Championing Women’s Mental Health Through Creative Arts Therapy

Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. This year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” celebrating the women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship and leadership to shape the minds and futures of all generations. 

Alongside recognising the many successes of women across the ages, this also presents an opportunity to highlight the ongoing journey towards mental wellbeing. Women’s mental health is deeply affected by societal pressures, trauma, and evolving life roles. At One Education’s Creative Arts Therapy team, we are proud to support women’s mental health through innovative, arts-based therapeutic approaches that celebrate resilience, voice, and healing.

Why Women’s Mental Health Matters

Women face unique mental health challenges, often influenced by gender-based violence, economic inequality, caregiving responsibilities, and societal expectations. Research indicates that women are nearly twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression compared to men. Despite this, many women face stigma and barriers to accessing support. Creative arts therapy provides a safe and empowering space for women to explore and express their experiences beyond word

The Power of Creative Arts Therapy

Creative arts therapy utilises drama, art, music, and play to help individuals process complex emotions and experiences. This approach is particularly effective for women who may feel silenced or pressured to prioritise others over themselves. Through creativity, women can unlock suppressed emotions, build self-awareness, and foster self-compassion.

For instance, psychodrama techniques enable women to role-play scenarios, providing insight into relationships, internal conflicts, and coping strategies. Drama therapy offers a metaphorical space where women can rehearse new narratives of empowerment, challenging societal norms and fostering personal growth.

Supporting Women in Caring Professions

Research suggests that somewhere between 40% and 85% of individuals working in “caring professions” develop vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, or other traumatic symptoms. This occurs as a result of empathetic engagement with those who have experienced trauma, whether they are students, patients, or colleagues. Symptoms can include emotional distress, sleep disturbances, intrusive thoughts, and hypervigilance, among many others. This not only has far-reaching consequences for caring professionals, but also the organisations they work for.

That’s why our commitment extends beyond direct therapy. We support women professionals in education and social care who experience compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. Through psychodrama workshops, we help them retain professional curiosity and reconnect with their sense of purpose. Prioritising mental wellbeing ensures these professionals can continue their vital work without compromising their health.

Building Community and Collective Resilience

In addition to individual and group therapy, we offer peer supervision and reflective practice groups. These sessions create a space reflect on their interactions with children and their families, whilst where practitioners can recognising the personal impact of frequent exposure to trauma, hardship and loss.

Our peer supervision and reflective practice groups are designed to create a supportive community where women share experiences and uplift one another. Collective resilience is essential to remind participants that they are not alone in their struggles.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honour not only the accomplishments of women but also their strength in overcoming adversity. By investing in women’s mental health through Creative Arts Therapy, we envision a future where women thrive emotionally, mentally, and creatively.

At One Education, we remain committed to championing women’s wellbeing. When women heal, entire communities benefit. This Women’s History Month, let us continue to uplift, empower, and create spaces where every woman’s voice is heard.