The Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM), through its Health Promoting University program, held an Art Therapy activity in the Auditorium of Building B of the Faculty of Law on Friday (November 15, 2024). Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses artwork as its primary medium.
With the theme "Embrace Your Inner Strength," the activity encouraged participants to connect more deeply and discover their inner strength through paintings. The Art Therapy activity was attended by several UGM Faculty of Law students and guided by FH UGM Psychologist, M. Imam Bahri, M.Psi.
Imam explained that Art Therapy provides a platform for expressing emotions and self-potential through artistic activities. He believes that someone who has difficulty managing their emotions can lead to unhealthy emotional outbursts.
"Therefore, this Art Therapy event serves as a platform to accommodate that [inner emotions], so that students have a healthier way to express their emotions," he said.
The Art Therapy activity, participated in by UGM Faculty of Law students, began with relaxation. The students were invited to calm their minds with relaxing music. They sat in groups, accompanied by a mentor. Afterward, the participants created paintings according to the guidance of a psychologist. Each student participating in Art Therapy was provided with painting tools such as brushes, canvas, and paints.
Almonika Cindy Fatika Sari, SH, MA, Head of the Faculty of Law's HPU, explained that Art Therapy itself is part of the mindfulness process, a technique for training oneself to focus on one's strengths and weaknesses with full awareness. Previously, the HPU program related to mindfulness was implemented through a meditation activity titled "ruang rasa" in 2023.
This time, mindfulness is presented again with a new atmosphere and an activity, namely Art Therapy. Almonika explained that mindfulness through Art Therapy is not only about silence or reflection, but also includes activities such as painting.
"This is also a moment to introduce peer counselors. So, we at the Faculty of Law also have peer counseling services. This event also aims to introduce these services," explained Almonika.
The HPU program itself is organized by the Financial and Asset Planning and Development Unit (Renbang Unit) of the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The program aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGnumber 3, namely "Ensuring Healthy Lives and Improving the Well-Being of All Ages."
Editor: Public Relations
