
Talking Cards
When conducing a group session or when building rapport with a new client, it is vital to start off with some small talk questions π£
These small talk cards are able to prompt conversation, introduce feelings/emotions and probe into what strategies the client may already have/need to work on ππ» Thanks to @therapist.aid for the resource! π

Behaviour Solutions
Highly recommend Behaviour Solutions and the tips/tricks theyβve taught me for the classroom, home and community context!

Coles Stikeez
These collectibles are a favourite of mine as they help create a fun space that generates conversation and now, a really cool board game that incorporates exercise/quiz questions π€
You could even add your own spin on this game by implementing questions about feelings, emotions or βsmall talkβ questions ππ»

Now, next and later
Iβve designed these now, next and later worksheets to help children understand the importance of choices and the positive/negative consequences of such choices.
If you would like a copy, email me at lightbulbscounselling@gmail.com!
Trouble
Need an easy turn based game that tests patience, strategy and social skills? Whip out the old classic, Trouble! ππ» π΄π‘π’π΅

Magic Sand
Creativity = Mindfulness π

Baking
Need to find a strategy that allows you to relax, become creative and enjoy some treats? Look no further, baking is is the perfect solution!

Feeling stressed or need a fun fidget toy? Stress balls come in a variety of designs and sizes to satisfy various needs!

Got some LEGO lying around and need a visual way to consolidate a worry monster/bad monster? Use Minifigures or scary LEGO structures to help!

Colour Breathing
When teaching clients about deep breathing, a technique that I love to use is Colour Breathing π
I ask my clients to breathe in their favourite colour and then breathe out a colour that they donβt like π€
This allows them to visualise βgoodβ colours going into their body and the βbadβ colours coming out of their body ππ»

Feeling Wheels
Incorporating a clientβs favourite characters or colours into this wheel activity can create an engaging, memorable task π€
All youβll need is paper, pencils and a paperclip (or something similar) π§·βοΈ Moving the wheel around should expose various characters that represent various emotions/feelings that a client can relate to ππ» Realising these emotions then allows for the recognition of triggers and the formulation of strategies π

Worry or Happy Monsters
Really loving these art and craft stickers from @kmartaus π
These stickers are easy to peel and allow clients to make their own superhero, worry monster or strength character using the many options provided! π©πΌβπ¨π¨πΌβπ¨π§π»βπ¨ An excellent way to recreate and visualise their inner feelings! π€

Trapped Penguin
Loving this Trapped Penguin game by @kmartausπ
This activity has been so helpful in assisting with turn taking, social skills and aiding in play therapy! ππ»

Don’t Drop The Penguin
Making jungles and zoos using @kmartaus animals and props have been a real help in play therapy and engaging with many of my clients π

Supporting our Youth through Grief and Loss
To assist and help manage feelings of grief and loss, the five stages of grief can provide a young person with a process and various themes they may experience on their road to recovery: * Denial – a young person may feel helpless, experience dreams about their loss and/or formulate alternate reasons that caused the loss;
* Anger – a young person may feel alone and responsible for their loss, often causing negative emotions;
* Bargaining – a young person will begin to internally discuss the βwhat ifsβ and what they could have done differently to prevent their loss;
* Depression – a young person may experience a sense of helplessness, hopelessness and deserted often causing a state of sadness;
* Acceptance – a young person may accept a reality that involves loss and is able to commit to this reality through coping mechanisms and support.

These Big W toy animals make for imaginative story telling during a session! Very helpful for children who find it hard to draw, write or verbalise.