Welcome
A warm welcome to the third edition of SANATA’s online magazine: Beyond Words: celebrating the practice, reflections and innovations of the arts therapies in South Africa.
This magazine aims to be a contemporary, stimulating and professional resource that captures the work of arts therapists in South Africa. The landscape of the arts therapies is a rich and diverse one – comprising art, drama, music and dance/movement therapists and trainees. Beyond Words brings together case studies, articles, reflections, and artwork from this landscape to illustrate and explore how these modalities have taken shape in our country’s context in order to understand what they offer those needing mental health support.
About this issue
This issue, Breaking New Ground, focusses on the research work conducted by recent graduates. From the perspectives of music, drama, and art therapy, the authors explore themes of identity, grief and trauma – and how the arts therapies are breaking new ground in supporting diverse populations facing them.
It is an exciting issue that highlights the voices of the next generation of arts therapists in the South African context. They are, indeed, breaking new ground and laying a fertile foundation for this profession’s continued growth.
Enjoy the read!
Wishing you well,
The editorial team
Jessica, Megan, and Alex
Jessica Mayson is an HPCSA-registered Arts Therapist (Drama Therapy) working in Cape Town, South Africa (MA, University of the Witwatersrand). She works individually and with groups; with children, adolescents and adults in community-based and private practice settings. Her particular focus is on supporting her clients to navigate the impact of trauma, build resilience and process challenging transitions. In her practice, Jessica is committed to offering socially just, creative spaces where parts of self and community can be understood, find expression and integration.
Megan is an HPCSA-registered Music Therapist based in Johannesburg. She obtained her Bachelor of Music in jazz voice at the University of Pretoria and went on to complete her Master’s in Music Therapy, also at the University of Pretoria.
Alex Koen is a registered ANZACATA, ATAS registered Art Psychotherapist and ASCHP registered Specialist Wellness Counsellor working in Singapore. He works individually and with groups; with children, adolescents, adults, and parents in private practice and community settings. His particular focus is on supporting clients in managing emotional regulation, anxiety, ADHD, and navigating issues of identity and gender.
Alex is committed to creating affirming, creative spaces where individuals can explore and express themselves, particularly in relation to sexuality, gender identity, and emotional well-being. He is also deeply invested in academic and professional development, frequently presenting at local and international conferences. As a clinical supervisor, Alex supports and mentors art therapists and counsellors, fostering continuous learning and growth within the field.