Connecting Through Creativity: Bracelets and Reflecting Teams in Therapy

A university clinical practicum team consisting of five graduate students, one doctoral supervisor assistant student, and a licensed marriage and family therapist faculty supervisor oversaw a case where the client was shy and hesitant to engage in sessions without the mother present. This clinical case study shows how creativity was utilized with a reflecting team by creating friendship-style bracelets for the client. This allowed the client to feel more comfortable in the therapy room and positively impacted on the therapy process. Student reflections and client responses are shared to show how innovation and adaptability can be used to meet clients where they are and guide student clinicians and clients further in the therapy process. A review of reflecting teams and the importance of creativity in therapy are also included. Therapists can utilize the activity with their own clients and/or bring in their own creativity using the activity as a template.