Arts Psychotherapist Varia Williams Addresses Mental Health Crisis in Children and Young People Amidst a Rapidly Changing World

Many children, adolescents and young people are struggling to cope in a fast-changing world says arts psychotherapist Varia Williams.

“Coming out of COVID, the mental health stresses arising out of isolation and loss of opportunities are still being felt in a very real way – and we’re seeing this through increased self-harm and other social, emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges,” she said.

“We have a mental health crisis on our hands, and one of the key challenges is to destigmatise and normalise the discourse around this critical aspect of our wellbeing.”

Williams recently returned from pursuing a Master of Arts in Drama and Movement Therapy – a method of psychotherapy which incorporates and utilises creative arts in therapy.

She explained that arts therapy is a fast-growing specialist area of psychotherapy. The therapist, working within a theoretical framework of developmental and analytical psychology, applies techniques using movement, drama, art, play, images and symbols to make connections between conscious and unconscious states to encourage integration and balance.

“I expect that my new skills will complement those already available in Barbados to support these needs. I’ll be looking for opportunities to collaborate with other mental health professionals, programmes, and agencies over the next coming months to do just that,” Williams said.

Already well-known as a theatre practitioner and drama teacher in Barbados, her experience over the past 15 years as managing director of Mustardseed Productions – a company recognised for its bold and innovative productions while promoting culture, creativity and identity – has laid the groundwork for this new venture she is undertaking.

“During the pandemic, we couldn’t meet, we couldn’t perform, and we saw the impact on our young people. It forced me to refocus and reconsider my training to address deeper needs within society,” Williams said. “The course of study I chose is still very much related to my passion for people and the arts, but now focuses more on the field of psychology, psychotherapy and mental health and wellness.”

Her work in the two-year immersive programme at the University of London’s highly respected Royal Central School of Speech and Drama earned her a distinction, saw her complete several job attachments, including working in a forensic hospital for men with mental illnesses and who have committed serious crimes. Williams also worked with both verbal and non-verbal children and youth in schools dealing with such issues as anxiety, grief and suicidal ideation.