In this post, written by TheraNest and edited by me, we will provide more free resources for counselors.
Self esteem group activities to facilitate sharing
Group work is an ideal environment for clients to learn that they are not alone in their struggles, and to practice the skills they are learning in therapy in a safe, supportive environment. But the process of opening up in a group is rarely easy, especially for quiet clients who may lack the self-esteem to speak up and allow their voice to be heard. For therapists and facilitators, balancing the diverse needs and personalities of all the participants is an ongoing challenge. Worksheets can keep everyone literally “on the same page,” helping more active group members summarize their thoughts and prompting quieter members to feel confident as they share their own experiences.
The free negative thought stoppage and assertive communication worksheets make it easy to start these conversations in a non-threatening manner. After a quiet period of reflection in which all the group participants fill in their worksheets, they can be encouraged to share the results with the group one at a time.
Practical tools for clients to take home
Writing is a highly effective way for clients to practice positive self reflection, with a wide range of well-studied benefits. It’s not always easy to encourage your clients to write, however. Building a journaling habit takes time and encouragement. Often, the suggestion of writing as “homework” is met with resistance: staring down a blank page can be intimidating for many people, especially in the early stages of the work.
Worksheets like TheraNest’s free gratitude journal template or self esteem journal can help clients move through this challenge and allow them to grow. Straightforward prompts and an easy-to-follow format provide an instant answer the question of “but what do I write about?” and make it easy for clients to take that first step. As they build their journaling confidence with these simple tools, they will gain access to a powerful practice which can help them process the insights they’ve discovered in therapy, and carry the benefits of each session into their daily life.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barb LoFrisco
