GirlgroupTherapy

We had our first session of group therapy. 5 of the 7 girls that had announced to participate showed up in the end. During the introduction of creative therapy that we had given a few times before, the young people questioned the confidence that exists between them – the facilitators. They said, although they work together a lot – being used to communicate with each other – they do not talk to each other so much on a personal level. Confidence, respect, mutual understanding and acceptance are some of the topics what we want to work on within creative therapy. We had some interesting outcome of the first activity, lots of motivation and participation of the girls – and ability to express themselves! Some explained their experiences more on a verbal level, during the reflection in the end. Others showed some strong interaction and expression during the crea(c)tivity – maybe with less verbal strength in the end.

It was obvious how well it worked to communicate through painting – making contact on paper – on a non-verbal but personal level. Within almost 2 hours of time there were some critical, emotional moments – but all in all we had a good first activity. Hopefully the next will come on regular base – at least weekly. There is surely going to be some creative, personal, human and social progress going to happen!

The boys are going to form a group in two weeks – then we will start therapy with them. Now they are busy, organizing festivals and presentations in different communities: too much work to concentrate on internal communication...

I am happy that Arte Acción – directors, workers and facilitators – have expressed their will and need to work on teambuilding again, to work on the human aspects within the organization. To focus on human development; on internal and organizational development! I am happy to be able to help with this as much as I can. Still, we are searching for a local psychologist who can work at my side, who is interested in learning about the application and methodology of creative therapy. Before we can hire him or her, we have to make sure that there are enough fonds to pay such a professional. Well, there will be – it is just a matter of time!