Play Therapy Feeling Masks

Theater Play Therapy Masks

Sometimes we hide our true feelings behind an imaginary mask.

This play therapy mask activity is a good way to identify feelings that are hidden and have formed into a mask.

Masks keep our authentic selves from shining through and cause us to build walls between others.

People can see masks we put on and this can lead to mistrust from others.

There are some feelings we let everybody see and other feelings we try to hide.

The feelings we try to hide can become a “mask” if we continue to ignore or stuff them within.

Materials for Play Therapy Mask:

Paper for creating masks

Mask Cut outs

Glitter Glue Gems

Feathers Markers Other Craft Materials

Directions for Play Therapy Mask:

1. Identify one or more feelings that are hidden and blocked. Do you think these feelings have become a mask that you wear?

Create a play therapy mask that represents one of the feelings using the art materials listed above.

2. Cut out a mask of choice. Decorate the mask and give the mask a name and write it on the inside of the mask. Examples of mask cutouts are below.

3. After the play therapy client has decorated and named the mask after a hidden feeling ask them to sit and look at the mask for a few minutes.

4. Ask the play therapy client to discuss the below questions:

- How does this mask protect you?

- How does the mask keep you from being your authentic self?

- What does holding onto this mask offer you. What do you get from this mask?

- Who do you lift the mask off for? Why do you take the mask off for this person?

- When do you put the mask on? When do you take the mask off?

- How does this mask help you? How does it hurt you?

- What needs to happen to change the mask?

- How do you feel when you wear the mask?

- Do you get tired when you wear the mask?

- How can you take the mask off and still feel safe?

Feeling Theater Mask to Creative Play Therapy Mask Play Therapy Feeling Masks to Creative Counseling 101.com Home

Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.

*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed  mental health professional immediately.

"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.

For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.

Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of study.