way.
Sequential image creation
To start, think of a story or a narrative that you want to convey through your artwork. Begin by creating a series of images that represent different parts of the story. You can use drawings, paintings, or collages to illustrate each scene or moment. As you progress through the images, pay attention to the details and emotions you want to convey in each picture. Once the series is complete, reflect on how the images come together to tell your story and what insights you may have gained from the process.
Narrate compositions
Another way to engage in picture stories is by narrating compositions. Choose a piece of artwork that resonates with you or that you have created yourself. Take a moment to observe the artwork and think about the story behind it. Imagine the characters, settings, and emotions involved in the piece. Then, begin narrating the story aloud, adding details and depth to the composition. This exercise can help you explore the meaning behind the artwork and uncover hidden emotions or thoughts that may arise during the storytelling process.
Pass the Drawing
Unlike traditional art therapy activities, “Pass the Drawing” is a collaborative and interactive icebreaker that encourages group participation and creativity. This activity is perfect for breaking the ice and creating a sense of connection among the participants in a fun and engaging way.
Start a sketch
Start by giving each participant a piece of paper and a pencil. You will begin by sketching a simple shape, line, or pattern on your paper. It could be anything that comes to mind – a swirl, a circle, a squiggle. There are no rules or restrictions, so let your creativity flow.
Others add parts
After completing your initial sketch, pass your paper to the person sitting next to you. They will then add onto your drawing in any way they like. Encourage them to build upon what you started or take the drawing in a completely new direction. The key is to embrace the spontaneity and collaborate with each other.
Origami Icebreaker
Despite the simplicity of origami, this art form can be a powerful icebreaker in art therapy sessions. Origami has the ability to calm the mind, increase focus, and foster a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced folder, the act of creating something out of a single sheet of paper can be a therapeutic experience.
Teach Simple Folds
When starting an origami icebreaker in your art therapy session, begin by teaching some simple folds. Show your participants how to make basic shapes such as a crane, frog, or heart. Guide them through each step, encouraging them to take their time and enjoy the process. As you fold along with them, you’ll not only be teaching them a new skill but also connecting on a creative level.
Share Completed Models
After everyone has completed their origami models, encourage each participant to share their creation with the group. This sharing can spark conversation and open up avenues for self-expression. As you admire each other’s work, remember that there are no right or wrong ways to fold paper. Each model is a unique reflection of the individual who created it. Celebrate this diversity and use it as a springboard for further creative exploration in your art therapy session.