Abstract

Explore and promote positive relationships with these 100 ready-to-use illustrated worksheets and activities.

Based on systemic theory, psychodynamic theory and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles, the activities are a creative approach to starting therapeutic conversations and engaging clients in their search for solutions. The photocopiable worksheets encourage clients to express their feelings through drawing, painting and writing. They are structured around four key areas: sense of self; partner relationships; family dynamics; and improving communication and conflict resolution. Activities include explanations of how and why they help to address specific relational issues.

Suitable for use by professionals working with individuals, couples or families in therapeutic situations, The Art Activity Book for Relational Work will help clients to resolve relational issues and strengthen bonds.

Few resources offer something that can be used tomorrow by both new and experienced therapists alike. I will be using these worksheets for two reasons. First, Guest provides a sound theoretical underpinning that belies their accessibility. Second the resources follow a pattern of exploration that build one upon the other as clients develop understanding of self and other.
Dr Rachel Davies, Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Senior Practice Consultant at Relate
This is a rich resource, full of excellent conversation starters or inner reflections. The sheets provide something really useful and tangible from ideas that can be difficult to articulate. This would be useful for family therapists (or others focused on relational work) to use within sessions to explore meaningful stories.
Alexandra Gill, Systemic Family Therapist
A thoughtful, beautifully presented set of worksheets. Use of these will kick-start conversations and will add depth to therapeutic work by inviting clients of all ages to write, draw and explore. Children, adults and whole families will benefit from using these lovely relational tools.
Dr Sarah Helps, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Systemic Psychotherapist, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation trust

One might appreciate this workbook because of the variety of really useful invitations it makes to clients, to reflect on their lives.
One might also appreciate it for its simply designed worksheets (which can be coloured-in).
One might appreciate it for the many ideas it entertains and stimulates for clients and practitioners alike.
I think you will find yourself in it and simply appreciate it by using it well.

Kieran Vivian-Byrne, The Family Institute, University of South Wales
Jennifer Guest's creative worksheets serve as reminders, as creative openings, as 'Soothers' in the therapeutic journey. Self, couples and family in context invites clients and therapists to consider the inter-relational nature of our co-existence through evocative and provocative drawings and reflective questions. This is a gem indeed.
Imelda McCarthy PhD., Fifth Province Centre, Dublin