The Creative Arts Personal Growth Group (CAPG): Transforming Fear and Shame

ABSTRACT

Literature highlights the long-term effects of bullying and interpersonal cruelty, including symptoms of trauma and shame. Although scholars have encouraged the development of trauma-informed group interventions for adults with a history of bullying, they have yet to be developed. This article introduces The Creative Arts Personal Growth Group: Transforming Fear and Shame with Compassion, Courage, and Community (CAPG) and presents findings from a phenomenlogocial pilot study exploring participants’ experiences. Themes of containment, creativity, and community promoted regulation of symptoms and self-identity within the context of a safe, inclusive, and affirming group experience. Implications and recommendations are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Bullying
• trauma
• shame
• group counseling
• the creative arts personal growth group

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lisa S. Sosin

Lisa Sosin, Ph.D., LPC, LLP, BACS is the Ph.D. in Counselor Education Program Director and Professor of Counseling in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University.

Sandra D. Noble

Sandra Noble, Ph.D., LPC, NCC is an eating disorder and trauma specialist at Empower Counseling PC.

John J. S. Harrichand

John J. S. Harrichand, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Lynn Bohecker

Lynn Bohecker, Ph.D., LMFT is the Marriage and Family Therapy Program Director and Associate Professor of Counseling in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University.