This is with regards to your article in the Nov. 11, 2014 issue of Philippine Daily Inquirer entitled “Drawing in crayon is therapy of Yolanda kids.” The article featured an exhibit by Aspac Creative Communications of pictures of the Super Typhoon “Yolanda” disaster that were colored by child survivors and were being sold for P9,000-P14,000. It stated that the proceeds of the sale would go to the Ateneo Psychology Department disaster outreach activities.
This is incorrect, and our Department does not have anything to do with this project. Furthermore, although we believe in the value of art therapy, exposing child survivors to graphic photographs of the disaster is inappropriate and even harmful. We do not endorse this activity or exhibit. Although the attempt to continue supporting disaster survivors is laudable, we do not want others to be misled on what constitutes art therapy.
We also enjoin organizations or groups who wish to help disaster survivors to consult with psychologists before carrying out what they might believe as therapeutic activities. We hope you can help us to educate the public on psychosocial responses to disasters to ensure that they provide appropriate help to our survivors.
Sincerely yours,
Ma. Regina M. Hechanova, Ph.D
Chair, Ateneo Department of Psychology