Creative Arts based Personal Development Workshops for Children & Teens

I will be facilitating a couple of Creative, Personal Development Workshops for Children ages between 6 to 12 years old  (Magic Keys) 

 and Teenagers ages between 13 - 17 years old (The Hero's Journey) 

during the month November and December, at Valley Psych, Bangsar. 

Both workshops would be based on Creative Arts activities such as movements, story making, drama games, artwork, acting, etc.

Check out the flyers above for more details. The last day of registration for the workshops has been extended. Register NOW! The main aim is to have fun during the process! :)

Below are a couple of comments from the children who attended the Magic Keys workshop a few months ago:

" I wish that the Magic Keys workshop never ends and that I will get to attend it for the rest of my life!"

" I had so much fun with the activities and getting to know each other! I wish it will go on longer."

Dramatherapy Workshop at University of Sunshine Coast, Australia

On the 13^th of October 2014 I had the privilege  of conducting a half day Dramatherapy Workshop at University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The participants were the Masters of Counseling Students at the University. 

 It was such a pleasure working with the participants . I enjoyed witnessing them come alive in the creative activities. We used the theme of The Hero’s Journey.  The activities included movements, story making, storytelling and acting. The participants expressed their wonderful creativity, playfulness and enthusiasm. They were completely in the present and immersed in the process. It was wonderful to observe the process unfold. The feedback I received was very positive and encouraging.

These are a few of the comments/feedback (paraphrased) I received about the workshop:

 “ I was very anxious when I first came to class this morning because I knew that I may have to act and I was very anxious about it. But you made the process so comfortable I did not feel anxious and eased into the acting.”


“Thank you for coming all the way to do this workshop with us to share your knowledge and skill. I really appreciate learning about Dramatherapy”.

“It was an eye opener to know how much power the person who played the ‘victim’ has in a given situation.”

“I really enjoyed the workshop and learned a lot from it. Thank you.”

I would like to thank Dr. Ann Moir Bussy for the wonderful opportunity and the Master's of Counseling Students for their participation.

I felt very inspired by their presence, their willingness to explore something different, their creative expressions, their complete involvement in the workshop and witnessing them have fun in the process.

Just as we were about to end the workshop, the fire alarm went off and we had to go down to the field to finish up the closure of the workshop. I thought that was perfect! Needed a bit of real-life 'drama' to end the Dramatherapy Workshop!

I had  a great time!

Post - Dramatherapy Skills Training Workshop Module 2

On the 4^th of October 2014 I facilitated the Dramatherapy Skills Training Workshop Module 2: The Hero’s Journey. This time all the participants were women with  backgrounds varied from dancers, trainers, dramatists, lecturers/teachers and an energy healer. 

As always, I had a great time facilitating and watching the participants explore and express their amazing creativity, learn more about themselves while acquiring the techniques and adapt them to use in their various in their respective work situations. And as always my understanding and learning on Dramatherapy (and mySelf)  deepens every time I share it with others.

I had two lovely students, Vava and Ilyani, majoring in Clinical Psychology from University of Sultan Idris, Perak  and my good friend, Liz, who is a trainer who helped me during the workshop.  Their assistance was very much appreciated.

 These are some of the comments/feedback received from the participants:

 “An enjoyable session where you feel free and safe to explore, create and let your inner child, while learning to use techniques to help and bring the best out of everyone.” Judimar Hernandez , Dance & Drama Teacher.

“The Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey  concept was an eye opener and very revealing”.  Pat Chan, Lecturer

“It allowed my creative juices and sharing energy with others” – Suguna, Teacher.

“Made me stretch – beyond my ordinary state and comfort and learn new techniques that I can apply in my training and facilitation”. – Asma, Human Resource Development Consultant

“This workshop is perfect for me in my work with underprivileged and at-risk youth. I learnt techniques that will engage the youths and give them insights and learning into themselves.” – Gillian Valerie Chong.

I am planning to do more workshops in  Dramatherapy/Creative Arts Therapy Skills Training Techniques and also Personal Development in the near future. If you have any interest in attending these, I would like to request your opinion on any topics/areas would you like me to cover for my next workshop.

                                                                                                                                                                         

Integrative Creative Movements presents.....

 DRAMATHERAPY SKILLS TRAINING WORKSHOP (module 2):

 The Hero's Journey

by Vanitha Chandrasegaram

Date: Saturday, 4th October 2014

Time: 9:30am - 5:00pm (Registration starts at 9:15 am)

Venue: Dignity International Asia,

A-2-7, Pusat Perdagangan Seksyen 8,

Jalan Sg. Jernih 8/1

46050 Petaling Jaya

What is Dramatherapy?

Dramatherapy comes under the umbrella of Creative Arts Therapies. It utilizes various creative activities to get clients/participants to express and work through their problems/issues.

Creative Arts Therapies is a projective method, which uses  artistic expressions and play as mediums which reflects the events, emotions or state of the mind of the client/participant. The act of doing anything artistic and creative can be in itself therapeutic. Therefore it makes sense to use these tools, giving it a clear structure and boundaries to use it as a form of therapy.

Dramatherapy allows the client/participants to express and work on difficult concerns at a safe distance via the use of the space and the idea of fiction and pretense, which is in theater and drama.

The activities in this workshop will include drama games, movements, role play, story making  and acting

** Dramatherapy is different than Psychodrama.

Objective:

The aim of this workshop is

• To teach participants the tools and methods used in Dramatherapy which may be incorporated  in the  practice/work situations.
• To provide awareness of how creative arts is used in therapy.
• To provide skills and tools which can be incorporated in Personal Development Programs and workshops.
• To provide insights on how creative expressions allow the unconscious/subconscious to express itself.
• To help understand the creative expression and use the information and work using the creative tools to      help clients/individuals to create solutions to the challenges they encounter.
• To have fun in the process J

Who Should Attend?

• Mental health practitioners such as Counselors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Social Workers to add on to their tools used in their existing practice.
•  Artists(Actors, Dancers, Visual Artists, Musicians)  who would like to experience and gain some understanding on how the arts is being utilized  in the field of psychotherapy to help understand oneself and others better. It provides an insight of  what else artistic expressions can do, besides being a medium of expression and/or performance.
• Teachers and those who work with children, adolescents, adults, elderly and in the personal development fields will also benefit by being able to utilize these fun yet profoundly impactful and insightful skills and techniques in their work. 
• Trainers and life coaches who wish to include these fun and creative methods in their work. 
• Parents who would like to understand and utilize some of the activities in interacting and to have a deeper connection with their children.
• University /College students, especially those in the field of psychology and performing arts and other adults who are curious

What Would Participants Gain from the Workshop?

• Skills and knowledge to incorporate tools and methods used in Dramatherapy in their practice/work.
• Awareness of how creative arts is used in therapy and how it works
• A certificate of participation.
• Become more in touch with their creative self
• Lots of fun!

 Module 2: The Hero's Journey

Our lifetime is a journey… In our journey we encounter interesting experiences which we use to form believe systems with which we navigate our lives and make us who we are today.

In this workshop we will explore the process of the Hero’s Journey by using creative methods which allow the unconscious thoughts and feelings to be expressed and made conscious and begin the process of being the Hero of our lives!

Main Topics/Themes covered:

1. Introduction to Creative Arts Therapies(CAT) and Dramatherapy 
2. The Hero and the Saboteur 
3. The Hero's Journey .

** Activities such as movements, dance, voice projections, role play, acting and story making will be used in this workshop.

Facilitator: Vanitha Chandrasegaram (MA Dramatherapy,UK; MSc Psychology, USA;  Member of NADTA,USA;) Pioneer and one of the only two qualified and practicing  Dramatherapist in Malaysia. Nine years of experience practicing Dramatherapy in the UK and Malaysia in settings such as Mental Hospitals and wards, NGOs, Universities. She has conducted Dramatherapy Awareness and Skills Training  in Lebanon, India and in Malaysia. Her experience includes working with individuals and groups who has experienced abuse, learning disabilities, mental health, emotional, relationship challenges and various other life challenges. She has worked with individuals and groups ranging from 3 to 90 years old. She has also headed a  home for over 70 underprivileged children from ages 4 to 16.  She has presented in Dramatherapy Conferences in UK and the USA.  Her work has been published in professional journals in the UK, and in a book titled “Drama as Therapy” 2^nd ed., by Phil Jones. She had also lectured in various colleges and universities and taught Theatre for Seniors at for the U3A (University for the 3^rd Age) at UPM.  Her passions also include dancing and playing the flute.


FEES:
RM350 each.

EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT (payment made by 26th of September 2014) : RM320  for individuals & RM 310 each for groups(group=more than one person. Group discount only applies for early registration). 
All payments via direct debit ONLY. All payments must be made by 2nd of October 2014.

To REGISTER  click  HERE 

Dramatherapy Skills Training Workshop Module 2

I will be conducting the Dramatherapy Skills Training workshop Module 2 on the 4^th of October 2014. It would be lovely to see those who have attended Module 1, in February  this year(those who attended module 1, I hope that you have had the opportunity to use at least a few  of the techniques learned, in a way which is appropriate for your particular field)

Those who have not attended Module 1 are also welcome to  attend Module 2 as I will be sharing different tools and techniques in Module 2. No pre-requisites are necessary.

If you are a teacher, parent, counselor, psychologist, trainer, artists, and anyone else who wishes to find fun and creative ways to help others, this workshop is for you!

These are some of the feedback received from the Dramatherapy Skills Training workshop Module1 which was conducted on 22^nd February 2014 :

“I believe everyone in the helping profession will benefit from it. I also think that anyone/everyone will benefit from it”

“I feel insightful and it has inspired me to understand myself more and motivated me to change for the better”

“Insightful and introspective”

“It was an eye opening experience. Thank you!”

“I gained more understanding about Dramatherapy and really enjoyed throughout the workshop.”

Hope to see you there! 

These are some pictures from the Dramatherapy Skills Training Workshop Module 1 which was held on 22nd of February 2014

Childrens Program : Magic Keys

I will be conducting a childrens program beginning tomorrow, 10th July 2014. It will be running for 6 weeks sessions, 1.5 hours each session. This program is especially catered in helping children build confidence and self-esteem. It allows them to help explore and express their potential through creative activities and have fun in the process!

Dramatherapy Training in Lebanon "Drama Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder -Emerging from the Shadows of the Past"

I had the privilege of facilitating an intensive Drama Therapy course in Beirut, Lebanon from 26th May to 1st June 2014. It was implemented by Catharsis - Lebanese Center for Drama Therapy, founded and led by Zeina Daccache, the only qualified Drama Therapist in Lebanon.


The training sessions were held at Haigazian University in Beirut. There were 37 participants. Most of them Lebanese, two from Kuwait and a two from Jordon. Many of them had been in the previous Drama Therapy training which Catharsis has been offering as part of the alternative training route, approved by the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA).

As for me, I thoroughly enjoyed conducting the training! The participants were enthusiastic, very creative and very participative and were eager to learn. We even had a participant who is a nun, who was quite participative and got us all laughing in appreciation of her performance on the last day!

We covered quite a lot of ground in terms of techniques and the relevant theoretical explanations.

I also had the opportunity of working at the Baabda women's prison. They have been having Drama Therapy sessions with the staff of Catharsis and I was asked to conduct a 3 hour workshop for two days. On the first day we were delayed due to a massive traffic jam on the highway as it was the Election Day for Syria. There are over a million Syrian refugees who were on their way to vote at their embassy. Ironically, I witnessed a Ferrari which broke down right in the middle of the highway, in the midst of the traffic jam, and people who parked their cars on the sides of the highway and started to walk! By the way, if I owned a Ferrari, I will never ever expect it to break down! So I could empathize with the owner when I saw the expression on his face!

The women at the prison were delightful to work with. They were very creative. The first day we danced and the second day they came up with their own scripts and performed. A few of them were inspired and said that they want to perform more. I was also very touched that they had made a couple of gifts for me as tokens of appreciation. I had intended to watch a belly dance performance while I was in Lebanon…My wish came through when on the second day of working with the women in the prison, I had the honour of watching a belly dance performance by the women to end the workshop. They are amazing dancers!
I would like to thank Zeina Daccache and her team, at Catharsis – the Lebanese Center for Drama Therapy for the opportunity and for such great organization in implementing the training sessions and the workshop. I felt very well taken care of while I was there. I am very impressed by the work they do and by the passion and dedication in which they demonstrate in their work.
I would also like to thank Catharsis for sharing the photos taken during the training.

Dramatherapy Workshop in Australia

In the month of March 2014, I had an opportunity to conduct an Introduction to Dramatherapy workshop at the Australian National University College in Canberra.

The students who attended were from the Introduction to Psychology course. All of the participants were international students from countries such as China, Korea and Indonesia. I would like to thank the Ms. Catherine Laike  for the opportunity to conduct the workshop with her students, and Dr. Ratna Selvaratnam who put us in contact with each other.

The participants were very responsive during the workshop and seem to have enjoyed the experience and said that they had learned something new which they feel would be effective as a form of therapy.  On my part, I enjoyed the process of facilitating as well as interacting with the participants. It was fun! 

Effective Skills to Help Others ..

This workshop is for those who are interested in learning effective skills of helping others. The facilitators: Vanitha Chandrasegaram- Dramatherapist; Loh Sit Fong - Clinical Psychologist.

Attending this workshop will also be a very useful preparation for those who wish to attend the next Dramatherapy Skills Training Workshop series.

http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/?u=62e03072553e1ebff323123e3&id=6d3217e363&e=797ec56cf9

DRAMATHERAPY SKILLS TRAINING WORKSHOP: MODULE 1

by Vanitha Chandrasegaram

What is Dramatherapy?

Dramatherapy comes under the umbrella of Creative Arts Therapies. It utilizes various creative activities to get clients/participants to express and work through their problems/issues.

Creative Arts Therapies is a projective method, which uses  artistic expressions and play as mediums which reflects the events, emotions or state of the mind of the client/participant. The act of doing anything artistic and creative can be in itself therapeutic. Therefore it makes sense to use these tools, giving it a clear structure and boundaries to use it as a form of therapy.

Dramatherapy allows the client/participants to express and work on difficult concerns at a safe distance via the use of the space and the idea of fiction and pretense, which is in theater and drama.

The activities in this workshop will include drama games, movements, role play, story making  and acting

** Dramatherapy is different than Psychodrama.

Objective:

The aim of this workshop is

• To teach participants the tools and methods used in Dramatherapy which may be incorporated  in the  practice/work situations.
• To provide awareness of how creative arts is used in therapy.
• To provide skills and tools which can be incorporated in Personal Development Programs and workshops.
• To provide insights on how creative expressions allow the unconscious/subconscious to express itself.
• To help understand the creative expression and use the information and work using the creative tools to help clients/individuals to create solutions to the challenges they encounter.
• To have fun in the process J

Who Should Attend?

·         Mental health practitioners such as Counselors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Social Workers to add on to their tools used in their existing practice.

·         Artists(Actors, Dancers, Visual Artists, Musicians)  who would like to experience and gain some understanding on how the arts is being utilized  in the field of psychotherapy to help understand oneself and others better. It provides an insight of  what else artistic expressions can do, besides being a medium of expression and/or performance.

·         Teachers and those who work with children, adolescents, adults, elderly and in the personal development fields will also benefit by being able to utilize these fun yet profoundly impactful and insightful skills and techniques in their work.

·         Parents who would like to understand and utilize some of the activities in interacting and to have a deeper connection with their children.

·         University /College students, especially those in the field of psychology and performing arts and other adults who are curious

What Would Participants Gain from the Workshop?

• Skills and knowledge to incorporate tools and methods used in Dramatherapy in their practice/work.
• Awareness of how creative arts is used in therapy and how it works
• A certificate of participation.
• Become more in touch with their creative self
• Lots of fun!

Outline of Module:

1. Introduction to Creative Arts Therapies(CAT) and Dramatherapy – concepts, theories and ideas of CAT & Dramatherapy
2. Getting to know yourself and others – Creating a Safe Space and Group Dynamics
3. The Stories of Life – Various tools of story making and ways of exploration
4. Reminiscing, being in the Present and the Dreams of the Future – understanding the thread that connects our life story and the possibility of positive transformation.

** Activities such as movements, dance, voice projections, role play, acting and story making will be used in this workshop.

Facilitator: Vanitha Chandrasegaram (MA Dramatherapy,UK; MSc Psychology, USA;  Member of NADTA,USA;) Pioneer and one of the only two qualified and practicing  Dramatherapist in Malaysia. Nine years of experience practicing Dramatherapy in the UK and Malaysia in settings such as Mental Hospitals and wads, NGOs, Universities. She has conducted Dramatherapy Awareness and Skills Training workshops in India and in Malaysia. Her experience includes working with individuals and groups who has experienced abuse, learning disabilities, mental health, emotional, relationship challenges and various other life challenges. She has worked with individuals and groups ranging from 3 to 90 years old. She has also headed a  home for over 70 underprivileged children from ages 4 to 16.  She has presented in Dramatherapy Conferences in UK and the USA.  Her work has been published in professional journals in the UK, and in a book titled “Drama as Therapy” 2^nd ed., by Phil Jones. She had also lectured in various colleges and universities and taught Theatre for Seniors at for the U3A (University for the 3^rd Age) at UPM.  Her passions also include dancing and playing the flute.