Color Your Story Onto Mine Until You Can Color Your Own
CYSOM’s Non-Clinical, Creative Support Programs
About CYSOM:
CYSOM’s Art and Journaling Programs (Non-Clinical)
Definition:
CYSOM’s art and journaling programs offer individuals a creative and supportive space to explore their experiences through artistic expression and reflective journaling. These non-clinical programs act as supplementary tools, serving as a bridge to self-exploratory empowerment and resilience. They provide a first step for individuals who are not ready for clinical intervention, offering them an alternative to begin their journey toward healing. For those already in therapy, CYSOM enhances the experience by providing journals, sketchbooks, and coloring books for daily use and tracking progress. CYSOM also offers aftercare support, ensuring continued access to creative tools to maintain well-being even after therapy or treatment concludes. Additionally, CYSOM is working towards establishing a museum, memorial, and gardens to honor the stories of survivors and provide space for reflection and community connection.
Core Principles:
- Safety: Creating a supportive environment for self-expression.
- Empowerment: Encouraging individuals to take control of their journey through creative outlets.
- Collaboration: Fostering shared experiences to build connection among participants.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledging and respecting the diverse backgrounds of all participants.
- Ongoing Support for Traditional Therapy: Encouraging continued engagement with traditional therapy alongside CYSOM’s programs to support long-term well-being.
- Growth: Encouraging strength and progress through creative expression.
CYSOM’s Non-Clinical Approach:
- Art as Expression:
Participants use various art forms (such as painting, drawing, and sculpture) to express their emotions, experiences, and personal stories. This process supports self-discovery and growth.
- Workshops:
Guided sessions that allow participants to express themselves and reflect on their experiences through art. These sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for creative expression.
- Exhibits:
Displaying participant artwork to celebrate their journey and inspire others. These exhibits provide a platform for individuals to share their stories through art.
- Journaling as Reflection:
Writing exercises that encourage participants to articulate their emotions, reflect on their experiences, and track their journey. This provides an outlet for expression and clarity.
- Prompts:
Thoughtful prompts that guide participants in reflecting on their experiences and exploring their emotions, helping them engage with their personal journey.
- Personalization:
Customized journals and coloring books that encourage consistent self-reflection and provide a creative way to engage with one’s thoughts and experiences.
- Integrated Support:
While non-clinical, CYSOM’s programs also include life skills training, emotional literacy, and communication principles, offering a well-rounded approach to personal growth.
Aftercare:
CYSOM provides ongoing access to creative tools like journals, sketchbooks, and coloring books to help individuals continue their journey after therapy or treatment has concluded. This aftercare support helps individuals maintain self-reflection, emotional expression, and personal growth as they move forward.
Who we serve
Who We Serve
At Color Your Story Onto Mine (CYSOM), we are committed to empowering individuals from all walks of life, especially those who have experienced trauma, adversity, or marginalization. Our programs provide creative and supportive spaces for those who may not be ready for clinical intervention but are seeking a path to healing, self-expression, and personal growth. We serve a diverse range of individuals, including:
- Survivors of Trauma and Abuse:
Individuals who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, domestic violence, or other forms of trauma. Our programs offer a gentle, non-clinical approach to begin their healing journey.
- At-Risk Youth:
Young individuals facing challenges such as homelessness, poverty, violence, or neglect. CYSOM provides a safe space for them to express their emotions, reflect on their experiences, and build resilience.
- Incarcerated Individuals:
We provide art and journaling programs to inmates, including those on death row, life sentences, and in youth detention facilities. Through creative expression, we aim to humanize their voices, promote healing, and offer a sense of hope and empowerment.
- Formerly Incarcerated Individuals:
We support individuals who have been released from incarceration, helping them reintegrate into society and continue their healing journey through art, journaling, and personal reflection.
- Individuals in Recovery:
Those overcoming substance abuse, addiction, or behavioral health challenges. CYSOM’s programs provide a supportive environment for self-reflection, emotional growth, and empowerment during the recovery process.
- Mental Health and Behavioral Health Clients:
People struggling with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional challenges. Our programs complement traditional therapy, offering creative tools for managing emotions and tracking progress.
- Survivors of Gun Violence and Grief:
Individuals who have lost loved ones to violence or other traumatic events. CYSOM provides art-based coping tools to help them navigate grief, find healing, and regain a sense of purpose and hope.
- Families Affected by Trauma:
We serve families who have been impacted by trauma, helping both parents and children find ways to communicate, reflect, and heal together. Our programs foster connection and understanding within families dealing with adversity.
- Community Members Seeking Healing:
Anyone in the community who is looking for a creative and supportive way to explore their experiences, find healing, and build resilience. CYSOM provides a welcoming space for individuals seeking personal growth and empowerment through art and journaling.
We believe in the power of storytelling, creativity, and resilience to transform lives. CYSOM is here to provide the tools, support, and community to those who are ready to begin their journey toward healing, growth, and empowerment.
