This participant, a 16-year-old female who I have met for one-on-one sessions, always had difficulty discussing the violence she witnessed at home. After a few sessions, I wanted a project that would allow her to focus on herself. I have seen times where she discusses family, but tends not to focus on herself, only on others’ wellbeing.

The youth’s mother decided to enroll her in our youth program, and she was very hesitant to attend. I remember meeting with her the first time and letting her know she could be honest. She expressed, “I don’t need to be here; this is dumb.”

As she continued coming, she later expressed that it was different than what she expected.

The workshop for this day was “Personal Needs Flower.” I explained to her that we would not be using scissors for this workshop; I let her know that we would be ripping the paper. I remember her giving me this look like it was weird to do so. She expressed, “but I need scissors. If not, it will come out ugly.” I asked her to try it out; it could be fun and help release some stress.

She began to rip the different colors of construction paper that she chose, still saying it was “weird.” As she began to put the petals on her flower, we moved on to focus on specific needs that she may have. At first, it was difficult for her to think about what she wanted, sometimes forgetting to think about herself and putting everyone else first.

As we continued to work on the workshop, she began to write in each petal. She wrote, Honesty, Wanting to Trust, Comfort, Respect, Enjoy Myself, Communicate More, Creating Connections, Find Myself, and Believe.

She expressed that it has been hard for her to describe past events and wants to be able to talk about them. That she is wanting to create connections with family members. Also, she wants to be able to find herself. She has been feeling that she has to put on a fake smile for everyone to think she is okay when she may not be.

She expressed that before doing this workshop, she never really just sat and focused on her needs.

The participant stated feeling good and proud, and that she was also keeping her flower as a reminder for herself. It was amazing how a simple art workshop could help alleviate some of her emotions.