ADOLESCENT

GROUP WORK

Working within the realm of dramatic flow with specific texts, improvisation, game playing, written storytelling and freedom of expression, I facilitate an empty, open space of unconditional positive self regard and acceptance with adolescent groups.

 

In understanding a 'character' we start to see how different, unique, similar and special we are in our individuality. Through the anonymity of ‘the mask’ of being someone else and not needing to be ourselves, this participation can grow our awareness of our behaviour, our patterning and who we show ourselves to be to other people. Understanding that it’s the thoughts that we have that create our present reality or problems and, not necessarily the problems themselves, gives way to a freedom within.

 

The adolescent years are full of so many deep and sometimes overwhelming emotions. Drama helps one come out of a self consciousness or confusing self in transforming into someone else and this starts the process of building self esteem and identity. Starting to change patterns of behaviour that no longer serve us as we grow into ourselves or see how our actions cause reactions and how us simply being the ‘observer’ in the play of our own lives, can cancel out negativity. This allows us to see the possibilities instead of being entrenched in the detail, which our teenagers seem to be most attached to, especially through friendships and social media.

 

Through role play, character interpretation, group improvisation, relaxation techniques, yoga warm-ups, basic meditations, practicing mindful encounters, working with emotional prose we come to a place of a more open, empathetic and kind acceptance with ourselves, our friends, our teachers, our colleagues, our families and the people that surround us.

 

Dealing with anger, conflict, sadness, pride, love, are all part of our lives and as we grow and change sometimes that can become confusing as our children grow into young adults. Allowing them the space to confront those deep emotions through other people’s words or other characters, or through their own written stories, is one of the greatest gifts of release we can give them.

 

A therapeutic space can sometimes feel uncomfortable for children or teenagers (or even for adults). They don’t know what to ‘say’ or ‘do’. This unconditional space, the empty space, allows them to just BE. Present. Be whoever they choose to be, but subconsciously remarkably, they end up being more of themselves than their daily ‘masks’.

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**Further details of this specific program for groups in my space or, in schools is available on request.