Validation of a Holistic Coaching Model in Fostering Growth in Post-war Communities through Creative Therapies

Abstract

Individuals from post-war communities are challenged with many issues of varying severity in achieving normalcy in a new society. Whilst being sensitive to the past trauma individuals may have suffered, focusing on the present and the current available resources to build their personalities is crucial in equipping them to work towards new possibilities. This study conducted in two phases, aims to support a coaching framework for coaching war-affected individuals towards recovery and growth. The framework was supported by a series of therapeutic activities based on expressive and creative arts. Firstly, seven workshops (full day programs) employing adult participants and seven workshops (half-day programs) employing adolescent participants, were carried out in several post-war communities within a single region in Sri Lanka. The feedback from the participants was analysed in order to identify main themes so that they could be contextualized. Secondly, these themes from the initial findings were superimposed onto an existing holistic growth model consisting of successive growth steps, in developing a sustainable framework for growth in that specific region. Once supported and validated, it is hoped, that this framework would provide a basis for recovery and growth of individuals in rebuilding post war communities.