Introduction:

Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the University of Jaffna and USAID/SCORE, a training session on Art Therapy and Play Therapy was successfully organized. The program aimed to enhance counselor capacity and involve youth in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) initiatives. The training took place on the 24th of July 2023 at the newly established Counseling Lab. The target group for this session consisted of psychology and philosophy students.

Resource Team and Facilitators:

The training was conducted by a team of experienced professionals from the Butterfly Peace Garden in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. This internationally recognized sanctuary specializes in healing, promoting ethnic harmony, and peacemaking for children in post-war settings. The facilitators were experts in various creative therapies, and their expertise played a significant role in the success of the training.

The resource team included:

1. Mr. T. Naguleshwaran: As the Program Manager and Trainer of Trainees, he is an experienced Art and Play Therapist who played a pivotal role in structuring and delivering the training program.
2. Mrs. N. Chandra: A specialist in one-to-one counseling and Play and Art Therapy. Her expertise in individualized counseling and creative therapies added a valuable dimension to the training.
3. Mrs. J. Jency: With a background as a counseling staff member and Play Therapist, Mrs. Jency contributed her hands-on experience to the training, offering practical insights into incorporating play activities.
4. Mr. K. Thevakanthan: Another counseling staff member and Art Therapist, Mr. Thevakanthan shared his expertise in utilizing art as a medium for therapeutic expression.
5. Mr. A. E. Priyananth: A counseling staff member specializing in Music Therapy, Mr. Priyananth demonstrated how music can be integrated into therapeutic interventions.
6. Mr. S. Suhirtharajah: As a Counseling staff member with a focus on Craft Therapy, Mr. Suhirtharajah showcased the therapeutic benefits of engaging in creative craft activities.

Training Highlights:

The training session spanned a full day and was designed to be interactive and hands-on. Participants engaged in a variety of activities, workshops, and discussions that showcased the power of art and play therapies in promoting healing, emotional expression, and personal growth.

Topics Covered:

The training covered various topics, including but not limited to:

• Introduction to Art Therapy and Play Therapy
• Understanding the role of creative therapies in post-war healing
• Techniques for incorporating art and play therapies into counseling sessions
• Tailoring interventions to individual needs and preferences
• Ethical considerations in creative therapy
• Case studies and practical demonstrations

Outcomes and Achievements:

The training was a resounding success, achieving its intended objectives. The participants, primarily psychology and philosophy students, gained valuable insights into the world of art and play therapies. They learned how these creative approaches can be integrated into counseling practices to effectively address the psychological and emotional needs of individuals, especially in post-conflict scenarios.

The resource team’s expertise, combined with the practical activities and case studies, provided a well-rounded understanding of the therapeutic techniques. The participants left the training with a newfound appreciation for the power of creativity in healing and transformation.

Conclusion:

The successful completion of this training session marks a significant step toward enhancing counselor capacity and involving youth in MHPSS initiatives in conflict-affected areas. The knowledge and skills gained from this training will undoubtedly contribute to fostering emotional well-being, healing, and ethnic harmony among children and youth.

The collaboration between the University of Jaffna, USAID/SCORE, and the Butterfly Peace Garden has proven to be a fruitful endeavor, with the potential for positive and lasting impact on the mental health and psychosocial well-being of communities in need.