My first experience with an AWBW workshop was with myself. As a current PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) advocate who is finding different ways to hold space for incarcerated survivors who attend my support groups, it’s important that I allow myself to learn these activities that I will introduce to them firsthand.
I decided to do the “Claiming Who I Am” activity. During this activity, I realized how beneficial it was for me to write down on paper all the characteristics I value so much in myself. As someone who has lived with a lot of self-doubt and worries about failure and not being the best, claiming these positive qualities as part of who I really am helped re-establish and define my identity.
I always thought I had to be “artistic” and “creative” to even participate, let alone facilitate art workshops, but the freeing feeling of confirming what you want to believe about yourself is powerful and therapeutic in and of itself. I really look forward to introducing this activity along with so many others to my clients who are incarcerated and may be struggling with questions and doubts about their own identity.
