Part Two: The creativity as a fundamental process in motivational therapy

Understanding the Different Types of Creativity

In the realm of creativity, it’s important to differentiate between types of creativity and creative cognitive processes. Types of creativity refer to different ways of characterizing the creative act as a whole, while creative cognitive processes are the steps within cognitive activity that combine in various ways during the creative act. One method of classifying types of creativity is by the predominant field in which they operate: verbal, mathematical, spatial, and their combinations, as proposed by Dow and Mayer (2004) through cluster analysis.

However, it’s crucial not to confuse types of creativity with thinking techniques or educational methods designed to promote or explore creativity. While these techniques can lead to different creative processes, they do not uniquely define types of creativity. Types of creativity are the result of one or several creative processes, making it challenging to distinguish between type and process.

Three Types of Creativity

According to Fuentes and Torbay (2004), De Prado suggests three types of creativity based on the real or imaginary involvement of the person in their processes or products:

• Objective and Realistic Creativity: This type relates to external reality, drawing on the person’s knowledge and life experiences. It enables the construction of creative solutions to problems that contain negative aspects or deficiencies.

  
  

• Imaginative and Fantastic Creativity: This form of creativity transcends the boundaries of reality, relying on analogical, imaginative, and fantastical-transformative thinking. It is not constrained by logical-rational control.

  
  

• Innovative and Inventive Creativity: This type focuses on changing and improving reality, aligned with personal desires or an ideal of excellence. It aims for dynamic improvement and change, leading to original, innovative, unique, and previously non-existent products.

  
  

Obstacles to Creativity

Despite the power of creativity, several obstacles can hinder its expression:

1. Negative Words: Negative words can kill good ideas. It’s important to speak positively and avoid dismissing anyone or their ideas. Parents, teachers, pastors, leaders, the media, and spouses are often the sources of these harmful expressions that negatively affect creativity.

2. Bad Memories and Past Experiences: Unresolved bad memories and past experiences can wreak havoc on a person’s creativity. As long as these remain unaddressed, they can stifle creative expression.

3. Educational Institutions: Schools and educational systems, particularly rigid and uncreative structures, can be significant barriers to creativity.

4. Past Successes: Achievements can also impede creativity. The sense of victory already attained can prevent people from envisioning better horizons and pursuing further creative endeavors.

5. The “Finished Product Syndrome”: This mindset assumes that everything has already been done or invented, leading to complacency and a lack of innovation. This belief, often fueled by a misinterpretation of biblical texts, suggests that “there is nothing new under the sun.”

6. Aging: Some individuals believe they are too old to continue creating, abandoning any attempts at innovation. They may spend time dreaming and reminiscing, rather than planning and setting new expectations.

7. Lack of Resources and a Creative Environment: A lack of resources and an ideal environment for creativity can also be significant barriers.

   
   

Creativity in Motivational Therapy

Given the importance of creativity in overcoming these obstacles, it plays a vital role in motivational therapy. Creativity helps identify personality traits, intelligence, work capacity, motivation, and cognitive styles, among other personal factors, of those seeking help with overcoming addiction or behavioral issues. Understanding the areas in which a person is productive and fulfilled is invaluable. It adds value, meaning, and direction to the patient’s life, helping to focus therapy on specific occupational areas where they can feel recognized and improve their self-esteem.

In motivational therapy, creativity is not just a tool for problem-solving but a pathway to self-discovery, personal growth, and long-lasting change. By recognizing and nurturing creativity, therapists can help individuals unlock their potential, overcome obstacles, and build a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.