Walktober:Step Into Wellness-Every Mile,Every Mind

The recent art and drama therapy sessions at Stepping Stones International have been nothing short of life-changing for our in-school and out-of-school participants! These sessions, conducted over twenty consecutive meetings/ sessions, focused on critical aspects of emotional well-being such as emotional expression, positive relationships, and self-concept. Through creative, hands-on art activities, participants could explore and express emotions in a safe and nurturing environment, facilitating their emotional growth and personal transformation. 

From the onset, the participants from different groups displayed remarkable engagement and enthusiasm. The sessions encouraged open discussions about emotions, relationships, and self-perception, allowing them to share their thoughts freely. The creative process provided an avenue to express complex emotions that might otherwise be difficult to articulate. Whether through painting, drawing, or drama, the participants’ involvement in artistic activities fostered a deeper connection with themselves and their peers. 

By creating this supportive and inclusive space, the participants felt validated and understood. The therapy sessions became a powerful platform for them to build positive relationships while fostering self-expression and personal development. 

Tackling Emotional Distress, Anger, and Substance Abuse 

The Psychosocial (PSS) hub facilitated seven specialized art and drama therapy sessions with participants in the Economic Advancement Leadership (EAL) program. These sessions were structured around critical assessments that identified three main challenges: emotional distress, anger management, and substance abuse. To address these, PSS implemented trauma-based art and drama therapy protocols, offering participants a creative outlet to safely explore their emotions and confront personal struggles. 

The primary objectives of these sessions were: 

• Processing Emotions: Helping participants identify and work through their emotions related to distress, anger, and substance abuse. 

• Providing Coping Mechanisms: Equipping participants with tools to effectively manage their emotions. 

• Fostering Community: Creating a sense of mutual support and validation among participants facing similar issues. 

• Encouraging Reflection: Promoting self-reflection and personal growth through artistic and dramatic expression. 

• Facilitating Healing: Guiding participants toward emotional healing and positive behavioral changes. 

The first step in the therapy sessions was creating a safe, respectful, and confidential space where participants felt comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Trust-building was crucial in these early moments, as it laid the foundation for honest dialogue and emotional openness. 

A standout moment in the session was the Body Outline Activity, where participants traced their bodies on large sheets of paper and used art to indicate areas where they experienced different emotions or physical sensations. This visual representation allowed participants to connect with their feelings more tangibly, providing powerful insights into their emotional and physical states. 

Visible Progress-From Stress to Relief 

Each session started with a check-in phase, during which participants shared their emotional state. Many initially expressed feelings of stress, anxiety, or discomfort. However, by the check-out phase at the end of each session, participants consistently reported feeling more at ease, with many sharing positive feelings and a sense of relief. This visible shift in emotional well-being is a testament to the effectiveness of the trauma-informed therapy approach. 

The success of these sessions highlights the transformative power of art and drama therapy in addressing emotional and behavioral challenges among youth. Participants not only showed marked improvement in managing their emotions but also developed deeper connections with their peers and facilitators. The sessions fostered a sense of belonging and community, which is critical in their ongoing journey toward resilience and emotional well-being. 

Working with small children who have attempted suicide is incredibly challenging, but the triumphs make it all worthwhile. Stepping Stones International Counsellors once worked with a young girl who had made several attempts to end her life by ingesting household chemicals. Her world had been turned upside down by her parent's impending divorce.

During her initial intake session, she refused to speak. Every time the Counsellors mentioned the word "divorce," she would break down in hysterical sobs. Traditional speech therapy proved ineffective, so the Counsellor tried something different: art therapy.

She was asked to draw pictures of her feelings, and she took to it immediately. From that moment on, the sessions revolved around her artwork. The pictures she created in just her third session were profoundly expressive. Art became her voice, a safe outlet for her overwhelming emotions.

The transformation was remarkable. Art therapy unlocked her ability to communicate, helping the Counsellors navigate through her deep-seated pain and confusion. SSI is incredibly grateful we had a supply of paper and a variety of coloring tools to offer her. What might seem like simple, everyday items became her lifeline.

Art and drama therapy are important in Stepping Stones International counseling sessions due to their unique ability to facilitate emotional expression, promote healing, and enhance communication. Art and drama therapy also provides a non-verbal medium for clients to express complex emotions and experiences that they might find difficult to articulate with words. These therapies help clients process traumatic events by externalizing their feelings and experiences, which can lead to deeper understanding and healing. Engaging in creative activities can serve as an emotional release, reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Incorporating art and drama therapy into counseling sessions can significantly enhance the therapeutic process, offering unique and powerful ways to support clients in their journey toward healing and personal growth.SSI is sharing this to rally global support for mindset motivation initiatives. For privacy reasons, the child's name and photograph have been withheld.