【INNER】Roar

Today's class brought back memories of my initial experiences with drama — my first exposure to a stage performance, my first involvement in aiding a housemate and her friends with a drama assignment, and my first collaboration with a drama teacher assisting special needs children in a stage performance. While presenting myself in front of audiences demands significant physical expression and the ability to not be too concerned about others' opinions, I thoroughly enjoyed the process of releasing pent-up emotions.

In my view, the presentation of drama requires the cooperation of many people to achieve better effects, such as having other "actors" coordinating their actions during the performance, and the appreciation of the audience, allowing the entire plot to flow smoothly.

Previously, I perceived counselling as confined to talk therapy within the counselling room or the facilitation of workshops to enhance awareness and knowledge. This module marks my first exposure and invitation to integrate drama into counselling. I believe this intervention could be more widespread and suitable for clients of a younger age. I hope that, when presenting counselling through the creative lens of drama, we avoid stifling or limiting their imagination. While counselling typically guides clients from unhelpful thoughts and emotions to constructive ones, incorporating drama may provide a unique avenue to express unhelpful thoughts. The "acting" behaviour can engage all human senses, enabling a conscious and realistic experience of the sensory effects of each emotion. Through this, clients can learn to manage thoughts that are not bound by harmful thinking, transitioning toward healthier and more helpful emotions and behaviours.