Thumball Set for Group Therapy: A Step-by-Step How-To

Quick answer

Use the Who Are You and Emotions Mania Thumball Set by starting with the Who Are You ball for easy icebreakers, then move to Emotions Mania for deeper feeling work. Toss the ball, and each person answers the prompt under their thumb.

How to run a group session with the Thumball Set

1. Choose your ball and set the tone: Start with the Who Are You ball for new or mixed groups; use Emotions Mania when the group is already comfortable sharing feelings. Announce that participants can pass if a question feels too personal. Checkpoint: Ask the group to agree on a signal for passing before you begin.
2. Explain the rules simply: Toss the ball underhand. The catcher reads the word or phrase under their thumb and responds—by answering, defining, or acting it out. Demonstrate one round yourself. Mistake to avoid: Don't let the ball become a toy; keep the focus on the prompt.
3. Facilitate the first round: Toss the ball to a participant. After they respond, invite a brief follow-up question from you or the group. Keep the pace moving so no one feels put on the spot. Checkpoint: Watch for signs of discomfort and offer a pass without judgment.
4. Transition to the second ball: After a few rounds with Who Are You, switch to Emotions Mania. Explain that this ball focuses on feelings, and remind the group of the pass option. Mistake to avoid: Don't switch too soon; give the group time to warm up.
5. Close with a round of reflection: Ask each person to share one word about how they feel now, or one thing they learned about someone else. Use the ball one last time if it helps. Checkpoint: End on a calm note; avoid opening new intense topics in the final minutes.

Product facts

• Who Are You and Emotions Mania Thumball Set of 2: Set includes two Thumballs: Who Are You and Emotions Mania. You can run a complete session with one purchase, moving from icebreaker to emotion-focused questions.