Mokokchung College of Teacher Education (MCTE), Yimyu, successfully conducted a 4-day Expressive Art Therapy Workshop in hybrid mode, bringing together educators, students, and professionals from across the various institutions from Mokokchung, to explore the therapeutic and educational benefits of creative expression.
Expressive Art Therapy (EXAT) uses creative forms—such as visual arts, movement, music, drama, storytelling, play, and nature—to support emotional healing, self-awareness, and personal growth. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EXAT emphasizes artistic expression over verbal communication, offering a more embodied way to explore one’s inner world. EXAT facilitates the expansion of an individual’s capacity to utilize the three main functions through which humans experience the world: Movement, Emotion, and Thought.
Focused on the process rather than the final product, EXAT is especially effective for those who struggle to articulate their feelings due to a variety of life situations. Guided by trained facilitators, sessions are inclusive, safe, and require no artistic skill.
As awareness grows, Expressive Arts Therapy is increasingly being used in educational, clinical, and community settings to support mental well-being, Trauma-informed work and emotional resilience.
Held on April 11th & 12th (online) and April 25th & 26th (offline), the workshop featured renowned Expressive Art Therapists Piyush Jain and Pallavi Deswal, both with a Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology and registered with UNESCO-CID France, as the resource persons.
Piyush Jain, a Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapist, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist from the California Institute of Hypnotherapy, and a Counselling Psychologist. He has received specialized training in trauma-informed approaches under Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, a globally renowned expert in the field. With over 3,000 hours of facilitation experience, Piyush has worked extensively with LGBTQIA+ individuals, children, women, and diverse communities—focusing on emotional well-being, resilience, and relationship-building through creative expression.
Pallavi Deswal brings with her over 850 hours of experience facilitating expressive arts sessions with diverse groups. Pallavi skilfully weaves together elements of visual art, music, movement, drama, and play therapy to foster emotional expression and self-awareness, and healing. Her practice spans both online and offline spaces, and she works in English and Hindi, creating safe and inclusive environments for individuals and groups to explore their inner landscapes.
Principal, Dr. T. Alemla Longkumer, in her welcome address, highlighted the relevance of expressive arts in today’s education system, especially in supporting students’ emotional well-being and enhancing teaching effectiveness. She applauded the resource persons for their contribution and acknowledged the enthusiastic participation from various institutions.
The sessions were rich with interactive and experiential learning, allowing participants to engage directly in creative exercises designed to foster emotional expression, self-awareness, and empathetic communication.
The attendees expressed keen interest and shared positive feedback, citing the sessions as both therapeutic and inspiring. Many expressed a desire for more such initiatives in the future.
Participants’ Feedback:
The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees:
Yimsor Imchen from Jubilee Memorial College, described the workshop as ‘overwhelmingly positive,’ emphasizing the therapeutic value of expressive art in managing life’s stresses and its potential for classroom application.
Imtinaro Jamir from Eden Academy, praised the workshop’s inclusive and safe environment, underscored that “every art speaks” and the existing tendency to undervalue art in schools.
Dr Imwapangla Imsong of Fazl Ali College found the experience cathartic and deeply encouraging, advocating for more programs that foster emotional healing.
Speaking on behalf of student teachers, Cikumla from MCTE credited the principal for the initiative, noting that such a visionary step introduced a novel and necessary approach. She emphasized the critical shift from STEM to STEAM education.
The workshop not only fostered creativity and emotional intelligence among educators and students but also opened new avenues for incorporating expressive arts into classroom practices and counselling sessions.
This workshop reaffirms MCTE’s commitment to innovative, inclusive, and human-centred education, strengthening its role in teacher training and well-being advocacy.