Self-Concept Game

B. Berg, Ph.D.

Self-Concept Game

This appealing board game is an excellent way to engage- and treat – children who are too old for puppets and toys, but too young to express themselves readily in therapy. It gives children a clearer, more realistic picture of themselves in five areas: Scholastic Competence; Social Acceptance; Physical Appearance; Athletic Competence; and Behavioural Competence. It helps them discover their strengths and teaches them strategies for maintaining and enhancing self-esteem.

To focus discussion, you can choose appropriate game cards based on the child’s responses to the Self-Concept Inventory and the Cognitive Orientation Inventory, both included in the game manual. Generally played by a therapist and one or more children, the game can also be used by parents or in the classroom.
 

Self-Concept Workbook

This workbook reinforces self-esteem by encouraging a realistic evaluation of strengths and weaknesses. The child learns to apply nine different kinds of self-talk; Accepting Compliments, Making Realistic Comparisons, Not Overreacting to Failure, Minimizing Criticism, Recognizing Strengths, Expecting What’s Reasonable, Expecting Success, Praising Self, and Taking Credit. Using self-talk, the student can improve his or her self-concept and sense of competence in relation to school, friends, sports, behaviour, and physical appearance.
 

Self-Concept Story Cards

Here is the answer for client-centred therapists who want to add some structure to counselling sessions. Children’s responses to the illustrations and your story prompts reveal their needs and conflicts; you can then help them revise their stories to express more adaptive values. This process fosters a transfer of learning to the child’s won experience. Nicely complements the above self-concept products, but stands on its won as an outstanding therapeutic tool.