Facilitation Technique Category: Therapeutic use of play

Activity Title: Clay Sculpture

Source: Lowenstein, L. (2011). Favorite Therapeutic Activities for Children, Adolescents, and
Families: Practitioners Share Their Most Effective Interventions [PDF].
http://www.lianalowenstein.com/e-booklet.pdf
Equipment: Colored clay or playdough, paper, pen or pencil
Activity Description: The main purpose of this activity is for the participant to be able to
verbally identify and express feelings. This activity I done one a 1 on 1 basis and has two parts to
it. The first part involves the participant creating a sculpture. The sculpture should be of
something the participant likes or something that describes them. Once the sculpture is
completed the TR should ask the questions below and document the participants answers.

What do you want to call this (title)?

Ask what feeling each color represents and make each answer another line of the poem.
Regardless of whether it is a person or thing, ask what it would say to its/his/her mother,
father, siblings, grandparents, best friend (or anyone else in its life). Reinforce that
whatever it has to say is okay because this sculpture can say what it feels without having
to worry about other peoples reactions or feelings.
What is the sculptures favorite food?
What/who does it like and not like? Why?
What does it want the world to know about it?
(Repeat title at the bottom of the poem.)

The answers should be written in a poetic format. At the end of the exercise let the participant
know that they have written a poem. The TR can them read the poem to the participant.
Leadership considerations: CTRS functions as an observer while the sculpture is being created
and an instructor when the questions are being asked. The TR should be familiar with
clay/sculpting materials and should be aware of any hazards. The TR should have a certification
as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT
Supervisor) through the Association of Play Therapy.
Adaptations: Participants with Autism: This activity would help with the participants
communication skills and also showing the participant how to properly play with the clay or
playdough. Adaptations: The TR can lay out the clay and the playdough on the table and allow
the participant to choose which material they want to use. The TR can build a sculpture alongside
the participant so that they do not feel awkward sculpting. Adding a parent or a relative to the
session can also benefit the participant. (Rudy, 2016)
Participants with Anxiety disorder: This activity can help decrease the amount of anxiety that
the participant is experiencing. This activity can be combined with other activities to increase the
possibility to reach the goals that are set. There should be multiple sessions because the more the

participant interacts the better chance of reaching goals. (Naderi, Heidarie, Bouron, & Asgari,
2010)
Adaptations References:
Naderi, F., Heidarie, A., Bouron, L., & Asgari, P. (2010). The efficacy of play therapy on ADHD,
anxiety and social maturity in 8 to 12 years aged clientele children of Ahwaz metropolitan
counseling clinics. Science Alert. doi:10.3923/jas.2010.189.195 http://scialert.net/fulltext/?
doi=jas.2010.189.195&org=11
Rudy, L. J. (2016, September 9). Can play therapy benefit a child with autism? Retrieved
November 17, 2016, from Verywell, https://www.verywell.com/play-therapy-and-autism-thebasics-260059