What is Social Emotional Arts?

Social emotional arts (SEA) is the use of the visual, performing, and/or literary arts—informed by mental health practices—for social emotional healing, connection, and resilience. We developed this creative arts therapy-informed approach to optimize outcomes. 

There is no wrong way to creatively express ourselves. And the goal of SEA is to enable each of us to be seen and heard—without judgment. SEA accomplishes this goal through placing focus on the creative expression process, rather than the product. In an environment of compassion, this, in turn, invokes engagement, reflection, and dialogue where empathy, connection, and empowerment can flourish.

Social Emotional Arts in Action

In social emotional arts, we use nonjudgmental language, practice cultural humility, offer choice for agency, use “yes—and” practices for validation, facilitate reflection and sharing, harness the symbiotic power of integrated art forms, and employ creative strategies for supporting feelings associated with stress and trauma, with sensitivity and care.

In addition, we provide alternative pathways for participation to enable inclusive engagement in an environment of belonging. We disarm resistance through the strategic use of language to encourage problem solving and connection. And we find creative ways to enable even the most reserved to be seen and heard.  

Our social emotional arts practices can be learned through our free and affordable experiential programs and professional development trainings developed by creative arts therapists, who are mental health professionals with dual expertise in the use of the arts for achieving social, emotional, cognitive, and physical goals. We empower our trainees with practical tools for meeting challenges they may face at the front lines of need. We also provide customized trainings, presentations, and arts programming for schools, mental health agencies, arts organizations, medical centers, and other community organizations—from in-person, local delivery in Los Angeles to online facilitation around the world. 

For more information on social emotional arts, the work we do, and a glimpse into how to become a changemaker for community wellness, watch this California for the Arts Panel presentation by our Founder and Director, Ping Ho, MA, MPH.