Creativity in Counseling

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(1) Can you provide a brief overview of the two articles, or locate a different article from a current journal in counseling that discusses a creative or innovative approach.

(a) Creativity in Counseling
Creativity is a major force of human life. Research suggests that a history regarding the use of concept of creativity developed as early as 1875. The concept was drawn from the Latin term creature, which meant to produce or to grow (Kampylis & Valtanen, 2010). Gladding's (2008) article on creativity reveals how the concept has advanced in counseling theories as well as other parts of society. He explains this creativity as a technique that is opposed to mundane ways of doing things, or taking for granted things will always be the same. Instead, according to Gladding, creativity generates new techniques that suggest a better way of understanding, and/or solving a particular problem. For example, according to Gladding (2008), creativity has led to cultural changes. He explains how creativity has "accelerated the evolution of human history" in several ways such as: (a) allowing people to do things they had not done before," (b) changing the way people relate to one another and to nature, (c) creating new inventions (e.g., "the combustible engine, telephone, electronic media" (p. 99).

In regards to counseling, according to Gladding (2008), the concept of creativity has long-term benefits in terms of effective counseling that can presented in creative ways. In this article, the author remind readers that creativity is what differentiates human beings from other animals, and enhances their chances of survival, because it helps them to figure out how to solve problems. Moreover, creative counseling can help people at different ages, and throughout the life span. The concept of creativity as a psychological tool was embraced by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1950 (cited in Kampylis & Valtanen, 2010). They provide a working definition of creativity is that it is the process of producing something that is original, worthwhile, and the "something" according to Sternberg (2006) can take many forms. These forms exist "When people have new ideas, and then use their creative skills to analyze those ideas to arrive at solutions" (p. 435)

Further, Gladding (2008) cite numerous instances in which creativity is important as a treatment method in professional counseling including cases of: (a) the troubled adolescent, (b) the broken-hearted woman in need of support, (c) the jobless middle-aged man, (d) the geriatric resident, (e) the school child who needs relationships, (f) the college student who lacks motivation, and (g) a couple who is estranged from one another. In all of these instances, creativity is important because the situations require time, talent and intentionality. Creativity in counseling also helps individuals to overcome barriers and obstacles and embrace reality instead of an existence that may cause emotional problems. ...