Creative expression can help us develop a deeper connection to ourselves, especially when reflected upon in an intentionally supportive process. This kind of creative process can enable mindful awareness of non-conscious thoughts and feelings—making space for meaning and insight to emerge, and providing us with clarity when answers are unclear.
We began by developing an accessible creative process for reflecting on life, sharing our inner world, and connecting more meaningfully with others—without the stigma of mental health. Our intuitive approach was informed by the then-largely-unknown creative arts therapies, for sensitivity to trauma and inclusion. We named our approach social emotional arts (SEA), which lives between the world of art and therapy without identifying and treating disorders. We essentially found a way to operationalize love through the arts, and we discovered the power of SEA to elicit joy as well!
Next, we tackled teaching others to facilitate this process sustainably in their own communities, as we need every angel on the ground to meet rising community needs. And after all, if we could do this in Los Angeles, it could be done anywhere. Over the years, we have discovered that everyone brings their gifts to the table. Educators bring the gift of clear instruction. Teaching artists bring the gift of holding space for the creative process. Mental health professionals bring the gift of deeper reflection. Actors bring the gift of entertainment. Boys and Girls Club staff bring the gift of playfulness. In SEA, you are your greatest asset.
At times, I have been moved to tears by the creativity, thoughtfulness, and sensitivity of those we have trained—including kids in fifth grade! In the last few years, we’ve developed a youth-led group drumming model, through which we’ve witnessed the emergence of wisdom, mutual support, and teamwork. Youth leaders report finding their voices and ability to connect with others through our SEA practices. Students they lead in younger classrooms also report feeling seen, heard, empowered, and uplifted. SEA is ultimately an approach where everyone wins.
Each year brings a new step in our unfolding journey.
We have received a three-year contract with LA County Department of Arts and Culture’s county-wide initiative to serve primarily justice system-impacted youth, or those vulnerable to becoming so, and the adults supporting them. This Creative Wellbeing initiative was spearheaded by our SEA Certificate Program alum, the visionary Elisabeth Nails, MSW, whose expertise spans the arts and therapy worlds. Meanwhile, in January we’ll be partnering with LA County Office of Education to serve youth in juvenile detention while continuing to transform lives in elementary and secondary schools impacted by the Eaton fire, initially funded through a FireAid grant.
On the horizon for 2026: We’ll be offering our sixth year(!) of free, online HOPE Series sessions, as well as providing our Certificate Program in Social Emotional Arts in self-selected modules for greater access.
This holiday season, we wish to share the gift of our Playlist of Life: A Musical Journey from our SEA Toolkit manual, where you can explore music from different moments in your life to shift mood, access feelings, evoke memories, and gain insight. If you find this meaningful, you may enjoy our January HOPE Series session, Prescribing Music for Well-Being and/or you may wish to gift yourself or others our SEA Toolkit or other curriculum manuals for self- and/or other-care in the new year.
If you feel moved by our vision and would like to help us expand our offerings to youth in fire-impacted schools, we would be grateful for support of any kind in this next chapter of our journey.
In the new year, let’s make creative space for intuition and insight to emerge and guide us.
In health and harmony,
