Annual Appeal
Now extended thru January 15th
Help us reach our goal!
Spotlight on Drama Therapy
2nd Act is reliant on donations to continue the work we do. Many of the people we work with have not had access to therapy, and many have had difficulty engaging with therapists due to lack of trust. Offering our unique services is a new experience for many of the recovery organizations we work with; donations help support the people we serve, especially the clients we work with on a long term basis. Together, we can envision a world where all stories are honored, recovery is celebrated, and everyone gets a second act.
AMY LAZIER, RDT, LMHC, CGCS
Drama Therapy Program Manager
My name is Amy Lazier and I’m the Drama Therapy Program Manager at 2nd Act, a Registered Drama Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and a person in long-term recovery. As part of 2nd Act’s ongoing work to educate and support recovery, I manage the drama therapy services we offer to frontline recovery personnel and people in early recovery, as well as train the next generation of drama therapists.
One of the most important aspects of our Drama Therapy Program is that it offers everyone an authentic space to be themselves. Being able to bring my whole self - recovery, addiction, and all, to the therapeutic space, means that my clients and I are able to build trust and repair old wounds caused by the mental health field. Through the use of play, metaphor, and creative expression we help address the many challenges the clients face. In particular we have seen an impact with the peer community in addressing their secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and overall deep frustration they face in the desperate situations they encounter daily on the front lines of the opioid epidemic.
2nd Act centers the voices and experiences of people in recovery in everything we do. 2nd Act uses theatre and drama therapy to help people develop the understanding, empathy, and skills necessary to respond to the impact of substance use in their own lives and communities. That’s why I hope you will help us continue that vital work.
Please consider supporting 2nd Act’s programs, and the people they serve, by January 15th.
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2nd Act is reliant on donations to continue the work we do. Many of the people we work with have not had access to therapy, and many have had difficulty engaging with therapists due to lack of trust. Offering our unique services is a new experience for many of the recovery organizations we work with; donations help support the people we serve, especially the clients we work with on a long term basis. Together, we can envision a world where all stories are honored, recovery is celebrated, and everyone gets a second act.
01
HELPING OTHERS
From Abby Dufresne, Drama Therapy Intern
HOLIDAY COPING STRATEGIES
Feelings of isolation can also be a challenging part of the holiday season. One of the most powerful ways to feel less alone is to help others. Finding ways to help your community can look different for everyone, but some options include volunteering at a local soup kitchen, helping out with holiday events at a local library, or donating to a cause that you believe in.
02
BILATERAL STIMULATION
One simple exercise that can help regulate your nervous system during a stressful or triggering moment is bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation is when a stimulus is applied in an alternating pattern to the left and right sides of the body. Examples include alternating tapping the left & right feet, crossing your hands across your chest and alternating tapping each side of your chest, or listening with headphones to bilateral stimulation music which can be found for free on YouTube. This technique can produce a relaxing & grounding effect that serves as a powerful form of self-soothing.
03
ATTEND STORYTELLING
Another way to feel less alone is to attend storytelling events in your area. Whether you attend a live theatre production, a comedy show, or a local film screening, relating to others through story can help us feel more connected with those around us.