The recovery group 'Mirroring with Art' is an initiative that originated from a co-creation session of Lekker in je vel Zuidoost. Eight participants, who need help for various reasons, are welcomed by two experts by experience and a therapist. They come together to have conversations and be creative, with the aim of eventually being able to participate in society again. "This was something that helped me before and during therapy to relax and develop myself," said Vijay, one of the experience experts.
Passion for this project
Jasper and Vijay met during the ChangeAtalier of Lekker in je vel Zuidoost. Some time later, the proposal came from Jasper to do something with art therapy in Zuidoost. Vijay said that he 'wanted to do something with creativity', which made him passionate about this project. "You do it together and the art comes first," Jasper added.
'Mirroring with Coast' is unique
Jasper and Vijay both mentioned that the creative approach of 'Mirroring with Art' is different from regular mental health care. "The work of the people speaks," Jasper said. "From there [the creative work of the people], the group reacts to what everyone has made. That gives a lot of support to each other," he further explained.
Another element that makes 'Mirroring with Art' so special, Vijay said, is that the participants made themselves vulnerableby 'creating from thoughts'. He also mentioned that this is only possible because of the safe atmosphere that is created during the sessions.
The success of 'Mirroring with Art'
The combination of art, the experts by experience and the people who are there makes this recovery group effective. Talking about the obstacles people face makes people feel understood and connected to each other. For example, there was a participant who, as a result of this recovery group, found out how she could make her life pleasant for herself again. She quit her old job to find a job that suits her and moved. Jasper mentioned a common positive effect of 'Mirroring with Art': "You do notice that everyone in their own way, but all of them, felt a piece of themselves that they had lost".
'Mirroring with Art' in the future
Plenty of ideas are still being devised for the future goals of 'Mirroring with Art'. For example, more is now being thought of collaborations with other parties within the ecosystem of Zuidoost. They are also working to involve professionals in such initiatives. Jasper said that one of his goals is to ensure that 'regular and alternative care are equal', as this is often the fastest option for help due to the long waiting times in mental health care.
