EXIT GLOBAL HEALTH LEADER TRAINING AUROVILLE INDIA

6 DAYS – FEB 11 TO 16 2025 + 20 Hrs Supervision

With Melinda Ashley Meyer

Assisted by Gunnar Reinsborg, Kari Anne Næss and Gopika Dahanukar

What is the EXIT model?

EXIT (Expressive Arts in Transition) is a group intervention, based on art and expression methods (EXA – Intermodal expressive arts). The aim is to provide knowledge and tools to deal with stress symptoms under and after traumatic events such as flight, war, natural disasters and illness. The participants receive training in the EXIT template. Those who complete the entire course with practice receive certification as an EXIT group leader. The body reacts to traumatic events with e.g. insomnia, restlessness, muscle pain, headache and anger; the senses close down.

Through movement, art and expressive methods, a platform is created for dialogue and communication, where the senses are central to inner feelings. The words have often lost their original meaning under and after traumatic events, therefore both artistic expressions and cultural rituals are important as a form of expression. These non-verbal expressions help to transform what you carry – into a strength; traumatic growth. EXIT was carried out as a research project in collaboration with the National Knowledge Center on Violence and Traumatic Stress (NKVTS – Norway’s national research institution for violence and abuse) from 2008-2014, and shows a reduction of post-traumatic stress symptoms and a more optimistic view of the future for the participants.

In the documentary film EXIT, based on the research project, art – and the method of expression – is illustrated. The EXA method mobilizes resources to create hope, take hold of dreams and abilities in a new life context (EXIT 2014, Film & Arts Skagen/ Melinda A. Meyer DeMott)

Which target groups benefit from EXIT?

The method can be used with all groups that are or have been exposed to stress, or are going through major changes. EXIT has also proven to be very relevant in integration and inclusion work both in schools and working life. The method can therefore be useful for everyone in the areas of school, health, leadership and administration.

Practice and guidance:

You must obtain a practice group yourself. First week 2 times then 1 time a week for 8 weeks. 1 1/2 hours each time. In practice, the group must consist of 8 participants and must be led by two students, or another experienced co-leader who is familiar with active participation methods.

Supervision on Zoom:

Supervision takes place the same weeks as the EXIT group is carried out. A total of 20 hours. FEES EUR 1500 includes 6 days in person training + 20 hrs of Supervision online

Deferred payment available – 50% on registration by 1/11/ 2024

25% 21/06/2025

25% 1/11/2025

Paid to Swahansa Expressive Art India – For details contact swahansa@gmail.com / expressiveartsindia@gmail.com

Limited to 16 Participants

Teacher:

Professor Melinda Ashley Meyer DeMott, is the Director and Co-founder of the Norwegian Institute for Expressive Arts and Communication (NIKUT). She is Professor and Core faculty at the European Graduate School (EGS), Switzerland. Ms Meyer DeMott has made three documentary films about Expressive Arts with traumatized refugees, carried out several research projects and written several articles about EXA work with trauma survivors. Her research focus has been on refugee studies and treatment of trauma survivors Expressive Art group psychotherapy. She is the designer of Expressive Arts in Transition (EXIT), a stress management group intervention manual for trauma survivors. Several training programs have been established internationally: Norway, Germany, Central America and in the beginning stage in India, Turkey and North America. She was given the Kings Medal of Merit for her pioneer work with refugees and expressive arts in Norway.