Mask Project for Art Therapy

Masks are an excellent technique to have in your art therapy tool bag, especially for groups. This
project encourages self-reflection, expression, and it will sometimes allow you to start difficult
conversations. Even some of your most private clients might be willing to share what they've
created. Plus, it's fun.
We encourage you to be creative and use these masks as you see fit, but here's an example of
how we have used them with success
1. Provide each client with an art therapy mask (cut them out if you have the time). Let
clients choose between the male, female, or neutral version.

2. Have various art tools available. Pencils, pens, and crayons are a good start. Throw in
some old magazines to allow collages for clients who aren't as confident in their artistic
ability.

3. Ask your clients to use the front of the mask to depict how they believe others see them
through the use of drawings, symbols, and words. On the back of the mask, ask them to
depict how they see themselves, especially in ways that differ from the front of the mask.
Or, get creative with this step and come up with some new way to use the masks.

4. Allow clients to share and discuss their masks. Some clients won't be comfortable sharing
their artwork, but you can always ask them to talk about the content without actually
showing their work.

5. We would love to hear about your experiences, so let us know how it went! Send us an
email at contact@TherapistAid.com.

Postcard Art Activity

The Postcard Art Activity will test the creativity of both the therapist and client. The printout
depicts the back of a basic postcard—it's a bit of a blank canvas.
 Here's how we use it: Clients write a short message to someone who they miss, someone who
they are frustrated with, or to someone with whom they want to share something. On the back of
the paper (the side without any print), the client can represent their feelings or a message through
artwork. However, you're the professional. Use this template as you see fit.

Anger Iceberg
The Anger Iceberg represents the idea that, although anger is displayed outwardly, other
emotions may be hidden beneath the surface. These other feelings—such as sadness, fear, or
guilt—might cause a person to feel vulnerable, or they may not have the skills to manage them
effectively.
By exploring what’s beneath the surface, clients can gain insight into their anger, such as other
possible treatment avenues. For example, a client who realizes their anger is fueled by jealousy
may benefit from communication skills, whereas a client who realizes their anger is caused by
stress will benefit from developing self-care habits.
The Anger Iceberg worksheet can be used in multiple ways. It works well as a group discussion
piece, or as an activity where clients identify and circle their own hidden emotions. Try the
following discussion questions to get started:
 Imagine a friend is facing a situation that’s similar to one of your own anger triggers. What
emotions do you think they might feel, other than anger?
 In your family or in the culture you grew up in, what emotions do people freely express? What
emotions do they keep to themselves?
 Imagine a person who handles difficult emotions—such as sadness, fear, or hurt— effectively.
How do they show these emotions? What do they do to cope with them?
 Anger is sometimes used mask emotions that make a person feel vulnerable, such as hurt or
shame. Can you think of a time you expressed anger in order to conceal another emotion you
were feeling?
 Anger Management Skill Cards
Teach children to control their anger using these bright and fun anger management skill
cards. Each of the twelve cards has a picture and an idea for a healthy anger
management technique that's appropriate for kids. We suggest practicing each skill in
session, and then allowing your client to take home their own set of cards as a
reminder.

This printout can also be turned into a group therapy activity to help children learn about
anger. Try folding the cards and putting them into a hat. Allow each group member to
draw a card and practice the skill. Next, the group member can teach the group about
their skill, or trade with a group member.

Oh, and don't worry if you can't print with color. We've tested this worksheet with the
"grayscale" setting selected, and it still looks great!

If you want to try a different anger activity, try this unique card game:

Emotion Reference Sheet

Alexithymia—difficulty recognizing and verbalizing emotions—is a trait possessed by
about 8% of males and 2% of females. Individuals with alexithymia experience
emotions, but have a hard time expressing and naming them. Instead, when asked
about emotions, they’ll describe physical symptoms, or talk about behavior.

The Emotions Reference Sheet handout is designed to help clients recognize and talk
about their feelings. This handout is a simple but helpful resource that presents a list of
emotions, along with common signs and behaviors that can help to identify them.
This handout is a great reference when clients are having difficulty describing how they
are feeling. It also helps them connect an emotion to a behavior. Clients can refer to this
handout throughout a therapy session to facilitate their communication of emotions.

For a simple list of emotions, check out our List of Emotions worksheet.