Building resilience through non-judgmental expression
A Creative Pause nurtures emotional wellness and resilience in communities around the world.
A Creative Pause is dedicated to making mental health a human birthright.
We build emotional resilience in communities worldwide by creating and holding safe spaces for reflection and authentic sharing. The core of our belief is that every human being can be their best selves when they are provided the conditions to be emotionally authentic without judgment.
About us
Our history
Since 2015 we have been working in India, Nepal and the US running workshops that build resilience, address trauma and provide respite from the stressors of everyday living. We have conducted 100’s of workshops for 1000’s of participants in person.
When the pandemic hit we have moved our work online and have successfully delivered over 200 online workshops for participants around the world. We have been humbled by the response from the participants and this has propelled us to launch systematic and accessible programs for anyone, anywhere.
Our approach
We emphasize skill building by combining positive psychology, healing traditions, neuroscience advances, narrative therapy approaches, self-compassion research, poly vagal theory, non-violent communications, problem-solving skills, relationship enhancement, and a variety of other proven strategies on a foundation of the expressive arts to deliver healing and resilience building solutions.
We believe that children and adults can be skilled to lead emotionally healthy and resilient lives.
Our impact
in 2023-2024 ACP trained over 150 teachers and trainers from over 25 schools and nonprofits throughout India. Over 1500 children have started receiving regular SEL classes. All 150 teachers and trainers experienced personal growth.
What are the expressive arts?
What are the expressive arts?
The Expressive Arts is an experiential process using movement, music, meditation, creative arts (clay, paints, collage, pastels, watercolors, etc.), journaling, and discussion to express oneself and gain self-awareness, understanding and insight. You don’t have to be good at art, as the emphasis is on expression, the process, and building of self awareness, not on creating beautiful art. While expressive arts is used in therapy - both individual and group, we use it as a means of experiential learning. So while this is not therapy the experience is therapeutic.
Expressive arts differs from art therapy in that participants make meaning of the art they produce for themselves. There is no therapist that is interpreting the art. The process of creating art and then making some meaning from it is a healing process and embodies the learning of the concepts being presented.
Our programs
Our programs are available free of charge to anyone interested in emotional wellness and mental health for underserved populations
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Social Emotional Learning program
Our SEL program delivers the five competencies of social emotional learning skills via an experiential- and discussion-based format using well-researched approaches.
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Emotional wellness training
Through our partnership with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association, we provide training and support for nonprofits worldwide to deliver emotional wellness to the populations they serve.
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Care for caregivers workshops
The nonprofit sector deals with rapid and frequent burnout. Our program provides an opportunity for staff and volunteers of nonprofits to take time for them selves, to heal, to recharge, and to recommit to their passion to help others.
Our partners
We are forging partnerships with nonprofits, schools, and foundations that run schools to introduce SEL and emotional wellness into communities
