4.14.2016

Review: the CBT Art Activity Book

Title: the CBT Art Activity Book

Author: Jennifer Guest

Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:



Explore complex emotions and enhance self-awareness with these 100 ready-to-use creative activities.


The intricate, attractive designs are illustrated in the popular zentangle style and are suitable for adults and young people, in individual or group work. The worksheets use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and art as therapy to address outcomes including improved self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, anger management, coping with change and loss, problem solving and future planning. The colouring pages are designed for relaxing stress management and feature a complete illustrated alphabet and series of striking mandala designs.



Review:



As a person who has used CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for many years, I found this book to be rather intriguing. Intriguing, you might say? Yes, because I'm a zentangle, doodle, and adult coloring book addict. I'm sure you never thought you'd hear someone talking about those things all together with CBT, but this book gives you the ability to use them all together.

When I received the book in the mail I was initially struck at how high quality the paper was. I know, small potatoes when you are reviewing a book right? WRONG! I've had books with pages the consistency of paper, and I'd never want to read them again they were that frustrating. But this book is well constructed and of high quality.

Now for a novice like me, I loved the graphics and topics that were presented by the author, Jennifer Guest. They, for the most part, were things that I could see myself using to work on some issues that I have within myself. (No insight for you, you know too much about me already from reading my reviews.) I loved the fact that I would be able to print off a copy of the worksheet (yes they are photocopiable) and spend some time working with them, then color the border. Yes, I'm a geek!

The beginning of the book gave a great detailed explanation of how the book could be used and the meanings of some particular psychological terminology. I found it quite insightful and helpful. The end of the book came with the bonus surprise (well not if you read the intro) pack of wonderful alphabet and mandalas to color.

Then I went over to an elementary school guidance counselor that I know and asked her opinion, figuring it would be much more insightful than mine. She said the following:


  • The prompts are simple but they get to the matter and emotion at hand.
  • The ladder sheet was introspective and would be good for problem solving.
  • They'd be engaging for anyone, not just the kids I work for. I'm just seeing this from my point of view.
So overall this book is a win for me. I might have enjoyed a little more adult themed pages, since I am adult, but like I said, they can be used for all ages, you just have to think outside the box.


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I received this product for free/at a discount in exchange for an honest review. Since this is a 4 star review, I will be keeping it and donating it to the local school district for use with their at need kids.

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