Colorful Minds: A Psychodynamic Art Therapy Workshop for Expressive

Self-Exploration
A Training Program Proposal

Presented to Department of Social Sciences

by:
Allelie Czerine Arias
Kathleen Mae Hermo
Gwyneth Issabel Aranda
Lalaine Forzuelo
Brian Mardi Francia
 I. RATIONALE

"Colorful Minds" is a training program designed to provide psychology students

with a unique and hands-on experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.
The program aims to enrich the educational journey of psychology students by
integrating theoretical knowledge with practical, creative applications. Through
psychodynamic art therapy, students can witness the powerful impact of art on mental
well-being. This experiential learning approach enhances students' ability to connect
theoretical concepts to real-world situations, preparing them for future careers in
psychology.

The workshop also fosters personal and professional development by allowing

students to reflect on their emotions, biases, and coping mechanisms through the creative
process. The workshop emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting
symbolic representations in art, which is particularly valuable for psychology students
aspiring to become effective practitioners.

The program creates a supportive and collaborative learning environment,

encouraging peer interaction and diverse perspectives. The significance of "Colorful
Minds" lies in its potential to transform psychology students into well-rounded,
empathetic practitioners. By combining psychodynamic principles with art, students gain
a nuanced understanding of the therapeutic process and its impact on mental health.

II. OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

The primary objectives of this training program is to obtain the following

educational goals, with a focus on enriching comprehensive skill development and
knowledge acquisition:
● Showcase the power of art for participants to explore and reflect on their emotions
and foster self-awareness.
● Administer a profound understanding of expressive principles through color and
form, linking art to psychological exploration.
● Cultivate a working community through encouragement of collaborative sharing,
discussions on therapeutic benefits and empowerment of participants through
their artistic expression.

III. COURSE CONTENT

THE THERAPEUTIC BENEFIT OF ART

Art therapy is a psychotherapy approach that uses the creative process of creating
art to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. It offers
various therapeutic benefits, including self-expression, stress reduction, emotional
release, enhanced self-esteem, cathartic experiences, mindfulness, communication skills,
and social connection. Art allows individuals to express complex feelings and thoughts
symbolically, providing insights into unconscious aspects of the psyche. It can also help
individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences, leading to personal insights and
self-discovery. Art therapy can also empower individuals by regaining control and
empowerment over their lives, particularly for those who have experienced feelings of
helplessness. Additionally, art-making involves decision-making, which can translate to
improved cognitive and decision-making skills in daily life. Art therapy is used in various
settings, including mental health treatment, rehabilitation, schools, and community
programs, and is considered a valuable and versatile therapeutic approach. Overall, art
therapy offers a unique pathway to healing and self-discovery, making it a valuable and
versatile therapeutic approach.

ART AND EMOTION THROUGH THE EYES OF ANOTHER

Expressing emotions through art is a powerful and universal form of
communication that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. Its beauty lies in its ability
to evoke, resonate, and connect with a diverse and widespread audience. Art serves as a
universal language to express emotions, allowing people to connect with and understand
the emotional content conveyed in it. Its unique ability to elicit visceral reactions stirs
emotions in the viewer, fostering empathy and understanding among a diverse audience.
Engaging with emotionally charged art can be cathartic, providing a safe space for
emotional exploration and healing.

Art allows for the exploration of a wide range of emotions and perspectives,
enriching the emotional tapestry that resonates with a diverse audience. Its inclusive
nature welcomes individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences to participate in
the emotional dialogue, creating a sense of community and shared humanity. Art also
serves as a platform for individuals who may struggle to articulate their emotions
verbally, allowing for the expression of the ineffable.

In today's interconnected world, digital platforms enable art to reach a global

audience instantly, facilitating the sharing of emotional expression with individuals
worldwide. Emotionally resonant art has the potential to leave a lasting impact on
individuals, sparking introspection, dialogue, and social change.

Source:
The Power of the Gaze: how artists evoke emotion through the eyes. (n.d.). Portraits Inc.
https://portraitsinc.com/blog/the+power+of+the+gaze:+how+artists+evoke+emotion+thro
ugh+the+eyes/

IV. METHODOLOGY

● Ice Breaker: 10-15 minutes

Material: Headphone or noise-canceling earmuffs
Whisper Challenge
Players will split into 2 teams with an equal number of players, each
taking turns selecting a teammate to be the "guesser" wearing headphones or
noise-canceling earmuffs playing music. A playlist with various songs is essential
for creating an auditory challenge. The opposing team members then take turns
whispering phrases or words to the guesser, who must rely solely on lip-reading to
pass the message amidst the music. A time limit will add excitement to each
round, and correct guesses earn points for the team. Participants switch roles
 within their teams, ensuring everyone has a chance to wear the headphones and
guess.

● Central Component: Defining and Engaging in Dialogue Regarding the

Significance of Training Activity.
I. Welcome and introductory statements from the head of the psychology
department.
II. Brief overview of the day's schedule.

● The Motive: Commencement Dialogue by the executive committee.

I. The committee will discuss the content, significance, and practical
application of the training program.

● Formal Training
This includes technical and formal training which is functional in realizing
the significance and use of art therapy in expressing emotions. This will be held at
the International Convention at Cavite State University, De las Alas Campus.
I. Psychodynamic Art Therapy Overview
1. Professor Angelo Carlo D. Pilapil is set to present a brief overview
of the fundamental principles of psychodynamic art therapy.
2. The session will also delve into an explanation of the impactful
role that art plays in facilitating self-exploration.
3. The psychology students will share thoughts on the significance of
art in their self-exploration journeys and its potential benefits in
promoting mental well-being.
II. Foundations of Expressive Principles
1. Dr. Paul Hilario will discuss the introduction of color theory and its
psychological implications.
2. There will also be a brief exploration of the use of form,
symbolism, and composition in art therapy.

● Set of Activities and Mechanics

I. Canvas of Emotions: Painting Your Feelings
Materials:
1. ¼ Illustration Board
2. Acrylic Paints
3. Brush
4. Cups
5. Old newspapers or manila paper
Time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
1. Each individual will be provided with an illustration board, paints,
brushes, and any additional art supplies they may need.
I. Ensure there is an assortment of colors to allow for the
expression of various emotions.
 2. Students will be asked to reflect on their current emotional state or
choose an emotion they would like to explore through art.
3. A timer will be set for 45 minutes to allow students ample time for
the creative process.
I. Encourage them to use colors, shapes, and brushstrokes that
reflect the chosen emotion.
II. Remind students that perfection is not the goal; it's about
expressing the emotion authentically.
4. After the painting session, students will be provided a brief break
for students to step back and reflect on their artwork. They will be
asked to consider the choices they made in expressing their chosen
emotion and how the process felt.
5. Facilitators will choose one participant to explain the emotions
they aimed to convey and any insights gained during the activity.

II. Emotional Collage

Materials:
1. Manila Paper
2. Glue
3. Scissor
4. Markers
5. Colored Paper
6. Different picture related to emotions
Time: 60 mins
Instructions:
1. Facilitators will provide manila paper as the collective canvas for
the activity.
2. Participants will be asked to bring out their assigned printed
pictures, or magazines, and newspapers.
3. They will be given a brief introduction to the concept of creating a
collaborative emotional collage.
I. Emphasize that the goal is to represent a spectrum of
emotions through teamwork and shared expression.
4. Participants will be divided into small groups.
5. Each group will be assigned to a specific emotion to focus on,
ensuring coverage of a wide range of feelings.
6. Each group will be instructed to find images and words in
magazines or create their own representations that embody their
assigned emotions. A timer of 60 minutes for collaborative collage
creation will be allotted.
7. After the collage creation, each group will present their section of
the collage and explain the emotions they focused on.

III. Gallery Walk

Materials:
● Paper
 ● Ballpen
Time: 20 minutes
Instructions:
1. After the debriefing session, the committee will introduce the
"Gallery Walk" as an opportunity for participants to showcase their
individual painting, “Canvas of Emotions” and the collaborative
"Emotion Collage."
2. The “Canvas of Emotions” and the "Emotion Collage" in a
designated space inside the ICON Hall.
I. Each participant's artwork will be ensured that is clearly
displayed for observation.
3. Participants will be provided with paper and a ballpen and will be
instructed to jot down observations, feelings, and any insights they
gain from viewing the artworks.
4. Participants will have a 20 minutes set amount of time to walk
around the gallery and observe each other's artworks.
I. A respectful and supportive atmosphere during the gallery
walk will be encouraged.
5. After the gallery walk, participants' observations and insights will
be collected by the facilitators.

IV. Debriefing and Closing

● The committee will provide a structured summary on the entire
workshop experience and thank all participants for joining the
program.
● Distribution of certificates of participation will also be given.

V. MATERIALS

a. For the participants’ kit

- Water, Lunch meal
b. For Ice breaker
- Headphone or noise-canceling earmuffs
c. For the main activity
1. Canvas of Emotions: Painting Your Feelings
- ¼ Illustration Board, Acrylic Paints, Brush, Cups, Old newspapers
or manila paper
2. Emotional Collage
- Manila Paper, Glue, Scissor, Markers, Colored Paper, Different
picture related to emotions
3. Gallery Walk
- Paper, Ballpen

d. For the venue of the seminar

- Tables, chairs, microphone, speaker, laptop

e. Others (certificate of the speaker, token, food and drinks)

 Snack: Juice and Sandwich (Participants, Facilitators)
Speaker: Certificate, Water, Juice and Rice meal

VI. RESOURCE PERSON

Prof. Angelo Carlo D. Pilapil is a licensed psychologist and member of prominent

organizations, including the Psychological Association of the Philippines, and the
American Psychological Association. His commitment to the broader psychological
community is underscored by his active engagement in these key associations.

Moreover, Dr. Paul Hilario, an expert with a PhD in Counseling Psychology from
De La Salle University-Dasmarinas and a notable achievement of ranking 3rd in the Aug
2014 Licensure Exam, Dr. Hilario offers unparalleled insight. Integrating Dr. Hilario's
insights promises to enhance participants' grasp of technology, psychology, and career
counseling principles, nurturing personal and professional growth in today's dynamic
landscape.

VII. COMMITTEE

Executive Committee

Over-all Program Chair, SR. JOSHUA Q. Event Coordinator

Host CADAYONA Registration and
Participant Services
Coordinator

Program Co-Chair, Host MS. KATHLEEN MAE Workshop Facilitator and

HERMO Materials and Art Supplies
Coordinator

Chair, Venues and MS. ALLELIE Venue Coordinator

Reservations CZERINE ARIAS

Chair, Program, Letters, MS. LALAINE Finance and Budget

Invitation,and Certificates FORZUELO Manager Community
Engagement Liaison

Chair, Finance and MS. GWYNETH Administrative Coordinator

Logistics, Host ISSABEL ARANDA and Workshop Facilitator

Chair, Documentation MR. BRIAN MARDI Documentation and

FRANCIA Photography Specialist

VIII. PARTICIPANTS
This program is designed for first-year psychology students enrolled in the
College of Arts and Sciences. It is available to all first-year psychology students who
have an interest in art and creative expression, regardless of their prior artistic experience.
The training is designed to engage first-year psychology students early in their academic
journey, providing a hands-on, experiential learning approach to enhance their
understanding of psychology.

IX. VENUE
The venue for the event is set to be at exactly 6:30 a.m. at the International
Convention at Cavite State University, located at De las Alas Campus in Indang, Cavite.

X. WORK PROGRAM

Programme

6:30 am - 7: 00 am Registration

7:00 am - 7:30 am Opening Remarks

7:30 am - 7:45 am Ice breaker

7:45 am - 8:45 am Resource Speaker 1

8: 45 am - 9:00 am Snack

9:00 am - 9:40 am Activity 1: Canvas of Emotion

9:40 am - 10:20 am Resource Speaker 2

10:20 am - 11: 20 am Activity 2: Emotional Collage

11:0 am - 12:30 pm Lunch

1:30 pm - 1:50 pm Activity 3: Gallery Walk

1:50 pm - 2:00 pm Awarding certificates to the Resource Speakers

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Debriefing

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Closing Remarks

XI. PROGRAM COST / BUDGET

List Amount

Venue: The International Convention 500 php

(With inclusion of sound system, tables
and chairs except venue design)
Participants’ Snack: (65 Students)
- Juice and Sandwich 1,500php

Resource Speaker Food Meal and Token of

Appreciation Gift 500 php

Materials:
Activity 1
- ¼ Illustration Board, Acrylic
Paints, Brush, Cups, Old
newspapers or manila paper
Activity 2
- Manila Paper, Glue, Scissor, 1,000 php
Markers, Colored Paper, Different
picture related to emotions
Gallery Viewing
- Bond paper, Ballpen
Resource Speaker
- Certificates

Facilitators Snack: Juice and Sandwich 500php

Emergency Fund 500php

TOTAL 4,500 php