Dream Catcher

I  found this cool activity somewhere on Pinterest.  I plan to post a finished product within the next 2 weeks.  and will provide a PDF template that can be purchased on my TEACHERS PAY TEACHERS account. 

Basically you will have the participant write down negative thoughts and beliefs in the large circle.  Next he or she will write positive thoughts and beliefs on the outside of the dream catcher.  

You can enocourage creativity by providing craft feathers and beads for the hanging materials on the page.  yarn can be used to represent the rope or string used in an actual dream catcher.  If you are unable to get feathers, yarn, and beads, they can be drawn with different color markers.  

Sense of Peace: 5 Senses Relaxation Activity

I will post a finished product on here before June 1st.

This activity can be used to discuss how to engage the senses when using relaxation techniques.

5 SENSES

SIGHT    TOUCH    SMELL    TASTE   SOUND 

MEET YOUR EMOTIONS: CREATIVE WAY TO USE THE EMOTIONS FROM DISNEY PIXAR'S "INSIDE OUT" AS AN INTERVENTION.

MEET YOUR EMOTIONS!!

 HI!

    How amazing would it be for us as professionals (and even parents) to be able to have relevant and age appropriate videos that teach about emotions to present to our children or clients??  Well our wishes have been granted! Disney's Pixar has a genius working amongst them who heard our prayers!!   So I have put together a list of the videos from "Inside Out" that allows us to meet each emotion.

What you will find.

• The movie addresses our core emotions: FEAR, JOY, ANGER, SADNESS & DISGUST
• Each video names the emotion and provides a snippet of that emotion exhibiting the body language, sounds, and verbal language that coincides with each emotion. 
• Each video also provides a snippet of what the main character, Riley, is going through to trigger that emotion.

HOW TO USE:
     Show each video (one at a time) to your client/child.  Ask them what they remember from each clip. Then ask them to describe a time they felt that emotion.  BONUS: Have the child/client draw or paint the time they felt that emotion.  For negative emotions you may wish to have them draw a coping skill to help them manage that emotion.  Or have them role play how they would use their coping skills to manage those emotions.

Enjoy!

   LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO FEAR

                                              

 

 

 LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO JOY!

 

 

 

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO ANGER

 

 

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO SADNESS

 

 

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO DISGUST

 

 

 

Live it up,

Ayla

p.s.  **Disclaimer** I do not own the rights to this movie or each clip.  These clips were obtained from www.youtube.com.

I AM GRATEFUL FOR: Positive Thinking & Self Exploration Art Activity

Excuse the quality of this photo.  This activity allows for the participant to engage in identifying the things they can be grateful and thankful for.  It encourages positive self esteem, self image, gratitude, positive thinking, and humbleness.  (is that a word??)

1st: You can start the activity off for the participant by drawing a circle in the middle of the page and writing "I am grateful/thankful for..."

2nd: You can write down the topics (as identified by the participant) as though you are creating a start or flower petals out of words.  (refer to picture)  If they are unable to come up with enough things they are grateful for you may wish to provide examples.

If you end up providing examples keep in mind what the 

participant identified on their own vs your suggestions. 

**SOCIAL WORKERS/COUNSELORS:: And inability to identify positive things in life or things to be grateful for is something you may want to explore further if you are providing mental health services.
**PARENTS: If you are a parent you may wish to consult your child's PCP or mental health professional.

Topics may include but are not limited to:
STRENGTHS
MIND AND BODY
THIS MOMENT
LIFE
ANIMALS
LOVE AND PASSION
CREATIVITY
FRIENDSHIPS 
MEMORIES

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE CARDS

 Emotional Intelligence Cards.  

I got this idea from something I saw on pinterest and tweaked it a bit to fit with my own therapeutic interventions.  They are very kid adn parent friendly and need little explanation.  They are easy to make and customizable.

 

4 BASIC  FEELINGS CARDS  help kids identify basic emotions.  Each basic emotion can be experienced a varying degrees of intensity.  (Example: Happy= Excited, glad,or content.  Mad= Furious, Grouchy, Upset.)  The ability to identify other emotions besides your basic emotions helps children to truly communicate what they are experiencing.  Communication is always key!!
The ANGER RULES card can be used as a rule of thumb for the child to be reminded of the proper way to behave when they become angry.  This card has postive statements to as remindeders to not engage in physical outburst or negative responses.
RESPECT card is simple.  It provides a lis of respectful behaviors.  This card can be used as a positve alternative to the behaviors listed on the anger card as well as a general rule of thumb. SHOW RESPECT TO EVERYONE :)
ACTIVE LISTENING card  I always talk to my clients about listening with their Whole Body!   I got the idea from a cute Sesame Street video I found online.  It's rather cute honestly.  In the video cookie monster learns to listen with his whole body.   He must remind himself that  to listen with one's whole body means Eyes are Watching, Ears are Listening, Mouth is Quiet and Body is Still & Calm!

VOICE LEVEL card reminds children that if they wish to be heard and to communicate their wants and needs they must attempt to remain as calm as can be.  The first step is to be mindful of their tone.  If a child is speaking calmly they can be heard, which is their ultimate goal!  However, if they scream or cry uncontrollably they will not be understood, therefore, their needs cannot be met.


These can be used at home and in any therapeutic environment.  They are fun to look at and can travel easily for quick reminders in social settings.  I will be adding more to the deck soon.  But for now this is a good start.

     Love It Up!

Ayla V. Expose, LMSW

Meet Miss Ayla

Hi!

My name is Ayla. (Long "A"...Short "la"  The "Y" is shy) 

I am a 25 year old Licensed Master Social Worker who primarily focuses on children and family.  I received my Masters degree from Lousiana State University (LSU) and my Bachelors in Social Work was obtained from Southeastern Louisiana University.  I am originally from New Orleans.

I enjoy working with children and teens, creating things to help make interventions more interactive and FUN.  I found myself creating a lot of fun things to help me along in my group and individual therapy sessions at my internships.  I have found these creations to be extremely helpful, my clients LOVE them and their teachers and parents do too!.  Also, the process of creating is self soothing to me and a part of my own Self Care.

This blog is a place where you can find my creations, tips on how and where to find the materials and ideas, as well as tips and ideas to help your children, clients,  (or yourself) find that inner creativity!!! You can also find self care tips. 

I will attempt to post weekly but my job keeps me busy and on my toes, so bare with me.  In the meantime if you have any questions, comments or concerns feel free to e-mail me at missaylahelps@gmail.com.  I always welcome all feedback!

Love It Up!

Miss Ayla

☆♡☆♡