At Innovative Resources we never tire of hearing about new and creative ways that people use Picture This. Why is it so useful, and so popular? Possibly because of the large number and variety of photos within the set, or maybe because there is …Read more
All of the tools published by Innovative Resources have grown out of, or are compatible with, strengths-based practice. Also known as the ‘strengths approach’, this is a way of working that focusses primarily on strengths and hopeful possibilities. It does not ignore difficulties or challenges but the …Read more
In 1990 James Pennebaker from the United States of America conducted some of the earliest and most significant research into the use of journalling as a therapeutic tool. He found that for journalling to have physical and emotional health benefits, people needed to not …Read more
Potential is commonly though of as one’s capacity for achievement. We’ve all heard talk of rising stars in the sporting arena; their limitless talent and ‘huge potential’ paving the way to unprecedented success. Note to Self invites us to think of potential more broadly …Read more
The first week in July is NAIDOC Week here in Australia—a time dedicated to celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. This year (2017) the celebrations are entitled Our Languages Matter and they are focussed on the unique and essential …Read more
‘We are surrounded by symbols. They are present in every facet of our existence. At a practical level, they point us in the right direction, they issue caution, they give us choices, and they limit our choices. Symbols are necessary to navigate …Read more
We may all know what a patchwork quilt is, even if we each hold a slightly different impression in our mind’s eye. But what is a patchwork life? A Patchwork Life is one made up of different parts of one’s self, all sewn together. …Read more
The word ‘preservation’ often brings to mind old-growth forests and endangered species. But do we ever stop to think about the preservation of our own sense of self? The busy-ness of life can take its toll. We are all juggling responsibilities, commitments and relationships, and often …Read more
Imagine 250 senior students sitting in circles, all fully engaged in an activity. Imagine glue sticks, fragments of papers … and then writing, writing, telling bits of their own stories. This has been my experience for the past ten years. The magic carpet ride …Read more
Over a three-year period Karen Masman Bedford ran a series of creative writing workshops with ‘Forgotten Australians’ in Melbourne and Bendigo. The term ‘Forgotten Australians’ refers to people whose childhoods were spent in orphanages and children’s homes. Many suffered abuse of every conceivable kind. …Read more
Whilst many opportunities emerge when a young adult turns 18 years of age, there still remains some symbolic meaning and celebration to turning 21. At this point we reminisce about the good times; the laughter and the challenges, and relive the journey of his …Read more
Even though the word for paper comes from papyros, Ancient Greek for the Cyperus papyrus plant, the invention of the paper industry is most often credited to a Chinese court official, Ts’ai Lun, in 105 AD. Now all these many centuries later, we still …Read more
Narratives, metaphors and storytelling have become an important part of counselling and social work practice, and the term ‘restorying’ has entered the language of therapy. Restorying helps people think differently about themselves and the problems they are facing. It is about exploring alternative ways …Read more
I once discovered a little card in a little card set called Affirmation Cards for the Bored Cynic. This particular card read: ‘I am a work in progress. I hope I don’t get bored and stop.’ I like the sentiment greatly because we are …Read more
