From January to March 2026, specialists from the Department of Pedagogical-Psychological Assistance of the Republican Pedagogical-Psychological Center conducted master classes on alternative therapies for about 420 pedagogical and administrative staff members of preschool and general educational institutions in Yerevan, and Kotayk and Shirak Marzes.
The aim of the master classes was to promote the development of participants’ self-expression, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as to introduce them to the specifics and tools of alternative therapies.
During the dance therapy master classes, art therapist Anna Gharibyan introduced the participants to the fundamentals and objectives of Dance Movement Therapy. Through dance games and activities, participants became familiar with a number of techniques and methods aimed at:
- ✦ regulating muscle tension;
- ✦ developing creative imagination;
- ✦ recognizing emotions;
- ✦ perceiving and expressing emotions through the body;
- ✦ improving motor coordination;
- ✦ enhancing voluntary attention;
- ✦ developing memory;
- ✦ strengthening the coordinated functioning of the two hemispheres of the brain,
- ✦ as well as fostering and strengthening a healthy moral and psychological atmosphere and tolerance within groups and classroom.
During the master classes on clay therapy and art therapy, art therapist Taguhi Stepanyan touched on the peculiarities of various materials and their positive impact on the areas of children’s development, and presented new approaches, the application of which will help specialists, if necessary, reduce students’ tension and help them achieve a psychologically calm state.
During the drama therapy masterclasses, special emphasis was placed on play-based exercises. This experience is more creative, engaging, and free from rigid obligations. It provides a wonderful opportunity to participate in the creation of theatrical performances, by “putting on children’s shoes and clothes”: stepping on the stage, playing a role, being an active or passive participant in the organizational activities and conversation-discussions. “A teacher who has gone through this unique journey will have a different approach when working with children, will try to understand the child’s excitement and joy, and will encourage the child to express thoughts and potential.” This is the principle by which drama therapist Marine Asatryan conducts her master classes.
08.05.2026
