Why This Matters in Therapy

In therapy, many clients walk in with a mask on. They may be afraid to share what they are really feeling. They might think their feelings are too much or too hard to explain. That is where play and creativity can help. Therapy should feel collaborative and safe. When clients use tools like the sand tray, whiteboard, or games, they are not just filling time. They are making choices, testing ideas, and showing us how they see the world. These moments can reveal more than words alone, especially for clients who find it hard to open up through conversation.

‍

Creative Ideas for Connection

To help clients feel comfortable and come out of their shells, here are some activities they can use in session:

‍

Whiteboard: Ask your client to draw a mask on one side and what is underneath on the other. Talk about what they show and what they hide.

Gratitude Affirmation Cards: A reflective multiplayer game designed to enhance your sense of gratitude and joy. Each card features a prompt encouraging you to think of positive memories or sources of joy, helping you focus on uplifting aspects of your life.

Dollhouse or Sand Tray: Let the client create a story about a character who wears a mask. What does the character need to feel safe or seen?

Breathing Roulette: Try out this fun multiplayer activity to introduce emotion regulation strategies and to encourage grounding techniques before and after difficult conversations.

Reflections for Your Practice

Whether we are professionals in the mental health space or individuals navigating our own personal journeys, we all wear masks at times.

The mask might not always be obvious. It can be a simple smile when we’re feeling overwhelmed or saying "I'm okay" when we’re anything but. We all have moments when we try to hide our struggles or keep up appearances, whether for others or ourselves. This is a chance to step back, take off that mask for a moment, and ask ourselves: "What’s really going on inside?"

Reflecting on our own mental health doesn’t always come easily, especially when we’re in roles where we’re constantly focused on supporting others. But taking a moment to check in with ourselves and unmask our own experiences can help us better understand our clients and the human experience as a whole.

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to feel without judgment? Could you take a break from the pressures of always being "on" for others? Remember, it’s okay to not have all the answers, and it’s okay to need help too. Unmasking is a process, and it’s one that benefits us all.

‍