Suitcase Termination Activity

Suitcase Termination Activity: At termination, your client is finally ready to continue their journey on their own.  Even though they will be leaving you behind, they can pack up everything that they have learned during their time with you to take with them.  This metaphor is easy for most people to identify with and it is a fun activity. 

Supplies: Plastic or cardboard suitcase (see tutorial here); Blank sticker labels; Paper luggage tag (real ones are cheap, but you could also just use the template); String; Cards; Travel stickers (optional)

Goals: Process termination; Provide transitional object; Help prevent regression; Identify accomplishments, goals, coping tools, etc.

Directions:

1. Have your client make and/or decorate their suitcase. 
2. Then they write something they will “take with them” from their time in therapy on each card provided (I print cards with travel clip-art on the back).  This can be things they have learned, coping skills, supports, resources etc. 
3. You can also integrate this with the after-care kit I posted.
4. On the labels they write or draw goals they have accomplished.  (Like the old suitcases in movies that are covered with stickers of past travels).  I also provide additional travel stickers.
5. On the luggage tag they write where they are going next.  This could be a new life stage (ex. my 8th graders usually write “high school”) or a goal they would like to accomplish that the contents of the box will help them achieve on their own.
6. Process feelings about termination throughout the activity.

Treasure Chest Termination Activity

Supplies: Treasure box (Michaels has wooden “treasure” boxes that are cheap and easy to decorate.  Directions on how to make a paper one can be found here; Stick-on plastic jewels (found at crafts stores, oriental trading co., etc.); Small note cards (cut to fit the box); Pen.

Directions: First, have your client decorate a treasure chest.  Then stick a jewel to each card as your client writes down the “task” that is assigned to that specific color (see below).  On the back of the card they include a specific example of how what they identified has helped them in the past and/or how it will help them in the future.  Below are examples of possible color codes, but you should change them to meet your client’s specific age and needs.  In the end the chest will be full with a stack of jeweled cards.

• Blue: Strengths (Identified by both the client and therapist)
• Red: Coping skills
• Green: Supportive people in their life
• Orange: Resources from therapist (ex. hotline numbers, therapist referrals or directions for reenrolling in services.)
• Purple: Self-care activities
• Pink: Inspiration (future goals, motivational quotes, etc.)
• Yellow: Things they have learned in therapy