The Magic of Mindfulness: Ways for Therapists to Introduce Playful Presence in Sessions
October is here and this month marks the celebration of Halloween and all things magical! Today, we’re embarking on a whimsical journey into the world of playful psychotherapy with ALL ages, where mindfulness becomes the sparkling wand that adds a touch of enchantment to our therapeutic practices.
Imagine you’re in a fairy-tale forest, where the trees whisper wisdom and the streams murmur secrets. Now, let’s explore how we can weave a bit of that enchantment into our work with clients.
The Mindful Tea Party
Imagine your therapy session as a delightful tea party. Invite your clients to join you in either an imaginary tea party or one in which you both have an actual cup of tea. Invite your client to take a moment to savor the aroma, warmth, and flavor of their favorite tea. Encourage them to close their eyes and be fully present with each sip, as if it were the elixir of serenity. This simple ritual can awaken their senses and ground them in the present moment.
Fairy Tale Metaphors
Bring storytelling into your therapy sessions! Use fairy tales and fables to explore your clients’ experiences and emotions. Encourage them to reinterpret their own life stories as if they were crafting a magical narrative. This creative exercise can help clients gain new perspectives and embrace their inner heroes.
Mindful Nature Walks
Suggest that your clients take mindful strolls through parks or gardens. Ask them to pay close attention to the textures, colors, and sounds of nature. Invite them to imagine they are explorers in a whimsical wonderland, discovering the beauty of the world around them. Encourage clients to feel their feet connected to Mother Earth and to pay honor to the life in the trees, plants, and wildlife all around.
The Mindful Jar of Fireflies
Create a “jar of fireflies” metaphor with your clients. Encourage them to place their worries, fears, and anxieties into this imaginary jar. As they share their concerns, imagine capturing fireflies representing each issue. Then, together, release the fireflies into the night sky, symbolizing the act of letting go.
The Magic Mirror of Self-Reflection
Incorporate mindfulness into self-reflection exercises. Encourage your clients to imagine a magic mirror that reflects their inner selves. As they gaze into this mystical mirror, invite them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and sensations with curiosity, free from judgment.
Mindful Breathing Spells
Teach your clients the art of mindful breathing by turning it into a magic spell. Inhale deeply, visualizing the air as a sparkling potion that fills them with calm and peace. With each exhale, they can release any stress or negativity as though casting it away with a flick of their wands.
Dream Exploration
Uncover the enchanting world of dreams with your clients. Invite them to keep dream journals and discuss their dreams during sessions. This practice can help clients tap into their subconscious and gain insights into their inner workings.
The Treasure Hunt of Values
Guide your clients on a treasure hunt for their core values. Encourage them to search deep within themselves to uncover the gems that define their true essence. Like intrepid adventurers, they can then chart a course to align their lives with these values.
Incorporating mindfulness into the therapy room for clients of ALL ages need never be a mundane task; it can be a whimsical, magical journey. By infusing your practice with some enchanting techniques, you can help your clients connect with their inner worlds and discover the transformative power of mindfulness.
About the Author: Lynn Louise Wonders has over 30 years of experience teaching mindfulness-based classes as an instructor of meditation, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and over 20 years as a mental health professional providing counseling to children, families, couples, and adults with expertise in human development and relationships. She has been providing continuing education, supervision, consultation, and professional mentoring for mental health professionals since 2010. Ms. Wonders is a certified yoga and meditation instructor, certified Synergetic Play Therapist, a certified AutPlay Therapist, and a certified Pure Presence™ Practitioner. She is a Gottman Institute-trained relationship therapist as well. Ms. Wonders is the published author of numerous books, chapters, and professional articles and has co-edited two academic books that support child and family mental health professionals. www.WondersCounseling.com
