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Cocooning
Materials:
Small round balloons
Tissue paper
ModgePpodge or white glue
10”x12” cardboard for base
Selection of words cut from magazines
(feelings, descriptions of self)
Newspaper
Equipment:
Paintbrushes or foam brushes
Soap and water for cleanup
Optional:
Hairdrier for drying cocoon
Glitter or other embellishments
This intervention uses the metaphor of moths forming cocoons to promote self reflection and
healing in the grief process. During processing, connections that may emerge include the
need for rest, self-protection from predators and transformation. In addition to the need for a
safe place to grow, the actual struggle to emerge from the cocoon is necessary for the moth’s
development. Discuss how this could relate to growth and restoration from grief or whatever
client is struggling with. It can be modified for all ages and is effective in individual or group
work.
Preparation: Anchor an inflated balloon onto a temporary base of cardboard, cutting a slit
into the base and pulling the knot through the slit. Balloon should stand upright on base and
be about the size of a grapefruit.
Process: Older clients (teens and adults) can use this as an inside/outside symbol. They will
select descriptive words/phrases and glue upside down onto the balloon, so that after it is
dried and cut the words inside can be viewed and read. Younger clients proceed from this
point: Cover the balloon with several layers of newspaper, which has been torn into strips
and coated with glue. Finish off with layers of colored tissue. Clients may choose nature
colors or bright colors reflective of their personality. Cover with a thick coat of Modge Podge.
Hang to dry. For younger children you might insert a surprise inside before blowing up the
balloon (a cut out of a butterfly, a story, a message, etc). When thoroughly dry, clients will
pop the balloon, leaving the cocoon intact. Adults/teens benefit from cutting theirs partially
open and processing what they see on the inside of theirs and others. Variations: Sometimes
clients choose to put words/symbols on the outside also, creating an inside/outside collage.
©Amy Sloboda, MA, ATR-BC, CPAT
asloboda@hosparus.org
Materials:
Small round balloons
Tissue paper
ModgePpodge or white glue
10”x12” cardboard for base
Selection of words cut from magazines
(feelings, descriptions of self)
Newspaper
Equipment:
Paintbrushes or foam brushes
Soap and water for cleanup
Optional:
Hairdrier for drying cocoon
Glitter or other embellishments
This intervention uses the metaphor of moths forming cocoons to promote self reflection and
healing in the grief process. During processing, connections that may emerge include the
need for rest, self-protection from predators and transformation. In addition to the need for a
safe place to grow, the actual struggle to emerge from the cocoon is necessary for the moth’s
development. Discuss how this could relate to growth and restoration from grief or whatever
client is struggling with. It can be modified for all ages and is effective in individual or group
work.
Preparation: Anchor an inflated balloon onto a temporary base of cardboard, cutting a slit
into the base and pulling the knot through the slit. Balloon should stand upright on base and
be about the size of a grapefruit.
Process: Older clients (teens and adults) can use this as an inside/outside symbol. They will
select descriptive words/phrases and glue upside down onto the balloon, so that after it is
dried and cut the words inside can be viewed and read. Younger clients proceed from this
point: Cover the balloon with several layers of newspaper, which has been torn into strips
and coated with glue. Finish off with layers of colored tissue. Clients may choose nature
colors or bright colors reflective of their personality. Cover with a thick coat of Modge Podge.
Hang to dry. For younger children you might insert a surprise inside before blowing up the
balloon (a cut out of a butterfly, a story, a message, etc). When thoroughly dry, clients will
pop the balloon, leaving the cocoon intact. Adults/teens benefit from cutting theirs partially
open and processing what they see on the inside of theirs and others. Variations: Sometimes
clients choose to put words/symbols on the outside also, creating an inside/outside collage.
©Amy Sloboda, MA, ATR-BC, CPAT
asloboda@hosparus.org