Transforming Behavior

Introduction

Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora

About This CD-ROM

• Contents of the Accompanying CD-ROM:
  • PACK Toolbox
  • PACK Parent Workbook
  • MaPS Toolbox
  • CAT Progress Note Templates

About the Author

Mary N. Cook, M.D., is a Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist currently serving as the Clinical Director of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Additionally, she is the Medical Director of Outpatient Psychiatric Services at Children’s Hospital Colorado, as well as Medical Director of the Intensive Family Therapy Program at the University of Colorado Hospital.

She is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry on faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where she is deeply committed to training child psychiatry residents and other mental health trainees. She recently won a resident-nominated award for teaching excellence as well as The President’s Award for Outstanding Clinical Service from the University of Colorado Hospital. Selected in 2010 by Consumers’ Research Group as among "America’s Top Psychiatrists," Dr. Cook specializes in working with families with children who have been diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders.

Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) Treatment Protocol

INTRODUCTION

CAT utilizes art and music as therapy forms for expression of thoughts and emotions. Sessions involve familial collaboration to foster relationships.

Module 1: Introduction to Musical Relating

• Goals: To foster self-expression, promote listening skills, and enhance appreciation of nonverbal communication.
• Materials Needed: Percussion instruments (e.g., floor toms, djembes).

Directive 1: Mirroring

Participants play instruments while others reflect the sounds made. This creates a real-time tracking of musical expression.

Module 2: Resiliency Boxes

• Goals: Recognize a child’s strengths, create a special container for them, practice listening, and rehearse giving and receiving compliments.
• Materials Needed: Small cardboard boxes, colored tissue paper, scissors.

Module 3: Body Tracings for Emotion Identification

Participants create outlines of their bodies and illustrate emotions using colors and shapes to represent feelings in different body parts.

Module 4: Name That Mood

Using musical expressions to identify and articulate emotions.

Module 5: Why Do They Like That Music?

Using music as a medium for discussing emotions and preferences, allowing parents and children to empathize and reflect on each other’s tastes.

Module 6: Family Building with Grab Bag

Families collaborate using provided craft supplies to create a joint artwork that fosters creativity and collaboration, while applying problem-solving skills.

Module 7: Musical Conflict Resolution

Families identify a recent conflict and represent it musically, promoting resolution strategies based on musical dialogue.

Module 8: Communication Styles and Behaviors

Participants engage in a musical game that facilitates understanding of different communication styles and dynamics.

Module 9: Comic Strip with Two Characters

Creating comic strips to illustrate behavioral sequences and potential resolutions while reflecting on interpersonal dynamics.

Module 10: Conversation with Paint

Children and parents engage in non-verbal communication through painting, followed by group discussions to enhance understanding of each other's expressions and behaviors.

This therapy guide aims to empower parents and children to explore and express their emotions, improving communication dynamics and relational understanding.