Tags: 15 to 20 minutes

Coping Skill Cards

  • 15 to 20 minutes
  • In person
  • Teletherapy
Video

Overview

This creative activity provides clients with an opportunity to choose which calming skills work best for them while having an opportunity to create a visual that can serve as a reminder for skills that work best for them.

Time in Mightier program

Weeks 1+

Therapeutic Goals

  1. Provide psychoeducation regarding coping skills
  2. Develop implicit and explicit coping skills
  3. Practice self-reflection

Documentation Suggestion

Client and clinician engaged in a psychoeducational intervention that helped the client explore a variety of coping skills that could be helpful for them using Mightier biofeedback tool’s language. This intervention helped to develop implicit and explicit coping skills as well as practice self-reflection.

Materials needed

Link to print
Scissors

Scissors

A container to keep cards in

A container to keep cards in

Various craft supplies (stickers, stamps, etc)

Various craft supplies (stickers, stamps, etc)

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Ask your client what they have noticed as a helpful way to get back down to the blue in Mightier. They may mention Mightier coping skills or others.

  2. Provide psychoeducation around coping skills and how they work using the script below (or something similar).

    I can tell you have been working hard to learn skills that bring your heart rate down, that is great! There are many different coping skills that help people to calm down in real life and that help to bring kids back down to the blue in Mightier. There is no “right” coping skill, everyone is different, and finding what works for you best is important!

  3. Share the coping skill cards print out with the client and cut the cards out together. (To speed this up you can also pre-cut the cards prior to the session.)

  4. While the client is cutting out the cards, ask them to sort the cards into 3 piles: What skills they know are helpful for them, skills they want to try, and skills they know are not helpful for them. 

  5. After sorting the cards, have the client try out the skills in the “skills they want to try” pile.
    (If equipment is available- the client can use their heart rate monitor and Mightier tablet to track their heart rate while they use the skills or they can try them independently.)

    Use the below questions (or something similar) to explore the skill with the client. (You can also do the skills with the client to help with adherence.)

    -How did it feel to use the skill?
    -What did you notice about your heart rate?
    -What did you like about using this skill?
    -What did you not like about using this skill?

  6. Once a client has identified skills that are helpful for them, have them create a place to store the coping skills (this can be a decorated box, bag, or another container). Talk with them about how this container and cards can serve as a reminder to help the client access these skills when needed. Talk with the client about when they may use the cards, where they may store the container, and how they might feel using the cards.

Make Your Own Mightier Gizmo

  • 15 to 20 minutes
  • In person
  • Teletherapy
Video

Overview

This visual activity will help kids identify triggers and body cues associated with their emotions and different heart rates.

Time in Mightier program

Weeks 3+

Therapeutic Goals

  1. Provide psychoeducation regarding heart rate and body cues
  2. Develop emotional awareness
  3. Increase emotional vocabulary
  4. Practice self-reflection
  5. Support client’s understanding and enjoyment of Mightier

Documentation Suggestion

Client and clinician engaged in a psychoeducational intervention focused on identifying triggers and body cues associated with their emotions and different heart rates using the Mightier biofeedback tool’s language. The intervention helped the client to develop emotional awareness and increase their emotional vocabulary while practicing self-reflection.

Materials needed

Writing utensils

Writing utensils

Paper

Paper

Link to print

Step-by-step instructions

    1. Ask your client to describe the Gizmo in Mightier. (Some kids may call this different things, so describing this Gizmo may be helpful).

    2. Describe what the Gizmo does and how it represents different body cues and emotions using the script below (or something similar).

      Do you feel like you have a Gizmo inside yourself?
      Have you noticed that the Gizmo moves when you feel different emotions or changes in your body?
      What does the red on the Gizmo represent? (Allow the client to answer then provide psychoeducation).

      The red on the Gizmo means our heart rate is high which can mean many things. It can mean we are really excited or happy. It can also mean that we are frustrated, angry, or worried.       When we have a big feeling, our heart rate tends to go up. This is because our body and brain are working hard to alert us that there is something happening so we can make decisions. Sometimes when our heart rate is high, it can be harder to make decisions.

      What does the grey on the Gizmo represent? (Allow the client to answer then provide psychoeducation).

      The grey on the Gizmo represents that your heart rate is in the middle. It means your heart rate is headed up to the red or going down to the blue. The grey can act as a warning and may be when you don’t notice any changes in your body or emotions just yet.

      What does the blue on the Gizmo represent? (Allow the client to answer then provide psychoeducation).

      The blue on the Gizmo represents that your heart rate is low which can mean many things. It can mean we are calm, that we are focused, or that we are tired. Usually, when our heart rate is low we can make decisions and choices a bit more easily.

    3. Explain to the client that they are going to make their own Gizmo today and reflect on what they notice about their body when they are in each of the sections.

    4. Show a picture of the Gizmo and have the client use the worksheet or draw their own on one side of the paper.

    5. Then ask your client to write (or draw) what they notice about their body when they are in each section of the Gizmo (red, grey, and blue) next to that section on their drawing. Ask questions about what they notice when they are feeling a certain feeling and give examples of what others may notice (i.e. “A lot of kids tell me that they are in the red they notice that they feel sweaty or like their fists are clenched”)

    6. Afterward, ask your client if they can identify situations that put them in the different sections of the Gizmo and to write (or draw) these situations next to them. Ask questions about situations in the past and give examples. (i.e. “Some kids tell me that when they get in an argument with their brother that they are in the red” or “Some kids tell me that when they read before bed they are in the blue”)

Create Your Own Lavaling

  • 15 to 20 minutes
  • In person
  • Teletherapy
Video

Overview

This creative activity uses a narrative approach of externalizing a client’s symptoms to a character that they are familiar with from Mightier games.

Time in Mightier program

Weeks 4+

Therapeutic Goals

  1. Develop emotional awareness
  2. Develop body awareness
  3. Practice self-reflection
  4. Support the client’s understanding and enjoyment of Mightier

Documentation Suggestion

Client and clinician engaged in an intervention using a narrative approach of externalizing the client’s symptoms to a character that they are familiar with using the Mightier biofeedback tool’s language. This activity focused on developing emotional and body awareness while practicing self-reflection.

Materials needed

Paper

Paper

Writing utensils

Writing utensils

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Ask your client to describe the Lavalings in Mightier. Ask your client if they have a favorite Lavaling and why they like that particular one. 

  2. Describe that Lavalings have unique personalities using the script below (or something similar).

    I love how many Lavalings you have been collecting! You have been working really hard. Have you noticed that each Lavaling has their own personality? Most of them have strengths and things that they are really good at along with some things they wish they did a bit differently. I would love for you to create your own Lavaling today that represents you.

    Take a thinking minute about what that Lavaling might look like both when it’s in its hot state in the red and in its cool state in the blue. Then, I want you to think about what type of personality you would have as a Lavaling.
    What are some of your strengths and what are some things that you would like to get better at?

  3. Allow your client to take time to think, draw, and ask questions about their Lavaling. 

  4. Once they have completed their Lavaling, celebrate their reflection and ask them to share about their Lavaling. Ask your own questions or use sample questions below.

    -Tell me about how your Lavaling looks.
    -What are some things that your Lavaling is really great at?
    -What are some things that you Lavaling is working on getting better at?
    -How are you similar to the Lavaling you drew?

  5. Some clients may be able to reflect on times where they feel like this Lavaling more than others (i.e. triggering situations) and how they may “cool down” their Lavaling (i.e. calming skills) which can be explored here as well using your own questions or sample questions below.

    -When do you feel like this particular Lavaling comes out in your own life?
    -Some kids tell me their Lavaling comes up when __(the triggering situation for the client)__ does this ever happen to you?
    -Does anything help to cool your Lavaling down?
    -What have you noticed helps your Lavaling stay cool?

  6. Ask your client to notice throughout the week if this Lavaling is something they notice in the real world and in their experiences to share these in subsequent sessions. 

“Teach Me How to Play!”

  • 15 to 20 minutes
  • In person
  • Teletherapy
Video

Overview

Sometimes the best way to learn is through teaching. In this activity, your client teaches you how to play Mightier and explains the game mechanics, tips and tricks, and calming skills.

Time in Mightier program

Weeks 3+

Therapeutic Goals

  1. Develop implicit and explicit calming skills
  2. Develop emotional awareness
  3. Increase emotional vocabulary
  4. Practice self-reflection
  5. Practice communication and social skills
  6. Support client’s understanding and enjoyment of Mightier

Documentation Suggestion

Client and clinician engaged in a collaborative play intervention using the Mightier biofeedback tool. This intervention focused on developing implicit and explicit coping skills, developing emotional awareness, and increasing the client’s emotional vocabulary and pro-social skills.

Materials needed

Mightier tablet

Mightier tablet

Heart rate monitor

Heart rate monitor

Provider’s tablet

Provider’s tablet

Heart rate monitor

Heart rate monitor

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Celebrate your client’s amazing progress and work when playing Mightier and ask them if they would be interested in teaching you how to play Mightier. 

  2. If the child is interested, ask them to show you how to put the heart rate monitor on and start up the tablet. 

  3. Ask them to explain Mightier to you using the questions below or your own questions.

    What does Mightier do?
    How does Mightier work?
    What does Mightier help you with?

  4. Ask them to lead you through a game. (You may have different games unlocked than your client. That is okay. You can ask them what game they recommend you play or what they like the best out of your unlocked games.) 

  5. While playing, tilt the camera to show your screen while playing. Have the client coach you through their tips and tricks for game-play while asking questions about what to do next. 

  6. Get into the red often. You most likely will get into the red regularly, but if you are not seeing many increases, you can put your arms above your head or engage in a smaller, less noticeable activity to get your heart rate up. 

  7. When you are in the red, ask your client about this using the questions below or your own questions. Model calming skills and effective ways to bring your heart rate down.

    -What do I do when I am in the red?
    -What does it mean when I am in the red?
    -What can I do to get back down to the blue?
    -What is your favorite way to get back down to the blue?
    -Do you find it hard to get your heart rate down? I am finding it hard right now!
    -What do you notice about my heart rate?

  8. Engage in play with your client for as long as you would like and at whatever cadence you would like. Throughout this time help your client to notice that everyone gets in the red and normalize their emotional experience.

Create Your Own Mightier Calming Skills

  • 15 to 20 minutes
  • In person
  • Teletherapy
Video

Overview

This creative activity helps clients think about new skills that may be helpful for bringing their heart rate down while experimenting to see what may be most effective for them.

Time in Mightier program

Weeks 6+

Therapeutic Goals

  1. Provide psychoeducation regarding calming skills
  2. Develop implicit and explicit calming skills
  3. Practice self-reflection
  4. Support the client’s understanding and enjoyment of Mightier

Documentation Suggestion

Client and clinician engaged in an art based intervention focus on coping skill development using the Mightier biofeedback tool. This intervention focused on providing psychoeducation around coping skills, developing implicit and explicit coping skills, and practicing self-reflection

Materials needed

Mightier tablet

Mightier tablet

Heart rate monitor

Heart rate monitor

Paper

Paper

Writing utensils

Writing utensils

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Ask your client what they have noticed as a helpful way to get back down to the blue in Mightier. They may mention Mightier calming skills or others.

  2. Provide psychoeducation around calming skills and how they work using the script below (or something similar):

    I can tell you have been working hard to learn skills that bring your heart rate down. That is great! There are many different calming skills that help people to calm down in real life and that help to bring kids back down to the blue in Mightier. There is no “right” calming skill, everyone is different, and finding what works for you best is important!

  3. Explain that today you are going to try out your client’s own ideas for calming skills. 

  4. Ask your client to draw pictures of at least 4 calming skills that they have tried or would like to try to help them go from the red to the blue that are different than the calming skills that Mightier teaches. (You can also download the optional worksheet). If they need suggestions or are feeling stuck, provide examples. 

  5. Once your client has identified what skills they would like to try, ask them why they picked these skills and why they think they would be helpful. 

  6. Have your client put on their heart rate monitor and turn on their tablet. 

  7. Ask your client to get their heart rate up to the red. Encourage them to do jumping jacks, run in place, hold their hands over their head, dance to a favorite song, etc.. (You can also do this with them to help with adherence)

  8. Once the child shares they are in the red encourage them to try out one of the skills they listed. (You can do the skill along with them to help with adherence). 

  9. Once they are back in the blue, ask your client what they noticed about using this skill.

    -How did it feel to use the skill?
    -What did you notice about your heart rate?
    -What did you like about using this skill?
    -What did you not like about using this skill?
     
  10. Encourage your client to try using these skills inside the Mightier games and in situations outside of Mightier that may be challenging. Brainstorm with your client potential ways to use these skills. 

  11. Repeat this process for the other skills the client has identified in this session or in subsequent sessions. 

*Some clients may want to make a calming skills toolbox or calming skills ring of skills to serve as a reminder of skills. These can be on sheets of paper or can be drawings or cards that the client makes. 

*You can also use the “Calming Skill Cards” activity in the Clinician Toolkit as an example of potential skills for clients to try.

Body Cue Mapping

  • 15 to 20 minutes
  • In person
  • Teletherapy
Video

Overview

This activity helps kids experiment with their heart rate and think critically about clues their body is giving them about their emotions.

Time in Mightier program

Weeks 2+

Therapeutic Goals

  1. Provide psychoeducation regarding body cues
  2. Develop emotional awareness
  3. Develop body awareness
  4. Increase emotional vocabulary
  5. Practice self-reflection
  6. Support client’s understanding and enjoyment of Mightier

Documentation Suggestion

Client and clinician engaged in a psychoeducation-based intervention using the Mightier biofeedback tool. The intervention focused on body cues and helped the client to develop emotional and body awareness while increasing emotional vocabulary and practicing self-reflection

Materials needed

Mightier tablet

Mightier tablet

Heart rate monitor

Heart rate monitor

Paper

Paper

Writing utensils

Writing utensils

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Have the client put on their heart rate monitor and turn on the tablet. 

  2. Ask your client what they know about their body and their emotions. Some possible questions may include:

    -Do you notice anything about the connection between your feelings and how your body feels? 
    -What do you notice about your body when you feel __?

  3. Ask your client what they notice about their body in relation to the areas of the Gizmo.

    -What do you notice about your body when you are in the red?
    -What do you notice about your body when you are in the blue?

  4. Provide psychoeducation about body cues using the script below (or something similar):

    When we feel a feeling, our body may feel different. It may be that when we are worried we get an upset stomach or our legs or arms are shaky. Sometimes when we get angry our face can get red, our fists might clench, and we might get sweaty. These are clues that our body gives us. It can be helpful to learn our own body cues as they can help us to notice when we are feeling something so we can make a decision that will help us feel a bit better. Everyone’s body is different and everyone’s reactions to emotions are different.

  5. Tell your client you are both going to experiment to see if they can notice other things about their body when they are in the different sections of the Gizmo. 

  6. Ask your client to draw an outline of their body on a piece of paper and to grab a red writing utensil.

  7. Ask your client to get into the red however they choose to. This can be a movement like jumping jacks, running in place, dancing, etc. For some clients later in their Mightier journey, they may be able to think of something that makes them frustrated or anxious to get into the red. 

  8. Once they are in the red, ask your client to close their eyes and reflect on what their body feels like. Ask them to color in, highlight, or draw where they are feeling a change in their body once entering the red. This may take a few times to notice sensations for some clients.

  9. Ask your client if they notice any of these changes in situations outside of playing Mightier. Reflect on situations that may come in handy to identify body cues. 

  10. Repeat this process for the blue section of the Gizmo.