Reflective Report

Creative and expressive therapeutic interventions for youths/new and adapted therapies
during a pandemic

DHITAL RABINDRA B1470587

Module Leader: Vicky Rushin-Chape

Module Code: CIS4006

Teesside University
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 2
2. Activities Undertaken ........................................................................................... 4
3. Contribution to the Organisation .......................................................................... 7
4. Reflection ............................................................................................................. 9
5. Personal Benefits:.............................................................................................. 10
6. Professional values and behaviour .................................................................... 12
References: .............................................................................................................. 14
Appendix: ................................................................................................................. 14

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 1. Introduction
As a remote intern with Think Pacific, I had the privilege of participating in a structured

12-week program that allowed me to develop a deep understanding of Fiji, the

organization, and self-leadership. I became familiar about the greetings and culture of

FIJI people. The internship starts with 5 different phases, the journey involves a 5-step

process, starting with 'Discovery'. During this phase, we learn about the organization,

their role, and how they support the goals of the program or project. This includes

gaining knowledge about the country or community they are working in, as well as

developing self-leadership skills. The next step is 'Discussion', where we engage in

conversations with other interns, NGO staff, and community members to gain a deeper

understanding of the issues at hand. Through these discussions, the intern can

develop insights and perspectives that will inform their work and help them to identify

potential solutions. Once we have gathered enough information, then we move on to

the 'Decide' phase. During this step, we must select a project to focus on and develops

a plan to create campaigns, reports, or resources that will support the program's

objectives. The 'Design' phase involves creating the project, which may involve

designing reports, presentations, conducting research, or developing online

campaigns. This phase requires to be creative, innovative, and detail-oriented to

ensure the final product is effective and meets the program's needs. Finally, we move

on to the 'Deliver' phase, where we present our project to senior management and

partners. This involves demonstrating the understanding of the program's goals and

objectives, as well as showcasing the work we have done to support those objectives.

Through this final step, we can show the impact and contributions to the organization

and the community. During the Discovery phase, I learned about the unique culture

and history of Fiji and how Think Pacific is working towards supporting the country's

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National Development Plan. Through engaging in online discussions with fellow

interns and NGO staff during the Discussion phase, I was able to deepen my

understanding of the issues facing Fiji and the role that international development

organizations can play in supporting the country's development goals.

I was able to choose a topic on “Creative and expressive therapeutic interventions

for youths/new and adapted therapies during a pandemic.” As a researcher for Youth

Champs 4 Mental Health (YC4MH), my task was to identify innovative youth-based

interventions that could be adapted during a pandemic. Before starting the reflective

report, I would like to give a brief introduction about YC4MH, YC4MH (Youth Champs

4 Mental Health) is an organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness

and advocacy among young people. YC4MH aims to create a safe and supportive

environment for young individuals dealing with mental health issues, providing them

with the necessary resources and support to manage their mental health effectively.

The organization also focuses on empowering young people to take an active role in

promoting mental health awareness and advocating for improved mental health

policies and services. YC4MH operates in collaboration with various partners and

stakeholders to provide innovative and evidence-based solutions to address mental

health challenges faced by young people. The purpose of my report was to help the

organization continue its mission of promoting mental health among young people

despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. I have taken an example

of an organization which is already popular for the scenario above, the organization is

The Art of Living Foundation which is a non-profit organization that aims to promote

individual and social well-being through a range of educational and humanitarian

programs. The organization was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual

leader and humanitarian, who envisioned a world where every individual can

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 experience peace, joy, and harmony. The Art of Living Foundation offers a variety of

programs, including stress-management workshops, yoga and meditation classes,

leadership training, and social service initiatives. The organization has a global

presence, with operations in over 156 countries and millions of individuals benefitting

from its programs. The Art of Living Foundation is committed to fostering a sense of

community and connection among individuals, promoting personal growth and self-

awareness, and supporting social transformation through its programs and initiatives.

In this reflective report, I will discuss my experiences during the research process, the

methods I used, the challenges I faced, and the outcomes of the research. During the

internship there were some challenges where one of the main challenges I faced was

the limited availability of data on the effectiveness of mental health interventions during

a pandemic. Additionally, reaching out to experts and organizations was not always

easy, as many of them were overwhelmed with the demands of the pandemic. Despite

these challenges, I persevered, and with the help of my team, we were able to identify

several potential interventions.

2. Activities Undertaken
Virtual meetings: Virtual campfire where different students and professionals from

different walk of lives joined together and had conversation on range of topics.

Research and analysis: A preliminary research on the impact of the pandemic on young

people's mental health and wellbeing was conducted and this led to a conclusion that

because of pandemic mental health and wellbeing of people was compromised. During

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the research existing programs and interventions aimed at supporting young people's

mental health were identified and areas for improvement were discussed.

Program development and implementation: For the development of the programs

various result-based therapy and course were discussed in the report. So, from these

result-based techniques YC4MH can help develop and deliver online therapy and

mindfulness programs. These programs can help young people manage stress and

anxiety, build resilience, and feel connected to others during a time of social isolation.

Youth engagement and crowdsourcing: Different meetings and talk were analysed with

regards to youth engagement where young people can engage in the development and

implementation of innovative interventions. Courses and techniques that was loved and

repeated by crowds were approached in the report. This can help ensure that the

interventions are tailored to young people's needs and preferences.

Advocacy and policy development: The program was tailormade so that the

organization can work with governments and other stakeholders to advocate for policies

and programs that support young people during the pandemic. This can include

advocating for social protection measures that consider the particular concerns and

needs of young people, such as those with informal jobs. The organization can further

work on developing policies and programs that build resilient social safety nets to

reduce the vulnerability of young people in the long term.

Actual project: To identify potential interventions, I conducted a thorough review of the

literature on mental health interventions for young people. I also reached out to website

of art of living foundation that is prevalent in FIJI. I explored the Art of Living Foundation,

an organization that has successfully adapted its programs during the pandemic.

Furthermore, I started to compare the process and the results of different courses

provided by the art of living. To identify innovative youth-based interventions that could

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be adapted by YC4MH, I used four phases of which discovery and discussion were

already done above. During the Decide phase, I had the opportunity to choose a project

to focus on and create campaigns, reports, or resources that would be submitted to

Think Pacific's partners. This allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I had gained

during the previous phases to a real-world project. In the Design phase, I created

reports and presentations that were aimed at addressing youth mental health issues

faced by Fiji, particularly MC4MH.

Research findings: There was a clear finding that the techniques discussed in the report

was well proven and practiced by millions of youths around the world including FIJI

itself.

Figure 1 How the program has decreased depression without medicine.

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Milestone: During the internship I have figured out how a person from YC4MH can

undertake the right of teaching programs and therapies to the youth who would like to

take care of their mental wellbeing.

Figure 2 Milestone to reach before teaching a program

3. Contribution to the Organisation

The research yielded several potential interventions that YC4MH could adapt to meet

the needs of young people during the pandemic. These interventions include online

counselling, digital self-help tools, and mindfulness-based interventions. Furthermore,

this also identified several programs from the Art of Living Foundation that could be

adapted for youth, such as the Youth Empowerment and Skills (YES!) Program, the

Happiness Program, and the Yoga for Children Program.

Firstly, the report can help YC4MH to identify and evaluate evidence-based innovative

mental health interventions that are suitable for young people during the pandemic.

As the report is prepared by reviewing existing literature, analysing data, and

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conducting surveys or interviews to understand the needs and preferences of young

people in this area.

Secondly, the report can provide support to YC4MH in the design and implementation

of innovative youth-based interventions. As the report include detailed project plans,

and coordination with stakeholders and partners to ensure effective implementation.

Thirdly, the report can contribute to the evaluation and monitoring of the effectiveness

of these interventions. As the report suggest developing and implementing evaluation

frameworks, analysing data to assess the impact of interventions, and making

recommendations for improvement.

This research has also outlined the importance of being flexible and adaptable,

particularly in the face of unforeseen challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. It has

brightened the importance of mental health interventions for young people, especially

during a crisis. This report has the power of collaboration and the sharing of knowledge

which can help organizations like YC4MH adapt and continue their mission in the face

of adversity.

Besides these there are few other contributions that are meant to the organization,

Collaboration and Networking: The report will help YC4MH to build partnerships and

collaborations with other organizations, stakeholders, and individuals working in the

field of mental health. The report contains organization the Art of Living, FIJI chapter

with some contacts and emails of the teams. With the help of these contacts any

people or organization can join or attend virtual events, webinars, and conferences to

network and learn about best practices and innovative approaches in mental health.

Creating Awareness: The report can contribute to the organization's efforts to raise

awareness about mental health issues among young people.

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Developing Resources: The report can assist YC4MH in developing resources and

materials to support young people's mental health needs. As the report includes

educational materials, some online resources, and tools for self-assessment and

mental health management.

4. Reflection
During my research for Youth Champs 4 Mental Health (YC4MH), I had the opportunity

to study the innovative youth-based interventions that were adapted during the

pandemic by the Art of Living Foundation. The Art of Living Foundation is an

international organization that focuses on promoting mental and physical well-being,

stress management, and social engagement. Their innovative approach to youth-

based interventions during the pandemic provided valuable insights for our

organization's efforts to support young people's mental health during these challenging

times.

The Art of Living Foundation's pandemic-adapted interventions were designed to be

accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations.

These interventions incorporated technology to ensure that young people could

participate in them from the safety of their homes. One example of an intervention that

stood out to me was the 'Happiness Program.' This program offered a combination of

online workshops, meditation sessions, and group discussions to help young people

manage stress and build resilience during the pandemic.

Additionally, the Art of Living Foundation's interventions were designed to be

interactive and engaging, incorporating elements of art, music, and mindfulness

practices to promote well-being. These interventions aimed to foster a sense of

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community and connectedness among young people, who may have been feeling

isolated during the pandemic.

As I reflected on the Art of Living Foundation's innovative approach to youth-based

interventions, I realized the importance of considering young people's unique needs

and challenges during the pandemic. The pandemic has affected young people in

multiple ways, including increased stress, anxiety, and social isolation. Therefore, it is

crucial to design interventions that are specifically tailored to their needs and are

accessible and engaging.

Overall, my experience as a remote intern with Think Pacific has been transformative.

Through the five phases of Discovery, Discussion, Decide, Design, and Deliver, I was

able to develop a deeper understanding of international development, gain valuable

skills and knowledge, and contribute to meaningful projects aimed at improving the

lives of people in Fiji. This experience has not only impacted my career aspirations but

also broadened my perspective on the role that I can play in creating positive change

in the world.

5. Personal Benefits:
Skill development: Conducting research for YC4MH provided an opportunity to

develop and enhance my research skills. These skills include data analysis, report

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writing, critical thinking, and effective communication. I also learned working as a team

and completing a working within a given time.

Increased knowledge: By researching for YC4MH, it has increased my knowledge

about youth mental health interventions during a pandemic, including innovative

solutions that are adapted to the current situation. I also gained insight into the

challenges and opportunities in this field such as financial constraints, cultural

differences among different part of country and world, resistant to teachings.

Professional networking: Working with YC4MH and its partners has provided

opportunities to build professional networks, I was able to make connections with like-

minded individuals within the university and outside world entrepreneurs, and

potentially gain career opportunities. This is especially valuable for me as after

graduating it will help me to start careers in this field.

Personal fulfilment: After the submission of the report of conducting research for a

cause that aligns with one's values has brought me a sense of personal fulfilment and

purpose as I am much passionate about mental health advocacy and youth

development.

Increased awareness: During my research for YC4MH I have gained a deeper

understanding of the challenges faced by young people dealing with mental health

issues during a pandemic. This awareness can help inform future research and

advocacy efforts.

Personal growth: Working on a research project for this meaningful cause has

provided me with opportunities for personal growth, including improved problem-

solving skills, increased self-awareness, and strengthened leadership abilities. These

skills can be valuable in both personal and professional contexts.

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 Overall, conducting research for an organization like YC4MH has provided personal

benefits that will go beyond career development. It has led a meaningful contribution

to society while also enhancing my personal growth and sense of purpose.

6. Professional values and behaviour

• Commitment: As the internship was time bound and result oriented it led to a strong

commitment to the YC4MH mission and goals, and to the research project at hand.

• Networking: During the internship peoples from different walks of life were encountered

that has created a huge networking, this networking of people will help professionally

to succeed in relevant field.

• Ethics: The project was based on youth mental health so, ethical standards in all

aspects of the research process was maintained, including data collection, Fiji Art of

Living contacts, analysis of the programs, and reporting.

• Professionalism: During the zoom sessions and meetings a professional behaviour in

communication, conduct, and appearance was necessary and was practiced all the

time. To represent the University in a positive and professional manner.

• Accountability: I took the responsibility for the research project's outcome and

communicate those challenges or concerns with the supervisor and project team.

• Adaptability: I have learned to be flexible and adaptable in all the research approach.

This led me to learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances.

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In conclusion, the research conducted for YC4MH has yielded several potential

interventions that could be adapted to meet the needs of young people during the

pandemic. These interventions have the potential to make a significant impact on the

mental health of young people during this challenging time. As a researcher, I have

gained valuable experience in conducting research in a crisis, analysing data, and

identifying evidence-based solutions to address mental health challenges faced by

young people and learned the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and

perseverance. The final reports will be instrumental in advancing YC4MH's mission of

promoting mental health awareness and support among young people.

The skills and knowledge gained from this experience will undoubtedly benefit me in

future career endeavours, while the contributions made to YC4MH will continue to

make a lasting impact on the mental health of young people in their community.

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References:

artofliving, 2023. artofliving. [Online]

Available at: <https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/research-sudarshan-kriya >
[Accessed 2 02 2023].
youthchampsfiji, 2023. youthchampsfiji. [Online]
Available at <https://youthchampsfiji.wixsite.com/yc4mh>
[Accessed 2 02 2023].
artofliving, 2023. artofliving. [Online]
Available at <https://www.artofliving.org/uk-en/volunteer-training>
[Accessed 2 02 2023].
artofliving, 2023. artofliving. [Online]
Available at <https://www.artofliving.org/fj-en/art-living-foundation-fiji#Directions>
[Accessed 2 02 2023].
artofliving, 2023. artofliving. [Online]
Available at <https://www.artofliving.org/programs>
[Accessed 2 02 2023].

Appendix:
TESTIMONIALS:

Dr. Joe Rod (Cardiologist): “After 90 days of doing this, I felt my stress was markedly

reduced, and now I would not stop doing it, because I would not want to revert to the levels

of stress I had at the time.”

Mawahib S (Financial Advisor):

"I used to be so tense. I'd be getting so angry, shouting, screaming, pushing around to get

my orders through. Now when I realize I'm getting tense I just breathe, and I calm down. I

realize that I'm much more focused and much more productive."

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Figure 3 Some more programs done in Fiji by art of living during pandemic

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