Jakarta – The Psychology Study Program, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia University (Unusia) held an Art Therapy Workshop entitled "Canvas of Catharsis: A Creative Stress Detox Space" in the Jakoeb Oetama Hall on July 4. This activity provided a safe space for students from various study programs and the Unusia academic community to recognize, express, and manage emotions through an artistic approach, guided by professional psychologists.

The workshop began with a presentation entitled "Canvas of Catharsis: Art Therapy in Clinical Settings" by Adhesatya Ningsih, a Clinical Psychologist. In this session, participants were introduced to the concept of art therapy as an approach that utilizes the creative process to help individuals recognize, express, and manage emotions. Participants also gained an understanding of the benefits of art therapy in supporting mental health and its application in clinical psychology practice.

After gaining this understanding, participants participated in a series of practical exercises that began with scribble exercises to freely express thoughts and emotions, followed by a mindfulness session to build self-awareness. In the main session, participants expressed their feelings through painting on canvas as a medium for self-reflection. Throughout the process, Adhesatya accompanied each participant by observing their work, engaging in dialogue about the meaning of the colors, shapes, and symbols that emerged, and helping participants understand the emotions they expressed through their work.

The workshop concluded with a guided reflection and self-acceptance session, which included relaxation exercises and positive affirmations. Through this series of activities, participants were encouraged to accept the various emotions that emerged during the creative process and build a better relationship with themselves.

The Unusia Psychology Study Program hopes that this workshop will raise awareness among the academic community about the importance of maintaining mental health and introduce art therapy as an approach that supports psychological well-being and self-development.