CUSTOMIZED THERAPEUTIC PUZZLES

According to the present invention, there is provided a therapeutic puzzle. The puzzle comprises a plurality puzzle pieces. Each of the pieces has a top surface, a bottom surface and complimentary joints for detachably assembling the pieces together in a pre-determined pattern. The top surface of one or more of the pieces features a therapeutic message or a series of therapeutic messages designed to bring about a pre-determined therapeutic result when the pieces are assembled in the pre-determined pattern to form the puzzle.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2show an embodiment of a customized therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention which is designed to assist individuals in dealing with issues relating to bereavement. The therapeutic puzzle (10) consists of a plurality of puzzle pieces (12). Each puzzle piece has a top surface (14), a bottom surface and complimentary joints (16) for detachably assembling the pieces together in a pre-determined pattern. The top surface (14) of one or more of the puzzle pieces (12) features a therapeutic message (18) or a series of therapeutic messages which are conveyed to a puzzle user when the pieces (12) are assembled in a pre-determined pattern to form the puzzle (10). Each therapeutic message (18) is designed to elicit reflection on the part of the puzzle user and facilitate discussion between the puzzle user and a therapist or counselor.

The therapeutic message (18) may be an image, a drawing, a photograph, written text or some other visual aid. The therapeutic message or series of therapeutic messages may focus on a number of different personal social, emotional, cognitive or health related issues. For example, the messages may focus on: divorce and separation; Alzheimer's; addictions; bereavement; abuse; bullying, Parkinson's; terminal illnesses or sexual orientation.

FIG. 2shows a therapeutic puzzle (10) which relates to bereavement. The puzzle (10) is designed to assist one in starting over after the loss of a partner. The puzzle is intended to help the one who has been left behind move on and work through his or her grief.

As shown inFIG. 2, each puzzle piece (12) features a certain therapeutic message which amounts to a potential thought or discussion point. For Example, the message (22) “No one can take my place as the children's mother. I give them permission to love someone else, if they are good to them”, is designed to help the parent who has been left behind know that it is okay to introduce someone else into his or her child's life after the passing of their loved one. The message conveys that in doing so, the parent is not being replaced. The child will always remember who his or her mother/father is and cherish them.

Each part of the puzzle (10) can be reflected upon by the puzzle user or discussed between the puzzle user and a counselor, therapist or other individual until the puzzle user is ready to move on and process the next corresponding message to achieve a pre-determined therapeutic result. By gradually working through the puzzle (10), a puzzle user is able to work through the emotional issues relating to separation or divorce or another problem or issue. The puzzle pieces (12) may be assembled over a certain period of time or over a number of counseling or therapy sessions.

FIG. 3shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in personalized assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to bereavement. The puzzle (10) has been personalized by incorporating photographs (36) of a puzzle user's family members. This can sometimes help the puzzle user to identify with the therapeutic messages (18) and on a deeper level internalize the messages.

The message (24) which consists of a combination of written text, namely, “We thought we would grow old together” and a photograph, is intended to help a parent who has lost a loved one confront his or her feelings of anger, resentment and loss.

FIG. 4shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in generic assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to preventing suicide in children being bullied. Again, each puzzle piece (12) features a certain therapeutic message which amounts to a potential thought or discussion point. For example, the message (38) “They are often jealous of you, your personality, friends or material things you possess” is intended to help a child who is being bullied understand why it is happening. More particularly, the message helps the child to understand that it is the bully who is the problem. By way of further example, the message (40) “keep your “power””, encourages children who are being bullied not to let it get to them and to feel strong and good about themselves, despite the bullying.

FIG. 5shows a therapeutic puzzle (10) which is specifically designed to address bullying. Message (26), “You feel worthless and you feel that you have no future”, message (28), “You envy your peers' relationships with their loved ones” and message (30), “Bullying makes you feel empowered”, all assist the puzzle user to recognize and acknowledge the reasons he or she is bullying and it challenges the puzzle user to confront some of the thoughts and feelings that lead to bullying behaviors. The therapeutic message (32) “Do not worry how your so called bullying friends perceive you. You know you are a good person let it show” can empower the puzzle user to learn how to overcome bullying.

The puzzle (10) has been customized to show a photograph of the puzzler user (the child who is bullying). This enables the puzzle user to relate more to the therapeutic messages and process the messages on a much deeper level. The puzzle (10) may be worked on over a number of counseling or therapy sessions to assist individuals in coming to terms with why they bully, why they are connected with people who bully and what they can do to overcome it.

FIG. 6shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in generic assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to dealing with mental illness. The puzzle (10) features a series of therapeutic messages. For example, the message (42) “Be happy, you could have a terminal illness with only a few months to live” is designed to remind an individual that a mental illness is something that one can live with, if it is kept under control. Unlike a terminal illness, an individual with a mental illness can live a very long, happy and fulfilled life. This message is intended to assist the puzzle user to view his or her mental illness in a more positive light. By way of further example, the message (44) “Mental illness is a sickness like any other”, is intended to remind an individual suffering from a mental illness that it needs attention and treatment, just like any other physical illness condition, or ailment.

FIG. 7is a personalized form of a therapeutic puzzle (10) which is designed to assist individuals with Alzheimer's. The therapeutic messages may consist of pictures and names of the puzzle user's family.

The therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention is similar to a jigsaw puzzle but combines personalization with therapeutic messages which are intended to bring about a predetermined therapeutic result. For example, family discussion on specific issues arising out of a family break-up or reinforcement of familial names, faces and relationships for Alzheimer's patients.

The message or series of messages conveyed by the therapeutic puzzle (10) according to the present invention may focus on any number of different conditions, problems or illnesses including, but not limited to: divorce, separation, Alzheimer's, addictions, bereavement, abuse, bullying, Parkinson's, terminal illnesses and sexual orientation.

The therapeutic puzzle (10) according to the present invention may be plastic, cardboard or even magnetic, so as to be more user-friendly. It may also include a flat puzzle assembly surface comprising a raised border (34), within which the puzzle pieces (12) may be assembled into a pre-determined pattern.

It will be understood that text within the therapeutic puzzle (10) according to the present invention may be written in any language.