Creative Movements

Creative Workshops for Students and Teachers in India

2011-08-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

In July I had facilitated a creative workshop using dramatherapy techniques the Poodar International School in Hassan, Karnataka, India, with my co-facilitator, Unnath Jain. It was an amazing experience…

This was the first time I had visited a school in India. Both of us were asked to speak at the assembly. I found the assembly very meaningful. A few students were called upon to take an except out of each of the main religious text/scriptures, read it out and explain it in English. The main scriptures were the Bhagavad Gita, the Quran and the Bible. Then a year 7 (12 year old)boy gave a book review of a chosen literary book. Then the Indian National Anthem was sung after which those who had their birthdays on that day were called upon and given a little gift.

Then the principle introduced both of us and had pretty much read aloud most of what was written in our resumes to give us some credibility to what we were going to do later that day and the next day with the teachers. He had even read out the list of languages I had taken up and speak and asked the children ask me to teach them a few words or practice them with me if they knew them.

Then it was my turn to speak… The first thing that came to mind is how honoured I felt for being invited to do the workshop with that school and how impressed I was with the children, of their presentations that morning and also how impressed I am with the way the assembly was conducted. It was so much more meaningful that the school assemblies here in Malaysia. The way I remember school assemblies in Malaysia is that we all were expected to gather in front of the flag poles, we sang the national anthem, the school anthem and had our nails, and attires and cleanliness and neatness checked by the teachers and/or prefects and went back to our classes. Frankly, I used to think it was horribly boring and a waste of time.

It was so different in this school. The children looked inspired though out the whole assembly. The principle had a constant, kind smile on his face though out the assembly. The energy in that environment was encouraging.

The workshop with the children was a lot of fun! There were forty of them with lots of energy! I could not have managed it without my co-facilitator. My co-facilitator is also a professional dancer and he took over the physical warm up and was very good in keeping the crowd under control. This was the first time that we had worked together. It was great working with him. I think we make a great team.

The students were very excited throughout the workshop. The energy was very vibrant and they all wanted to participate in everything we did.

At the end of the workshop, both Unnath and I felt like rock stars! All forty children wanted our autographs and had formed a mob around us. We finally said that they had to queue to get our autographs. They even asked me to say and write in their books in the languages which I knew.

The outcome of the workshop with the children was very positive. The children said that they had learned so much about creativity, one of them whose story was chosen was given the opportunity to direct the play. That was the first time she had ever done that and she was very pleased. They also mentioned that they had a lot of fun throughout the workshop.

On the next day when we came again to do a basic dramatherapy skills training workshop for the teachers the principle had said that the children told him how much they had enjoyed the session. They even brought it up during the school assembly that morning.

The workshop for teachers turned out to be very successful. Some of the comments from the teachers included how much they had learned from the workshop and how they could see incorporating the creative ideas into their classes. A few of them mentioned that they did not realize that they are that creative. And one of the common feedback in all the workshops which I have facilitated is how much fun they have had in the workshop. The energy level in the room was very high and positive.

I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to facilitate this workshop for such a wonderful group of students and teachers in India. I would like to thank Unnath Jain for organizing it and for being my co-facilitator for both the workshops.

The End of an Incredible Job

2011-08-03T02:45:00.000-07:00

At the end of June 2011, I left a full time position in an NGO as the Head of Home and Welfare. I was there for eight months. Frankly, I am surprised I had lasted that long... At the end of the second week, I was getting what felt like heart palpitations! And one day after about two week of working there as I got out of my chair, I noticed that there was a whole lot of hair on the floor!!! It was no wonder as this job which I had taken on was very challenging and stressful.

I was in charge of 70 underprivileged children. Many of them were from single parent families and who cannot provide for them financially and in many cases, emotionally.

I had never taken on such a position before and took it on for the experience of it... And decided to say "yes" instead of chickening out of the grand scale of responsibilities which came with the job.

This was also the first time that I had taken on an administrative position. I was in charge of about 18 staff and 70 children. Everything which had to do with the children, had to go through me for approval or decisions.

I truly appreciate the opportunity to have had experienced being in this position. It had expanded me mentally, emotionally and spiritually in ways which I have never expected and it had allowed me to explore the depths of my capability of handling crisis almost everyday and sometimes a few times a day! It taught me to maintain healthy detachments and yet take appropriate action when necessary.
Most importantly, it had I felt my heart expand...I felt love for all those children and compassion and understanding for the staff. I guess it is a given when one works with children... It is hard not to love them....
It thought me how to stay calm in the eye of the storm. What an an amazing journey it had been!!! As you may guess, it was hard to say goodbye to the children but it was time for me to move on.. My gift to them on my last day is an Odissi dance performance.

'Dramatic Healing' article on Doctorjob's Courses Now! magazine, issue 69, March 2011, pg40 -pg42

2011-04-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Power of Silence

2011-01-14T21:45:00.000-08:00

Last September, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a meditation retreat for a total of 10 days. It was a silent meditation retreat. We were not to speak or even have eye contact with anyone for first 9 days. The exception being, if we had a question for the teacher, we were allowed a 10 minute to interview with the teacher, or if we had a problem with our living quarters we can contact the manager (but we had to get right to the point. No unwanted discussions allowed).

In the first two days I found it difficult not to acknowledge others. In contrast, after the two days, I felt almost violated when/if anyone would whisper something or ask me a question when they were not supposed to.

I was fortunate that it took me only about a day to become aware of and to quiet my mind…almost completely. I think I owe it to my previous meditation practice.

I loved the silence both of my inner self and my environment. It was so comforting. Like a nice warm blanket on a cold winter’s night. I was just content its to be in its warmth. Nothing else mattered. Accept the present. And once I am in the present- fully and completely, when I went for my quiet walks on the serene grounds of the meditation centre, nature seem to do a dance for me… or rather with me.. she dances and I respond to her moves with my appreciation and love of her performance (As I’m writing this, I just saw a swift and an hawk circling the sky on opposite directions {apart from each other, of course} from my balcony… Love the synchronicity!).

I would see a few birds sitting on straws of long grasses making beautiful curves like the waves of the ocean. I would hear the different melodies the songs of birds, and their intricately, synchronized choreographed dance in the sky.

The squirrels played with each other like children do, having so much fun hiding and seeking.

On the eighth day of the retreat, I left the meditation hall for a water break after the first hour. It was about 5:30 in the morning. I went outside and gazed in awe at the star studded sky. I was amazed at the beauty of the jeweled sky. A few moments passed and I saw a bright shooting star… followed by another!! That was not a common sight for a city girl…

On that same day just about noon, I was walking past a huge, tall tree and just before me a feather floated to the ground, as if to say, this is your gift from the heavens, take it!

I noticed that when I am present in silence, the universe reveals its beauty to me. And my heart expands to infinity. There is no thought. There is only joy, appreciation and love for what is. And all I saw in that state was beauty. At that moment joy, love, beauty and peace is all one and all present.

Job Vacancies

2010-12-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

Immediate vacancies for

Counselor

Child Affairs Officer

Child Affairs Assistant

Administrative Assistant

Store Keeper

at a Childrens' Home based in Jalan Puchong, Kuala Lumpur.

Please call Mr. Param at 03-7728 9391 for further details

New Experiences

2010-12-20T02:51:00.000-08:00

Recently I had taken on a job in a charity organization as the Head of Home and Welfare. We currently house 74 children in need. It's been an interesting 6 weeks. It is a huge responsibility and it is expanding my experience beyond my expectations. I never had imagined taking on a job like this before. This job is definitely NOT boring!!!

Personal Development Group: Taking the Journey Within

2010-10-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

When we were children, we may have thought, that when we grew older we would have more freedom to do all the things that we were ‘not allowed to’ by our parents or guardians or not allowed to because we were too young. We may have thought that having more control of our lives would bring all the happiness and freedom we would ever want.
As we journey through adulthood we realize that is not always true. Now, many of us may wish we were a child again. We remember the good parts of our childhood where we may have had less responsibilities and worries of the world.
At times our responsibilities may overwhelm us. Causing worry and resulting in physical, mental and emotional stress and problems.
These challenges may vary from relationship issues, self esteem issues, problems at work, being victimized or bullied, bereavement, conflict within, anger issues and dealing with fears. Or stepping into a new phase of life, i.e. early adulthood, middle adulthood, or late adulthood and having to face the challenges that they may bring; physical and mental health problems and various other life challenges.
Most of us react to the challenges we face in life. The fact is there is no way to escape the challenges that life keeps throwing at us. The question is, how do we still remain centered and whole despite these challenges? How do we stay calm in the eye of the storm?
These group sessions help to provide skills and tap into ourselves to reveal the answers.

Target Group : 18 years old onwards
No. of Participant : Maximum of 10
No. of sessions : 8
Duration per session : 80 minutes
Fee : RM 500
Day and time : Tuesday, 8pm – 9.30pm
Start date : 12 October 2010
Venue:

Enrich Counselling & Therapy Centre

17-3, Jalan Puteri 1/6, Bandar Puteri,

Objective:
• To have clarity of intentions/direction in life
• To discover one’s true potential
• To be in touch with one’s true self/inner voice
• To have control of one’s thoughts and emotion
• To be able to take responsibility of one’s own life and circumstances
• To improve relationship with oneself and others
• To equip the individual with methods which will help to elevate oneself when feeling down or stressed
• To understand and know the personal power each person has within themselves and to learn how to bring it forth especially in challenging times.
• To tap into each individual’s passion and to incorporate them into the individuals lives.

Expected Outcome:
• Have more clarity in the direction of your chosen path
• Be able to tap into your personal resources
• Be able to consciously take inspired
actions instead of constantly just reacting to external events.
• Be in control of one’s thoughts and emotions
• Be and feel more self empowered
• Be connected to one’s own wisdom
• Be more positive about life even during challenging times.
• Having FUN!

Facilitotor: Vanitha Chandrasegaram, Dramatherapist
MA Dramatherapy (University of Hertfordshire, UK)
MSc Psychology (Pittsburg State University, USA)
Vanitha chose to be trained as a dramatherapist to combine her passion and background in the performing arts and Psychology. As a dancer, she has always felt that creative expression contributes to the wellness of an individual. In the last five years as a dramatherapist, she is now able to use creativity in the therapeutic context and to empower others.
Her experience as a dramatherapist includes working in the UK and Malaysia in various settings from a private colleges to mental hospitals. She has worked with clients ranging with those undergoing various life challenges to clients with mental health issues, from ages three to ninety.
Vanitha is a member of the National Association of Drama Therapy (USA) and was registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) in UK (2004). Her work has been published in a book and professional journals in the UK and in Malaysia.

For registration and inquiries, please contact
Yvonne Lee
Enrich Counselling & Therapy Centre
Tel : 03-8061 8061/ 017-668 3702
Fax : 03-8063 3063
E-mail: yvonnelee@jm-enrich.my

Free talk: Sailing through life challenges using creative arts

2010-09-17T03:45:00.000-07:00

Speaker: Vanitha Chandrasegaram, Dramatherapist

Once in a while, life throws us challenges. These challenges may vary from relationship issues, self esteem issues, problems at work, being victimized or bullied, bereavement, stepping into a new phase of life – such as puberty, middle age, or old age and... having to face the challenges that they may bring; physical and mental health problems and various other life challenges.
Unfortunately, we never learned how to cope with these challenges when we were in school. Those of us who were lucky, may have learned it at our homes or other social interactions. But the general majority of our society have not been thought how to deal with life’s challenges. And therefore only are able to do the best that we know how. For most people that will be either to keep quiet about it or make a big deal about it, but not really working through it.
If we choose to keep quiet or hide it, our problems accumulates momentum and becomes even bigger than before and leaks through other ways such as in appropriate anger, addiction and other ‘negative’ behaviours.
When we make it a big deal, we get everyone else involved in our ‘drama’ which complicates the issue and upsets more people than necessary. We may have relieved our frustration or anger, but not worked through the problem.
The whole idea of seeing someone to help them deal and work through their problems can be daunting. Just talking and sharing and admitting their issues are a big deal for most people. And sometimes, one may not know how to describe their issues, or unable to be truly honest about it through words.
Using Creative Arts therapy as a tool- such as story making, drama games, movements, art work, voice work and music, one is able to express their challenges, work through them and have fun in the process. It provides a safe distance, it revisits the creative and the playful side of us. As adults many of us may have forgotten how to be playful and creative as we take on more responsibilities in our lives. It is a bonus that through this method, one can have fun even though they are working through very challenging situations.
In this talk, the participants will be enlightened with a brief, fun, experiential preview about how creative arts therapy is used in resolving life’s challenges.

Structure of Session:
Introduction
Warm up
Main Activity
Closure
Feedback

.
Time:
Saturday · 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Location:
Enrich Counselling & Therapy Centre

17-3, Jalan Puteri 17-3, Bandar Puteri

Puchong, Malaysia

For queries and RSVP, please sms/ call Yvonne Lee at 017-668 3702/ E-mail: yvonnelee@jm-enrich.my

The Power of Thought and the Power of Metaphors

2010-06-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Most of us have heard of the idea that our thoughts create our world. When we change our thoughts, we change our world. In my experience that statement has been true every time.

In Dramatherapy metaphors are widely explored and used during the process of therapy. We dramatherapists, have found it very effective in the process of healing.

The link below is a video from TED TV by an Indian classical dancer who elaborates and performs about the power thoughts and the power of metaphor in her process of healing from cancer. Definitely worth watching!

http://www.ted.com/talks/ananda_shankar_jayant_fights_cancer_with_a_dance.html

Failure is an option. Fear is NOT

2010-06-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

I was watching James Cameron's talk on TED TV earlier today, possibly for the 7th time. I discovered it a few months ago just after the film 'Avatar' became a big hit on the big screen. I found his talk to be truly inspiring.

Towards the end, he says "Failure IS an option in art and in exploration... Whatever you do, failure is an option, fear is NOT"

I began to think about the times that I have feared and still sometimes fear failure. And many times it is usually instigated by my environment i.e. others, etc. I also am remided by those who have come to me for therapy. A few of them come for therapy because they feel stuck, unable to move forward or be happy in their lives because they are paralised by the fear of failure.

What is failure? The dictionary defines it as 'the lack of success'. My understanding of the word failure is that when we have not met our own, other people's or societies expectations.

I find that many times we are usually afraid of things that are unlikely to happen. We paralise ourselves with fear of the worst case scenarios of a given situation.

My experience of each 'failure' in my life is that it is never as bad as I have imagined it to be. And there is always something better that imerges instead... Usually it is better than I could have imagined.

When it comes to following your dreams or pursuing an inspiration, as James Cameron says, failure has to be an option. If we fear failure, we are not living our lives as we desire. That is not living a creative life. I believe that our potential as creative beings is unlimitted. It can be limited only by our fears. The fear of failure robs us from exploring and expanding our creativity. Our creativity is life's wonderful and precious gift to us.

Until we face our fears, it is difficult to realise that fears are just illusions.

Until we realise that failure is an option, and in many instances it is just part of the process of creating the life that we desire, our lives will be limited by our fears of failure.

Once we have those realizations, life becomes a wonderful adventure!

Group Sessions

2010-04-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

I will be facilitating two of the groups listed below. Please call Yvonne Lee at 017-668 3702 for more information or to book a space.

Self Exploration Sessions for Teens: “Exploring the Treasure Chest”
Most individuals find the adolescent years very challenging, mainly because this is the time for the process of transformation to becoming an adult. These include both physical and psychological changes. Often it involves efforts of trying to fit in with the group and giving in to peer pressure. This is the time where most teens find life confusing and many try to find themselves in various experimentations to help them ‘find’ themselves and where they ‘fit’ in the world.
This workshop aims at helping the individual to explore their true self through the process of creative arts.

Objectives1.To create self awareness and to be in touch with their authentic
self
2.To help set long term goals and help explore and formulate ways
to help achieve them
3.To be in touch with, and to be able to draw strength from the
hero within
4.To explore and work on resolving issues which may be blocking
the individual’s path of reaching their fullest potential
5.To help explore the creative potential of each individual
6.To do all the above while having some FUN!

Facilitator: Vanitha Chandrasegaram
MA Dramatherapy (Hertfordshire, UK)
MSc Psychology (Pittsburg State University, USA)

What will it involve?
These sessions will combine various elements of creative arts including
• Movements
• Drama games
• Drama /Acting
• Story making
• Art work

Expected outcome:
• Express more insight and psychological maturity
• Being able to draw on inner strength
• Being more aware and being able to reflect on their
own behavior
• Being in touch with the creative self
• Being open to trying new positive things
• Knowing their inner selves better
• Having a clearer sense of direction and making better
decisions
• Have more self confidence and self esteem

Target group: 13 years old to 17 years old (high school students)
and 17 to 25 years (College/University students)

Group size: 5-8 participants

Medium of instruction: English

Intake : May 2010

Duration : 90 minutes, 8 sessions

Fee : RM500

For morre information and application, please refer to www.jm-enrich.my or contact Yvonne Lee at 017-668 3702.

Support Group for Bereavement: Moving On
When we lose someone special in our lives, either through death, divorce or separation, sometimes we don’t know how to get on with our lives. Many people get stuck in the grief. And just don’t know how to get past the grief. And if it lasts for over a period of time, one may fall into depression and other mental health issues.
Some people may feel that expressing grief makes them look weak and they tend to hide and repress their feeling. As they do this, they may find that the grief may manifest in anger, frustration and stagnation in various parts of their lives.

Some may feel unable to move on and may be stuck in feeling of hopelessness, loss and depression. As they may have lost a significant person in their lives, whom they had depended on emotionally and sometimes also financially. This may cause them to feel emotionally, and mentally drained and debilitated.

It is important to express and feel the grief. And it is important to move pass the grief. The sadness of loss doesn’t go away if it is repressed or held on to for too long. Only when the feeling of grief is felt and expressed most people are able to move on with their lives.

Objectives
• To give a space for individuals in the group to share their
experience of the grief of the loss of a loved one
• To have a group of people who will be able to support each other
during the difficult period of bereavement.
• To help group members to work through this period of
bereavement and help the process of moving on with their lives

Expected Outcome
• To come to accept the loss of a loved one
• To be able to readjust and move on with life
• To be able to find joy in life even with the absence of the loved
one

Facilitator: Vanitha Chandrasegaram
MA Dramatherapy (Hertfordshire, UK)
MSc Psychology (Pittsburg State University, USA)

Method:
Various creative methods will be used as tools to facilitate this group session. Sometimes words alone is not enough to express the depths of one’s feelings. The creative arts therapy tools engages the subconscious believes and thoughts which may be the cause of being stuck in various ways because of grief.

Target group: People who have lost someone special in lives, either through death, divorce or separation.

Group size: 5-10 participants

Medium of instruction: English

Intake : May 2010

Duration : 90 minutes, 10 sessions

Fee : RM600

For more information and application, please refer to www.jm-enrich.my or contact Yvonne Lee at 017-668 3702.

Personal Development for Young Adults- Group Sessions

2010-03-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

I will be facilitating Personal Development Group Sessions for young adults.
Please see the information below:

Step Up Your Life! : starting on 5 April

Personal Development for Young Adults

Target Group : 18 – 25 years

During early adulthood, individuals may find themselves feeling confused about the vast choices that is available to them. This is the time where many values which were instilled in them when they were younger are put to test and is questioned. It is also the time where a major shift of perception and forming of values and believes based on new personal experiences will take place.

For many, this is the time of self exploration. Many are away from home, away from their families for the first time. Either attending college/university or working away from their hometown and away from other family members. Many will also be or become involved in romantic relationships which can be exciting and sometimes confusing.

The challenges they face just because of the changes in the environment and the higher expectations placed on them as they have entered the beginning stages of adulthood, may take a toll in their mental and emotional health and thereby making them feel unbalanced which contributes to their inability to make the best decisions for that time, regarding their lives.

Objective:
Self Empowerment through addressing and working through these important questions
1. Who am I?
2. What do I really, really, really want?
3. What are my passions and how can I incorporate them into my life and/or my work/studies?
4. How can I find a way of expressing my uniqueness without being isolated by others/society?
5. What is my true path? What am I here to do?
6. How to become in touch with my inner voice/true self
7. How do I realign my thoughts, emotions and body to achieve my highest potential?
8. What is sabotaging my efforts to progress in life and how to overcome it?

- To provide a safe space for self exploration and self awareness
- To enhance the process of decision making and goal setting
- To equip the individual with methods which will help to elevate when feeling down or stressed?
- To provide a safe space to express their feelings through words and other creative methods
- To understand and know the personal power each person has within themselves and to learn how to bring it forth especially in challenging times.
- To tap into each person’s passion and to incorporate them into the individuals lives.

Expected Outcome:
-Have more clarity in the direction of your chosen path
-Be able to tap into your personal resources
-Be able to consciously create the life that you want
-Be able to consciously make desired choices instead of constantly just reacting to external events
-Be in control of your thoughts and emotions

Time: Mondays, 7pm - 8.20 pm

Venue: The Violet Flame, 67-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bukit Bandaraya,Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia

No. of sessions recommended: 10
Fees: RM 80 per session

Facilitator: Vanitha Chandrasegaram

MA Dramatherapy (University of Hertfordshire, UK) ; MSc Psychology (Pittsburg State University, USA)

Vanitha chose to be trained as a dramatherapist to combine her passion and background in the performing arts and Psychology. As a dancer, she has always felt that creative expression contributes to the wellness of an individual. In the last five years as a dramatherapist, she is now able to use creativity in the therapeutic context and to empower others.

Her experience as a dramatherapist includes working in the UK and Malaysia in various settings from a private colleges to mental hospitals. She has worked with clients ranging with those undergoing various life challenges to clients with mental health issues, from ages three to ninety.

Vanitha is a member of the National Association of Drama Therapy (USA) and was registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) in UK (2004). Her work has been published in a book and professional journals in the UK and in Malaysia.

Please call us at 03-20959868 or email info@thevioletflame.com.my to register!

Talk on Happiness

2010-03-11T05:17:00.000-08:00

An interesting talk on TED TV on Happiness...

Daniel Kahneman: The riddle of experience vs. memory

http://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_kahneman_the_riddle_of_experience_vs_memory.html

Asia Dance Channel Magazine

2010-01-29T07:25:00.000-08:00

Check out Asia Dance Channel Magazine, December 2009-May 2010 issue, Volume 1, No.1, on page 25.

Anxiety and How to Survive it

2010-01-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

As a trainee dramatherapist doing my practical training in a mental hospital in London, one of the clients I had worked with is an elderly client man who used to be a pilot at the RMAF and was based in India. It was interesting to think about how courageous he must have been to be in such a position and decades later was diagnosed as having anxiety disorder. (I do not believe in labeling my clients for various reasons which I will discuss in my future blog entries ). He was afraid to even step out of his own home to take a bus to come to the hospital psychiatric day care a couple of times a week.

Although he had initially agreed to attend the group dramatherapy sessions, I always had to convince him to come for the session for at least 10 minutes before the sessions began. At the end of the sessions he always informed the group about how glad he attended the session that day and the benefits that he had gained. But before the session every week, he always needed to be persuaded to attend the session.

As the therapist of the group, I always began with a two minute breathing meditation. Mainly because of this particular client, and then went on with the rest of the group session. The meditation at the beginning of the session always helped him calm down before the sessions. He usually is able to participate in the session without feeling anxious after the meditation.

Symptoms of anxiety

Some of the physical symptoms include: pounding heart, dizziness, stomach upset, shortness of breath, headaches, muscle tension, insomnia, frequent urination or diarrhea.
The emotional symptoms of anxiety include: feeling tense and jumpy, feelings of apprehension or dread, irritability, trouble concentrating, expecting the worst situations, restlessness, always looking out for signs of danger.

What is the cause of anxiety?

There may be several causes to anxiety. It may be a symptom of other mental health issues such as substance dependency, depression and withdrawal of long term substance abuse.
It can also be a symptom of a physical disorder or changes in hormonal levels. This is why it is always important to have a physical check up with your physician before reaching any other conclusions.
It also may be caused by the repression of traumatic experience/s or grief from the past. Each individual has a different story.

What to do if you experience anxiety?

First consult your physician. If there is no physical illness that could be the cause of your anxiety, consult a counselor, therapist or psychologist.
These are some self help techniques you may try if the anxiety is perhaps due to a stressful event that had just occurred in your life and the feeling of anxiousness has not lasted more than a few days. I will still strongly suggest consulting your physician if there is any other physical illness that may be contributing to the feeling of anxiousness. It is important to always remember that the mind, body and emotions, all work as one.

Self-help options that may help reduce anxiety:

1. Meditation- breathing techniques, creative(positive) visualization techniques

2. Exercise - such as walking, swimming or yoga, which are low impact, calming exercises

3. Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine is a stimulant and it for an individual experiencing anxiety, it may aggravate the situation.

4. Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake

5. Maintain a healthy diet. There is a certain truth about the adage of ‘ we are what we eat’.

6. Have sufficient sleep. Some individuals require more sleep than others.

7. Positive affirmations. Affirmations reinforces our believes. Positive affirmations help in redirecting ones fears into hopes.

8. Do not get attached to mental health labels such as ‘anxiety disorder’, ‘depression’, etc. I remember a client who had joined internet support groups to help him with his disorder. Although this can help initially, his strong identification the label and sense of belongingness with that group had contributed to the to delay the process of recovery.

9. Focus on the present – Anxiety is based on fear. Fear is mostly related to associations of negative past experiences or the imagined future negative experiences. The present is usually quite safe in most cases. This is why meditation helps. Its main focus is in the present.

10. Write a list of joyful thoughts. As human beings, it is often difficult not to focus on the past or the future. Especially since we have been trained since we were children to do so. Therefore focusing on joyful moments from the past and possible joyful events in the future is a better option than the negative thoughts. Like everything else, this comes with practice.

11. Keep a journal. Writing in a journal may help because it gives a space for the individual to express his/her fears , what he/she is anxious about. It gives the individual a space to express themselves. It is important to do that, as repression of ones fears only make them more anxious in the long run. This is useful especially if, for whatever reason/s, he/she does not have anyone he/she can speak to about this matter.

12. Be around nature- generally being around nature, whether is under a tree or sitting by the beach or looking at trees and flowers, or just looking up at the sky and noticing the formation of clouds has the calming effect to our general well being.

Each individual operate differently. Therefore some suggestions may work better than others for each person. I would propose to try them out and see what works best for you.
I would highly recommend therapy or counseling if the symptoms persists more than a few days, and if there is no physical reason for the anxiety.

New York ...

2009-12-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

The theme of the conference, 'Finding Home: Pathways to belonging' kept manifesting in my experience for the rest of my stay in New York.

After the conference, I visited with my friend, Mohan Kulasingam, who used to be my dance partner during dance performances, a very long time ago. He is my first male dance partner and is a wonderful dancer and yoga teacher. It was great to see him after such a long time. Although many years went by, reconnecting with him felt so natural and in a way, I felt 'at home'.

He took me to watch Ms Mary Anthony's dance class. It was one of the many highlights of my trip. Ms. Mary Anthony is one of the pioneers of modern dance and is now 93 years old.

She was conducting the dance class and even did the the class warm ups with her students. I felt honoured, by just being in her presence and watching her in action! T

he dancer in me was in complete admiration and awe with her! She exuded radiance and had a quiet, gentle and yet, powerful command over the class. I could see and feel the high level of respect the dancers has of Ms Mary Anthony. She has a brilliant radiance about her. It was the most inpiring moments of my trip!

New York : Drama Therapy Conference

2009-11-24T23:41:00.001-08:00

National Association for Drama Therapy (NADT) Conference in New York

A few weeks ago, I attended the Drama Therapy conference held in White Plains, New York. As the previous Drama therapy conferences which I had attended both in the USA and UK, it was an amazing experience. It exceeded my expectations. As there are only two drama therapist in Malaysia, it is always wonderful to be surrounded by other colleagues in the same field and share ideas and insights about our work.

I felt that I had gained a lot in from this conference, not only in expanding the skills and knowledge which I had acquired in the various wonderful workshops which I had attended but also connecting with people both working in the USA and in the other parts of the world.

The title of the conference is ‘Finding Home: Pathways to Belonging’…

I have to say, that my whole trip to New York was an amazingly, wonderful experience. When I first arrived at the immigration, the immigration officer started by asking what I was doing in the USA… the usual question.. Then when I said that I was going to attend and present for a drama therapy conference, he began to share that he does acting part-time, and how he enjoys the process. He also shared that he has a degree in psychology and that he used to be a police officer previously and had to sometime deal with law offenders who had mental health challenges. I then realized that our conversation was taking up time and keeping the others in line waiting and said goodbye. I felt at home at that time… It is quite unexpected, because I suppose, whenever I am in immigration, the thought which is dominant is ‘Have all your documents, answer all their questions and do not irritate them because they have the say whether you get to stay or leave in the next flight’.

The next time I felt at home was when I met the two people whom I was sharing my hotel room with. We have been in touch via email for several months. It was lovely to finally meet them in person.

It was easy from then on to feel very much at home amongst other drama therapists and artists, throughout the conference. One of the evenings, I presented a performance titled ‘The Home Within’ which was a combination of dance and monologue about my journey as a pioneer of Drama therapy in Malaysia. It was about the triumphs and the challenges of working as a drama therapist in Malaysia and realizing at the end, that I may never find a place which I can call home, especially as a drama therapist, but at the end if I feel that I am home within myself, as who I am as a person, and in my work, I will always be home, wherever I am, both in my career and in my Self.

I felt honored with the audience I had for my performance. As a performer, I felt such encouragement and closeness to the audience during my performance. After which many of them had graciously stayed back to speak to me and congratulate me on my performance.

I also presented among other drama therapists who work internationally in a panel discussion about Drama Therapy abroad, where we shared with our audience, our experience working in the field of drama therapy in different parts of the world where it may be still a new field.
I found all of the workshops very helpful and enlightening. With the permission of the participants and the facilitator, I have included a few pictures of a workshop on Playback Theatre, which was one of my favourite workshops during the conference.

To be continued…(more pictures will be added in the next few days)

Newspaper Article on Dramatherapy

2009-10-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, there was an article about Dramatherapy on the local newspapers , The Star, which featured my work. I was approached by a journalist to sit in for one of my lecture demonstration about Dramatherapy as she found the idea interesting and she wanted to write it for the newspapers.
Please read with descretion as the journalist did dramatize the article to appeal to the readers. It did however, create some awareness to the Malaysian readers, of the existence of the field of Dramatherapy and that is a positive thing.

This is the link if you would like to check it out:
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/7/4/lifefocus/4197244&sec=lifefocus

Dramatherapy Workshop for Adults & Creative Arts Workshop for Children

2009-08-19T23:25:00.000-07:00

I will be facilitating a Dramatherapy Workshop for Adults and also Creative Arts Workshop for Children.

The details:

Workshop 1:
Introductory Dramatherapy Workshop (for Adults)

Aim: Self Exploration/Self Awareness

In this introductory session, participants will experience various methods used in the practice of dramatherapy such as drama games,movements,story making and object work to explore various aspects of their lives.

Using these tools in the context of dramatherapy allows the participants to explore their lives in a safe space and at a safe distance. Many individuals find it difficult to speak about difficult issues in their lives. Sometimes the individual may be so involved in their issues that they feel unable to step back and look at their issues with clarity.

Dramatherapy uses projective techniques. It acts like a mirror to the participant’s feelings, thoughts and unresolved issues. Both of which the participant may be conscious of and some which the participants may be unaware of. These methods allow space for the individual to be both the witness and the participant of his/her life.
It is important to explore unresolved emotions from the past and the present as ignoring them or repressing them may cause many ‘blocks’ or stagnation to the smooth progress of the individual’s life.

Once the client is able to have clarity of their issues, the next step in the cause of dramatherapy sessions is to facilitate participants to create their own solutions for certain issues, using dramatherapy tools and then guide the progress of the individual in carrying out their goals for therapy.

Date: 23 August (Sunday)
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Max number of participants : 8
Fees: RM 80
Venue : The Violet Flame, 67-2, Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Please check out http://www.thevioletflame.com.my/ for more details
If you would like to attend, please call 03-20959868 to book a space.

Workshop 2:

"Exploring The Magic Box" : 11am, 25 Aug (Tues) :Creative Arts Workshop for Children

The aim of this workshop is three folds:
1. To help explore the creative potential of each child
2. To create self awareness
3. Most importantly… to have FUN!

What will it involve?
This workshop will combine various elements of creative arts including
• movements
• drama
• art work
• creative games

Expected outcome:
• Fun
• Being open to trying new things
• Being in touch with the creative self
• Have more confidence

Date : 25th August (Tuesday)
Time: 11am – 5pm
Ages : 7 to 12 years old
Number of participants : limited to 10
Fees : RM 120 (inclusive of meals)

Please check out www.thevioletflame.com.my for more details
Please call 03-20959868 to book a space.

Free Talk/Demo on Dramatherapy

2009-08-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

I am presenting a talk/demo about Dramtherapy next week. The details are as follows:

Date: 13th August 2009 (Thursday)

Time : 7:30pm - 10pm

Venue : The Violet Flame
67-2, Jalan Bangkung,
Bukit Bandaraya,
59100 Bangsar,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Admission : Free

If you are interested in attending, please call 03-20959868 to book a space as we are limiting the number of participants to 16.

More dramatherapy workshops and services are listed on this website:
www. thevioletflame.com.my

Questions about Dramatherapy...

2009-06-29T03:37:00.000-07:00

Recently I gave a presentation on Dramatherapy to a large group of third year college students majoring in Psychology. These are some of the questions which were asked...

Q1. Why Dramatherapy and other forms of Creative Arts Therapies work?

A: One of the reasons is that because it uses projective method. In dramatherapy what comes up through the creative tools such as the object work, story making, acting, art work are the thoughts and feelings of the client/s. Some of which the client/s may not be aware of.
Therefore it works very well, especially when words alone fail to describe the depth of one’s thoughts and feelings. Especially when language is a barrier in communication for certain individuals. Some people also use words to create a wall between them and the therapist. They sometimes hide their emotions and thoughts behind their words.
The other reason why it works well is that most of the time it uses fiction to create a distance between the client and his/her problems. In this way the client is able to look at their problems more objectively , (be a witness to their problems) and able to find solutions without being overly caught up in being in the problem which sometimes paralyses a person into taking steps to improve their situation.
Some of the feedback I get from my clients are also that they actually look forward to the sessions because every session we do different activities which they find interesting and the other comment I usually get is that they feel relaxed after the first few minutes of being in the dramatherapy session. These factors motivate the clients’ regular attendance in the sessions (resulting in faster progress in resolving their problems) rather than trying to avoid the sessions. Especially when therapy can be difficult since its purpose is to work on difficult issues which is not usually a ‘walk in the park’ for most people.

To be continued on my next blog entry... till then, enjoy the dance of life :-)

Odissi Dance Performance on 4th of July 2009

2009-06-29T01:23:00.000-07:00

Dance Performance on 4th of April 2009

2009-03-21T23:52:00.000-07:00

I will be performing in an Odissi dance recital at 8pm on the 4th of April 2009 at MATIC (Malaysian Tourist Information Centre) auditorium located at Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. It is a production of Madhura Dance Academy. Please contact the telephone numbers on the above poster or email vanitha_dramatherapist@yahoo.com for more details.

Corporate Training : Creative Relaxation (Stress Management)

2009-03-05T06:42:00.000-08:00

Continuous research both in the field of medicine as well as in the field of psychology have proven time and again that stress causes many adverse effects in both the body and the mind of a person, if it is not managed well. In the current economic situation, stress levels may be high as employees may wonder if they will still have a job in the next few months. There is lot of worries about how to manage if they lose their jobs. A lot of 'what ifs' in the air... Some organisations may have been forced to downsize and in many situations one person may end up having to do two or three other people's jobs.

When employees fall ill because of stress or are less able to focus on their work, organisations tend to lose monetarily because of the lack of productivity either due to illness or employees inability to focus on their work.

In this Creative Relaxation training sessions, the participants will learn how to use various creative and practical relaxation techniques which they may practice in their work environment as well as in their own time. The techniques which are used is unique as it will be utilising many of the creative arts tools in its applications. Although the main aim is to be able to manage stress well, the usual unintentional outcome also includes taping further into a person's creative self. That creative self has the tendency of expanding itself to the individuals work environment, which in many cases translate to a higher levels of work productivity.

Due to the current economic situation and many budget cuts in employee enhancement programs, this training can be catered to the organisation's budget.

If your organisation is interested to know more about this training, please contact :

Vanitha Chandrasegaram
Email: creative.movements@gmail.com or vanitha_dramatherapist@yahoo.com

P.S The trainer is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

'The Audacity of Hope'

2009-01-20T06:38:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama is about to officially become the president of the United States of America in a couple of hours. Here is to HOPE and positive change, to the United States and to the rest of the world!

NADT Conference, San Francisco, CA

2008-12-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

In early November 2008 I had the privilege of participating in a Drama Therapy Conference organized by the National Association for Drama Therapists (NADT) USA, which was held in San Francisco.

My whole journey there was a wonderful experience. I had landed on the day after the presidential elections. The results were announced in the flight that Barack Obama won the elections. Many of the passengers in the plane was very excited and applauded when we heard the news. It was obvious there was an expectancy of positive change to take place in the USA and consequently in the rest of the world. I saw it as a sign of change taking place in both personal and the collective consciousness.

The conference was fabulous! I had learned a lot, participated in the many workshops and had the honor of meeting the pioneers in the field of Drama Therapy and also other wonderful Drama Therapist and aspiring Drama Therapists. As it is only in rare occasions such as during these conferences I get to meet other Drama Therapists (as there are now only two of us in Malaysia, the other person is based in Penang, which is a 6 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, where I am), I could not contain my excitement of being in the presence among hundreds who are in the same field both from the United States as well as from other parts of the world.

It is always fascinating to me to be a participant in the workshops instead of being the facilitator. Every time I participate in the Drama Therapy workshops, I am still in awe with the whole experience of the 'magic' of drama therapy... the unconscious materials are being revealed about myself and the personal insights I get from the experience and ways to work to improve myself or situations.
Some of my favorite workshops during this conference were Life Stories Embodied Processes, Action Theater, Clinical Supervision That is Alive, Exploring the Shadow, Diversity Forum, Theater Improvisation as a Meditative Process, Sacred Performances and Being Fully Alive in Our Bodies.
I was kindly invited by Dr. Renee Emunah (who heads the Drama Therapy Program in CIIS and who is a pioneer in the field) to attend a workshop at the California Institute of Intergral Studies (CIIS) to attend another workshop titled 'The Hero's Journey' facilitated by Dr. Robert Landy (also a pioneer in the field and heads the Drama Therapy Program in NYU) on the day after the conference.

I was in awe with CIIS... Many wonderful images from all over the world adorned its walls. I was very impressed with the library, I even found the 'Natya Sastra'(which is the text from which all Indian Classical dance forms was said to have originated from. The content of this text was supposed to have come through a saint during meditation) among the rather modest but precious and rare collection of books which were in its shelves.

I have already applied a few of the new drama therapy techniques which I have learned at the conference into my work in Malaysia and I found that my clients have responded very well to them. It is always amazing that each group and individual constantly create a whole new experience even if the exact same technique is applied. It is always amazing to witness the uniqueness of each individual or group.

My Recent Favourite Poem

2008-11-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

Love After Love

The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other's welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.

- Derek Walcott

Dramatherapy Skills Training Workshops

2008-11-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks back I had facilitated a dramatherapy skills training workshop. The workshops were mainly for counselors and other mental health practitioners. I felt that it went on very well .
A few of the participants have been in the helping profession for quite some time and had a lot of wisdom about their work which they shared in the group.
There were also a few participants who are fairly new in the helping profession and they had brought with them a fresh perspective to the group.
I was very inspired by the participants - by their enthusiasm explore a different method of working with their clients, their insights and the willingness to share some information about their lives.
I look forward to facilitating more of such workshops in the future.

Upcoming Workshops

2008-09-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

Dramatherapy - Skills Training Workshops:

Title :Story Making
Date : 11th Oct 2008 and 12th Oct 2008
Time : 9am - 5pm
Venue : JM Educational Counseling Centre
Subang Jaya (Opposite Taylor's College)

Title : Object Work
Date : 18th Oct 2008 and 19th Oct 2008
Time : 9am - 5pm
Venue : JM Educational Counseling Centre
Subang Jaya (Opposite Taylor's College)

Facilitator/trainer: Vanitha Chandrasegaram

For more information, please call Yvonne at 03-5633 4732 or
03 5633 3765 or email : yvonne@jmecc.com.my

Free Yoga Classes in Bangsar

2008-07-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

Free yoga classes offered in Bangsar on Sundays at 10am.
For more information, please call Vasugi at 012 332 9388

Introduction to Dramatherapy Workshop, 9th August 2008

2008-07-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

I will be facilitating an introductory Dramatherapy workshop, organized by JM Counselling and Therapy Unit( a part of JM Educational Counselling Centre) based in Subang Jaya.

Anyone who is interested to get a better understanding of dramatherapy is welcome to participate in this workshop. The workshop is facilitated experientially, giving the participants the taste of the processes involved in dramatherapy.

For more details and to book a space please contact Yvonne at 03-5633 4732 or 017 668 3702 (mobile)

Introduction to Dramatherapy Workshop July 2008

2008-07-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

A few Dramatherapy Tools

2008-06-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

Art work

2008-06-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

Bali Soul Spa

2008-05-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Bali Soul Spa has been postponed to a later date which is yet to be confirmed

Storytime!

2008-04-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the pleasure of doing a story telling session in a private school in Kuala Lumpur, for six hundred kids, from the ages seven to nine years old. I must admit I was a little worried about the large number of students at first, and I also realise that children at that age have a short span of attention. However, I had really enjoyed every moment of telling the stories! The kids were very participative and seem to have enjoyed listening to the stories as well.
The theme of the stories was on character building.

Dramatherapy Awareness Workshop: April 2008

2008-04-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

Creative Movements presents….

DRAMATHERAPY AWARENESS WORKSHOP

Date: 26th April 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 10am – 1: 00pm
Venue: GOLD, Kompleks 3C , Jalan PJS 11/2, Taman Bandar Sunway,46000, Petaling Jaya
(next to Sunway Pyramid, across ESSO petrol station)

FEES: RM 30

Dressing: Something comfortable to move in

Age requirement: 18 and above

For Whom?

· Those who are in the helping profession
· College Students, interested in the field of psychology
· Anyone who is curious and interested

Facilitator:

Vanitha Chandrasegaram
Dramatherapist
MA Dramatherapy (Hertfordshire), UK
MSc Psychology (Pittsburg State), USA
Diploma Bharatha Natyam (Indian Classical Dance)

For confirmation of attendance please contact:

Email: vanitha_dramatherapist@yahoo.com
Or Tel. no: +6017 232 5611

2008-02-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

DRAMATHERAPY

Dramatherapy is a form of psychotherapy, which comes under the umbrella of Creative Arts Therapies.
It uses various creative tools, such as

drama games

mimicry

puppetry

acting

story making
movement / dance

art work

voice /sound,

to help individuals to express and work through difficult life and psychological issues.

It uses various concepts of psychology as its basis and can work within the framework of various psychological theories.

For Whom?

For any reason a person would seek help from a counselor or psychologist he/she may seek a dramatherapist. These include those with

mental health issues
difficult emotional issues

relationship problems

learning disabilities

abuse and trauma

difficulty coping with illness and

bereavement
stress management
any other life challenges

** Dramatherapy can be used to work with people of all ages. Clients do not have to be physically very active. No artistic skills is necessary in order to participate in dramatherapy sessions.

CHOREOGRAPHY / DANCE

The dance style mainly performed and choreographed is based on mainly Indian Classical, Contemporary and Egyptian dance forms.

painting by Noelle Wilaimson

About Creative Movements

2008-02-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

I believe that through artistic creativity, one is able to reach the depths of the soul. It helps in the process of healing and enables one to reach beyond the superficiality of daily life. When one is engaged in an artistic activity, he/she is engaged in his/her deeper self. The process may help unblock paths mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Creative Movements offers the opportunity to engage in artistic creativity at different levels.

Creative Movements' mission is to connect with ones highest potential through the use of creative arts. This could be through the process of therapy, training, or being a witness to creativity.

Our motto is 'Moving towards positive transformation'