Positive Pockets

Description

Clients will create their own personal box that will contain inspirational statements and positive statements about themselves. Boxes will be travel size so they can always have them with them.

Materials

• cigarette boxes or crayon boxes
• Paper: construction, decorative papers, wrapping papers, etc.
• Glue sticks, tacky glue
• Scissors
• Index cards cut to fit boxes

Preparation/Procedure

1. Have patients collect used cigarette or crayon boxes. Discuss the importance of recycling and how artists use recycled objects in their art.
2. In day one of this project, have clients design a personal mark based on a list of positive adjectives that describe themselves. It should be a symbol that has personal meaning to them.
3. In another session ask the clients to select a cigarette or crayon box. Have them cover the box using the art materials provided and ask them to include their personal symbol some where on the box.
4. Have clients write their names inside or outside the box.
5. Provide clients with index cards that have been pre-cut to fit inside the box.
6. The next group meeting have clients write three positive things about themselves on three separate cards.
7. Each group meeting have the clients create another card for inspiration and self-esteem. This could function as a warm up exercise for each group meeting.
8. Suggestions for each card: Favorite quotes, have another group member write a compliment for the client on a card and then give the card to that client, things they like about themselves, future goals, etc.
9. Clients will be encouraged to read their personal cards daily to themselves to reinforce their strengths

Directive

Collect cigarette and crayon boxes. Cover the box with your own personal mark. Make it reflect yourself. Directives for cards: One positive things about yourself, something you've accomplished, favorite quotes, things that help you relax, have another group member write a compliment for the client on a card, things they like about themselves, future goals, etc.

Population

Chronic Mentally Ill Adults, Adolescents, Substance Abusers, etc.

Setting

Day treatment outpatient program, school enrichment program

Goals

• Client will have an increased self-esteem
• Client will learn a new art technique, recycled art
• Client will have an increase in self-awareness
• Client will learn to accept and give a compliment to peers, socialization

Behavioral objectives

• Client will master the art technique
• Client will be able to interact positively with peers

Contraindications

Some clients may respond negatively to a cigarette box or a crayon box. The facilitator will have to decide whether it is best to give a client the option of selecting either box or choose either a cigarette box or crayon box to work with. For client under the age of 18 a cigarette box will not be appropriate to use.

Additional Comments

I developed this original directive with the idea of creating something that a client could easily carry around with them. When ever they had difficultly coping in a situation they could always read back their cards to bring them to a more secure place and to create a better sense of self-esteem for them. Also, I witnessed so many clients smoking and I thought about way to recycle them and make them into something positive.