I worked with a 28-year-old Latino male who describes himself as deeply family-oriented and someone who has historically prioritized the needs of others over his own. The activity selected was Absorb and Release. Although the participant is currently engaged in therapy, he expressed interest in participating in a creative activity that would allow him to process and express his emotions in a different way.

At the beginning of the activity, the participant shared that he is navigating a difficult and emotional transition in his life. He spoke openly about the guilt he experiences as he learns to set boundaries and prioritize his own well-being while continuing to carry the responsibilities and expectations he feels as a son, brother, and fiancé. He reflected on how unfamiliar it feels to choose himself and the future he is building with his fiancé, as he has spent much of his life putting others first. While he recognizes that these changes are necessary for his growth and happiness, he acknowledged struggling with feelings of sadness, guilt, and grief, particularly when his decisions are not understood or accepted by family members.

Throughout the activity, the participant was able to identify and name many of the emotions, expectations, and burdens he has “absorbed” during this season of his life. Through the creative process, he was also able to intentionally identify what he wanted to “release.” As he reflected on these experiences, he became visibly emotional and began to cry, sharing that he had been carrying a significant amount of guilt and sadness that he had not fully acknowledged or expressed until this moment.

At the conclusion of the activity, the participant described the experience as both moving and healing. He shared that the activity provided him with a sense of emotional release and a new perspective on the importance of letting go of feelings that no longer serve him. He expressed interest in participating in future activities and stated that he plans to keep his artwork on his desk as a daily reminder of what he is choosing to release. Overall, the activity held significant meaning, as it allowed the participant to honor his experiences, acknowledge the weight he has been carrying, and take an intentional step toward healing, growth, and self-compassion.