24/04/2026
During our creative counselling session this week, we explored individual experiences that had arisen for each student using a range of therapeutic approaches to support our creative work.
We incorporated metaphors to help guide understanding of emotions and behaviours. One powerful example was the spider’s web, which helped illustrate how a small lie can grow into something much larger and more complex. We explored how this can become internalised and how such behaviours may be perceived by others.
Our stone work and bracelet-making provided a quieter, more reflective space. These activities allowed students to process emotional experiences without the pressure of direct discussion offering a gentle way to explore their inner world.
The Three Houses activity enabled open conversations around past, present and future experiences, including hopes and dreams. Alongside this the simple, mindful act of scrunching tissue paper helped us connect with the heart space. Through this, students were able to uncover difficult emotions while also recognising positive experiences. The different colours of the tissue paper provided a visual comparison between positive and negative emotions supporting deeper reflection.
We also explored different parts of the self. Using wooden figures, students represented the external self (how they believe others see them)This was complemented by work on their life journey, where they reflected on how far they have come within their therapeutic process, acknowledging both the challenges and the progress they have made. The session concluded with the creation of straight lines which symbolised grounding and direction.
One child shared a particularly meaningful reflection using the metaphor of a volcano. At the beginning of their journey, they described themselves as being at the point of eruption. Now, they see themselves
