Immediate vacancies for
Counselor
Child Affairs Officer
Child Affairs Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Store Keeper
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
New Experiences
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!!!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Personal Development Group: Taking the Journey Within
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:
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 |
Friday, September 17, 2010
Free talk: Sailing through life challenges using creative arts
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
For queries and RSVP, please sms/ call Yvonne Lee at 017-668 3702/ E-mail: yvonnelee@jm-enrich.my
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, MalaysiaFor queries and RSVP, please sms/ call Yvonne Lee at 017-668 3702/ E-mail: yvonnelee@jm-enrich.my
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Power of Thought and the Power of Metaphors
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
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
Monday, June 14, 2010
Failure is an option. Fear is NOT
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!
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!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Group Sessions
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.
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.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Personal Development for Young Adults- Group Sessions
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!
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
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
Daniel Kahneman: The riddle of experience vs. memory
http://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_kahneman_the_riddle_of_experience_vs_memory.html
Friday, January 29, 2010
Asia Dance Channel Magazine
Check out Asia Dance Channel Magazine, December 2009-May 2010 issue, Volume 1, No.1, on page 25.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Anxiety and How to Survive it
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)