Interactive art tools that will not only engage but also spark creativity in your next telehealth session with children and adolescents!
I want to start by saying thank you very much to all the readers of my last COVID-19 blog post! It was inspiring to see the number of reads I received on that post! If you haven't read that post yet, click here to catch up!
As we continue adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to continue to share the great resources I have found.
Adventures in teletherapy will be divided into two parts. This part will focus on interactive online art tools that can add some creativity to your telehealth sessions. Make sure to subscribe to alerts on Part 2! All you have to do is click the colorful banner at the end of the post to join my email list!
So let's start this adventure! I have found seven absolutely free and very creative resources! If you are using a telehealth platform with screen share, the possibilities are endless. The ability to screen share helps you engage even more with your clients. Now let's take a look at what I found!
1. Zoom: Did you know that zoom video conferencing allows you to share a whiteboard where you can take turns using text tools and doodling tools to take pictures on one blank screen?! It's a great way to make your sessions interactive.
You can play drawing charades, a scribbling game, or engage in a collaborative drawing
using it. Zoom can be used on either desktop or mobile devices. Click here for instructions on how to use the whiteboard function on zoom.
2. Adobe Illustrator Draw: This is a free mobile application for apple and android devices. You can sketch and doodle using this application, which allows your client to create digital art that can be shared and processed during your television. There are various brush sizes, colors, drawing layers, and shape tools that can be used to create an image. I find it to be a versatile tool that can be great for beginners and advanced users.
3. Microsoft Paint 3D: This is a free desktop program that can be downloaded to your computer if you don't have a "whiteboard" function on your telehealth platform or don't want to use a mobile application the one mentioned above. Please be aware you need windows ten or higher on either mac or pc to download for free.
4. Color Mandala: Create digital mandalas using easy shapes tools to layer and create symmetrical patterns. These mandala creations can then be downloaded to print! This website also allows you to color preexisting mandala patterns. So you get relaxation and creativity all in one completely free.
5. Toy Theater: This website is loaded with free interactive tools and games. There are several simple digital tools to make artwork through this website, such as spirographs, a doodle pad, an animation station, and digital coloring sheets. This is an excellent resource for creative therapists!
6. Kids Doodle App: A free colorful, and fun mobile application for both android and apple devices. This app is like a digital rainbow scratch paper. You can choose from many brush styles to create your artwork.
7. Pic Collage - One of the best digital art tools I have found is this free mobile app available for android and apple devices. This digital collage application allows you to upload your photos or search directly from the web to add images, patterns, and shapes to your collage. You can also cut out pictures, drag, drop, resize, and layer within this application.
Pic collage includes a feature that can create tight cut-outs of images containing people and animals. Some tools duplicate images; add colorful text in different fonts; create overlays of scribbles, and add pre-made stickers from the free pic collage gallery. I am making several mini videos to show my process in making the collages above. I will also be including a mini-tutorial video on how to use each tool. So make sure to subscribe to send you a link to the videos once I have finished! Pic Collage is a "go-to intervention" if you have a client who is feeling overwhelmed by the idea of drawing.
There you have it, seven great creative and artsy online tools that will provide a dose of color, inspiration, and creativity! Please feel free to share this post! I would also love to hear from you.
What digital tools are you using to add a little color and creativity to your telehealth sessions?
Are there any tips or resources you have found that you would like to share with the community?
Take care and stay safe out there!
With Love,
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be utilized as a form of self-help, personal clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on this blog is meant for educational purposes and to provide clinical art therapy directives/resources for trained mental health professionals. This information is by no means a substitute for therapy.
Affiliate/Earning Disclaimer: Lauren Graham is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. In addition I an affiliate of the PlayTherapySupply.com. As an Amazon Associate and an affiliate of Play Therapy Supply, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases that are made by clicking on the affiliate links provided in this post. I only recommend products that I believe to be valuable and purchasing through my links is the same as shopping through Amazon. The only difference is you will be supporting my future work. Thank you!