weaving Voices 01.04.2025 issuu - Flipbook - Page 30
Field work at the rehabilitation centre for addicts in Komló, Hungary
Down at the bottom of a steep valley, hidden among trees is a small onestorey building, originally a sport and recreation centre, now functioning as
a rehabilitation centre for male addicts. The institution was recommended
to us when we were looking for a pre-existing group, whose work we
could join. What we were offering was a series of workshops involving
the following: using and freeing the voice, tuning in to each other, nonverbal/abstract self-expression, improving cooperation and concentration,
paying attention to oneself and to each other, building a strong community
experience as well as the joy of making music together. The greatest
advantage of the Komló rehab was that drama therapy sessions were
already being implemented at the institution and the leaders of the place
were more than open to expanding their field to our musical work and also
to the textile-related activities of our international partners.
Since we had had no previous experience of working with addicts,
the institution’s professional support was of utmost necessity to us. In
the introductory phase, building the trust of the men in therapy was
particularly important for us. There are risks with such a vulnerable group:
if the challenge we put to them is overwhelming or if we push their
boundaries too far, we lose the possibility of creating an atmosphere for
them to play and experiment freely. We were not even sure how open the
participants would be to singing in general, let alone making funny noises.
So for these reasons we decided to start with games that have very specific
rules and frameworks, observing their reactions and gradually introducing
games that require more courage, openness and creativity.
Our preparation was also overshadowed by some concerns and worries
within our group. How could we – as non-professionals in addictology
– ensure that we did not cause any harm to the people in therapy? How
could we deal with attachment issues, especially since they are all men and
the majority of us are women? Would the atmosphere of the rehab bear
down on us with emotional heaviness? Such were the questions circling in
our prejudgemental minds.
Over the course of the few months we spent at the rehab, visiting multiple
times, our involvement with the men in therapy turned out to be an
amazing experience, full of learning and valuable insight. As we adjusted
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