Sheetal Jain is the Director of Programs at Save the Child Foundation, and an Art-Based Therapy Practitioner. She practices Art-Based Therapy by using arts and music to create healing environments and meaningful change through initiatives like drum circles and partnerships with The Gender Lab.
I am thrilled to share with you the incredible journey I have embarked upon in the realm of Art-Based Therapy (ABT) over the past couple of years. As many of you know, I have dedicated a significant portion of my life to social justice, leadership, and mental health advocacy. Today, I want to highlight a pivotal chapter of this journey, made possible through my collaboration with Save the Child and The Gender Lab.
Art therapy is a non-verbal form of expression that helps patients communicate difficult-to-articulate feelings through artistic mediums like painting, drawing, and sculpting. It encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, aiding individuals in uncovering and understanding their emotions. Particularly beneficial for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression, art therapy fosters emotional release and well-being. Guided by trained therapists, the process provides a supportive environment and creates a tangible record of personal growth. Research shows art therapy enhances mental health, coping skills, resilience, and self-esteem, offering a personalized and transformative healing experience. Education and Facilitation:
From June 2022 to May 2023, I conducted a total of 50 ABT sessions, marking a significant milestone in my journey. These sessions were instrumental in providing underprivileged girls with a safe space to explore their emotions and develop essential life skills. Collaboration with The Gender Lab:
Following a brief hiatus, I resumed my collaboration with The Gender Lab in April 2023. Over the course of three months, until July 17th, 2023, I conducted 15 ABT sessions with TGL girls. These sessions focused on fostering leadership qualities, breaking gender stereotypes, and promoting self-confidence among the participants.
Collaboration with Save the Child Foundation:
Throughout this period, I continued my partnership with Save the Child Foundation, combining efforts to empower young girls through ABT. Together, we aimed to create a supportive environment where each participant could flourish and realize their full potential.
Looking back, I'm thrilled to share that on July 20, 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my ABT journey by starting the Canvas of Healing sessions with 8th-grade students at a local school. This ongoing initiative integrates art-based therapeutic practices into the educational curriculum, offering students holistic support that addresses both their academic and emotional needs.
My journey with Art-Based Therapy has been incredibly fulfilling, and I'm deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of Save the Child and The Gender Lab. Together, we've made significant strides in empowering underprivileged girls and promoting mental well-being.
As this journey continues, I'm excited to explore new horizons and make a lasting impact on the lives of even more children. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Comments