In this fact sheet creativity is defined and stages in the creative process and characteristics of creative persons are discussed. Research approaches to creativity and blocks to the creative process are described. Six creative approaches to integrating creativity into counseling are delineated. (MCF)

Popular misconceptions about creativity include the following: it is limited to a few unique individuals, it declines seriously with age, and it is associated with uniqueness or innovation. As the focus of creativity research has shifted from examination of the personality traits of creative individuals to examination of the social and…