MSD Mask Program - Exploring Identity
In recovery, identity can be a struggle and a re-learning process.…
That’s what Dan Cardinal, Recovery Coach at Detox, discovered and that’s why he introduced an easy but powerful mask making activity for Medically Supported Detox (MSD) participants. The low cost, hour-long activity is a refreshing way for individuals to safely, thoughtfully, and creatively explore their identity.
In the activity, participants are simply invited to use paints, markers, and other material to design and color two sides of the paper mask:
Outside of mask – think about the identity you show to the outside world
Inside the mask – think about that hidden inner self that may or may not be like what you show the world
A struggle with identity is something Dan regularly sees in recovery with client comments like – “I don’t know what I like. I don’t know how to be this type of person.” He’s learned from different programs that this is a trauma response, an attempt to protect oneself from trauma.
Dan creates a safe space for the activity. He states up front that he’s not a therapist and this is introduced as a group activity for fun with no pressure or expectations. The TV is on in the background, there’s music, and there are different materials to use or, basically, play with, i.e., paint, markers, glitter, feathers, stickers. The overall idea is to have fun and make a mess.
It’s a comfortable and safe place to bring up emotions. Dan has done this activity at Detox four times with great participation, some amazing masks and, so far, with no issues. Throughout the activity, he is watching people’s faces trying to pick up on how they are doing. If someone was struggling, they could break off for a one-on-one but so far that hasn’t been needed. An hour works well for the session with some people staying longer to talk. While the session is relaxed and fun, staff are seeing people leave the activity with their masks then taking the masks back home with them or taking the masks on to treatment with them.
Costs for the activity are basic. Paper masks are available in bulk from Amazon and, of course, the Dollar Store is great for decorative material. Participants have personalized their masks with feathers, jewels, and glitter. As the impressive mask display shows, there’s no limit on creativity. If you’d like to learn more about doing the activity, just get in touch with Dan (dcardinal@gspady.ab.ca).