Making use of Art based therapies like drum, dance, drama to bring positive behavioral changes

WCCLF is a team of artist-facilitators and teachers with rich and varied experience in art who use art- based interventions for healing and transforming individuals with special needs. WCCLF was established in the year 2001 and has impacted over 7000 individuals with special needs. WCCLF methodologies focus on :

• Drum Circles : Currently, WCCLF is the only organization in India using this therapy. Besides being used for stress relief and community building, Drumming is also used for individuals dealing with cognitive ailments like Autism, Cerebral Palsy and spastic.
• Creative Drama : Since most human diseases are based in the realm of emotional disturbances, creative drama addresses the root of diseases and help individuals restore positive self image. Creative drama methods include mime, voice work, role plays, dramatic play, theatre games, scripts, masks, myths and stories.
• Dance & Movement : Dance is vital for body expression. Through expression, one can build relationships with each other and our world. In order to do so, facilitators have taken the best from classical, contemporary and therapeutic dance and movement forms.

WCCLF vision is to see music therapy and other arts – based therapies being practiced in every institution. Being used by the masses for healing of self and others. WCCLF aims in the next five years to implement the therapies in 15 mainstream institutions and to provide a comprehensive course for individuals in Drum Circles, Drama Therapy and dance therapy.

WCCLF has a very unique model in partnering with NGOs. WCLF selects the institution where they would like to impart the therapy. The selection is based on the commitment of the institution towards learning and applying art based interventions. After selecting the institution, WCCLF identifies the needs of the special population that can be addressed by art forms and than plan a comprehensive project based on the needs. WCLF than applies for the funding of the project. On receiving funding WCCLF facilitates art-based interventions in the institution and simultaneously scouts for interested caregivers who can be enrolled into the learning process and follow up with the therapy sessions in the institution. WCLF has undertaken three projects till date :