The Monsters and Me

How: Ask the child to draw a picture of herself and the monster in her life.

They may be monsters that appear in dreams, imaginary monsters, or people who appear to be like monsters because the child is afraid of them.

Suggest that the child show how she deals with these monsters.

Ask the child to talk to the monster, asking what it wants from her, what it wants to give or teach her. Then she tells it what she wants. She then writes this down.

Why: All children have fantasy monsters of one kind or another. This exercise helps them confront their monsters and handle their fear instead of being victimized. Once the monsters are out in the open they are not as frightening.

Where: This exercise can be done periodically, but it is especially useful when a child is having nightmares about monsters or shows a fear of monsters in conversation or other behavior.

Three Magic Doors

How: Ask the child to close her eyes and pretend she is standing in front of three closed doors. Have the child imagine where the doors are, what kind of building they are in, what kind of doors they are (their color, material, design).

Have the child open her eyes and suggest that she draw the three doors, including any signs or symbols she may have seen on them. Explain that behind each door there is (1) an opportunity, (2) a challenge, and (3) a helper (in that order). Use whatever terms the child understands to convey the idea, or simply say that there are three surprises behind the doors.

After the drawing of the doors is completed, suggest that the child draw another picture. This time she portrays what is behind the three doors. It can be a three-part picture or three separate pictures.

After drawing the pictures, the child can write about what she found behind the doors.

Why: In this exercise, the child is exploring her values in greater detail. She is letting her unconscious wishes rise to the surface of her conscious mind.

Where: This exercise need not be done often; once every few weeks or so is usually adequate. It is very helpful for children and teens who have difficulty being motivated or finding activities and interests they enjoy.