Using Stones in Counselling

A Creative Approach to Emotional Exploration

by Angie Petrie

In the world of counselling, finding innovative ways to help clients express and understand their emotions is part of the work. One I have used for a while and continue to find helpful is a creative method that involves using stones, particularly those marked with emojis, to explore feelings.

 This approach can be especially beneficial for individuals who struggle to articulate their emotions, such as those with alexithymia. For more information on this, look at my previous blog post on Understanding Alexithymia.

Being Born with Six Emotions

From birth, humans are equipped with six basic emotions: joy, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise. These emotions play a fundamental role in our early learning and development. 

For instance, joy encourages exploration and social bonding, whilst fear helps us avoid danger. Anger can motivate us to overcome obstacles, and sadness allows us to seek comfort and support from others. Disgust protects us from harmful substances, and surprise helps us adapt to new situations. 

As we grow, these emotions influence our behaviour, decision-making, and social interactions. Understanding and managing these emotions is a critical part of emotional development, which can be facilitated through creative counselling techniques, such as using stones. 

Emotions: Naming the Unnameable

Imagine you're using the set of stones above. 

Which are the hardest for you to pick up? 

Which are the easiest? 

This exercise encourages clients to explore why naming some feelings comes naturally, whilst others feel like lifting boulders. By externalising emotions through tangible objects, clients can gain new insights and perspectives on their emotional landscape. 

What is your emotional landscape like? 

Does that seem like an odd question? 

Consider for a moment the areas where stones accumulate over time, forming terrain so rocky that it often goes unnoticed. Rather than focusing on these challenging areas, attention tends to shift toward regions showing growth and flourishing. However, it is also important to address the stony ground and explore strategies to remove these obstacles. 

Alternatively, you may be someone who consistently dwells on obstacles without seeking to address or overcome them, ultimately becoming accustomed to these challenges as a central aspect of daily life. These challenges can begin to shape your perspective, influencing how situations are evaluated and interpreted.

When reflecting on these dynamics, you may recognise them in yourself or others. Neither of these particularly aid personal growth. It's only by reflecting on each area of your emotional landscape that change happens. 

Final Thoughts: Navigating an Emotional Landscape

Using stones in counselling offers a unique and effective way to help clients navigate their emotions. 

By understanding the foundational role of basic emotions, counsellors can create a supportive and engaging environment for emotional exploration.