I use visual art, dance & drama to help people overcome their trauma: Nitya Naresh

During the Covid-19 pandemic, people disconnected from the world around and found a deeper connection with themselves. Actress Nitya Naresh took a hiatus from the film industry to study how she can heal herself and others through creative expression. Her mother, a psychologist, motivated her to start a course in expressive arts therapy.
What is expressive arts therapy?
Expressive therapies involve the use of the creative arts as a method of therapy.It takes various forms, including art, dance/movement, drama, music, writing, poetry, and psychodrama. Expressive therapies are founded on the belief that people can heal through various types of creative expression. Expressive therapists believe that creative expression and imagination can help people evaluate their bodies, feelings, emotions, and mental processes.
‘I was bullied in school... art helped me’
Nitya struggled with dyslexia and ADHD when she was younger, and now she wants to help others. “My father was in the Navy, so I grew up in several locations and attended various schools. I was bullied for being dusky, having curly hair, and wearing spectacles. For not looking like the others in my class... I didn’t fit in or make friends till I was older. I was not particularly good at academics or sports, and I did not feel like I belonged. I found solace in art, whether it was through theatre, drawing or painting,” shared the actress.
‘Healing begins with self-understanding’
Nitya pursued expressive arts therapy with a specialisation in psychodrama. “After receiving my certification and becoming a facilitator, I began leading self-exploration workshops where I use visual art, drama, and sound to guide participants through a journey that teaches them something about themselves. Expressive arts help us realise who we truly are and move through triggers and traumas. A lot of people in Hyderabad have attended my workshops; my next one called ‘I see you’ is happening at the end of June in the city,” she shares.

Nitya also offers expressive arts therapy programmes in Mumbai and Bengaluru. “During these workshops, we will assist you to comprehend all of the roles you play in your life. Understanding oneself better allows us to heal from past wounds. Our activities are designed to help you see things about yourself that you hadn’t seen before,” she says.
‘I’m still open to doing quality roles’
When asked if she’s done with the film industry, Nitya, known for films such as Operation Gold Fish and Nandini Nursing Home, says she wants to do only “meaningful acting roles” while pursuing her new career. “Who says you have to choose only one path?” she says.
By- Shweta Watson