ABT Certificate Course

PROSPECTUS

TM

Arts become Therapy

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow.

Learn as if you were to live forever.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
CONTENTS

WCCL Foundation / 1

ABT: Arts-Based Therapy / 1

What Certified ABT Practitioners say / 2

ABT Course / 3

Unique / 4

1. ABT Certificate Course Details / 5

2. Course Design / 6

3. Academic Details / 7

4. Course Admissions / 8

WCCL Foundation Faculty / 9

WCCL Foundation
The World Centre for Creative Learning (WCCL)
Foundation is a registered NGO established in November
2001 by professionals in the field of the arts and human
development.
WCCL FOUNDATION collaborates with other NGOs to
implement ABT in areas of psychosocial rehabilitation,
special education, developmental disabilities, and
neuro-physiological rehabilitation.
PROJECTS
A. Action research: ABT in Institutions
WCCL Foundation partners with organisations that
serve special need populations and on a regular
basis, offer ABT services to clients. Between 2001-
2011, WCCL team has completed such 9 long-term
(1 to 3 years) projects.
B. ABT Certificate Course
9-month modular training course for professionals
working in mental health and social organisations
serving special needs.
C. Study of Mind
?Course in Mahayana Buddhist Psychology and
Ethics in collaboration with University of Pune
(Department of Buddhist Studies and Pali) and Deer
Park Institute (Bir).
?Lecture Series on Study of Mind from renowned
Teachers and Experts
ABT: Arts-Based Therapy
TM
ABT is the evidence-based use of art
forms to accomplish individualized
goals within a therapeutic
relationship. Basis of ABT lies in Indian
Psychology and Ethics, Studies of
Arts become Therapy Human Development and Cognitive
Neurosciences.
Since ancient times, the arts have been used in
wellbeing and health. ABT is a present form, organized
and consistently practiced by the WCCL Foundation
since 2001. The dynamic combination of traditional and
modern artistic material, with an interdisciplinary basis of
Indian Psychology, Philosophy and Modern Science
makes ABT a viable and meaningful therapeutic practice.
In ABT there is a concurrence of art forms (drama, music
and visual arts). This enables a Practitioner to acquire a
generic vocabulary of stories, songs, roles, rhythms,
drawings and colours, and use appropriate combinations
to address specific client needs.
ABT is not a new concept. Many wise beings of the past
have shared about art and healing.
ABT is thus a small part of the wisdom offered by all
teachers of the past, shamans of innumerable tribes,
great masters of the Eastern spiritual traditions and
scientists /elegant minds of the West.

WCCL FOUNDATION has been funded by

l The Sir J.R.D. Tata Trust l The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust l Sir Ratan Tata Trust l
l United Way of Mumbai l MBT Foundation l Kirloskar Foundation l
l Human Factors International (HFI) l Union Bank of India l
l Mamta Fund: ABT Scholarships and Study of Mind l

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What Certified ABT Practitioners say
ABT has helped us to look at the exploring holistic learning milestones The ABT course is as much for yourself as it is for the clients you work with.
across age groups with cross-disabled populations. It helps you widen your lenses and see the world differently and helps one to be a better person.
ABT course has helped us challenge our belief systems, - Anood Ibrahim, Cochin
push our boundaries and create a symbiotic learning relationship within
and with the world around. ABT helps connect with the client and gives
- Gitanjali Sarangan, Bangalore freedom of usage of different modalities. ABT sessions are customized (client friendly) after understanding the need of individuals/group.
ABT Course gives the Artistic skills Working with children and women who are survivors of domestic abuse,
and how they can be used therapeutically. ABT helped in building a non-threatening environment, non-verbal articulation and
- Karuna Kamble, Mumbai identification and expression of underlying intense trauma,
which then later is dealt with much ease.
- B G Bhuvana, Chennai
For adults struggling with mental health issues,
ABT opens windows of possibilities and perception,
thus making the pain sensation lighter. It gives an increased ability to cope.
While working with children with multiple special needs,
For me, ABT Course is not a Course but a lifestyle wherein I think, feel, act
their ability to connect and follow has been quite incredible.
and perceive world through the ABT concepts, and so be Open minded,
ABT has taught me to now understand the world very differently,
Intuitive, Humble (most important), very Alert, Conscious of my different roles,
indeed a transformation my being from within.
Resourceful, Decisive, Confident and Satisfied with a decided way of life and knowledge.
- Asha Menon, Mumbai
- Dhara Shah, Mumbai

The ABT course and subsequent practice is challenging, stimulating,

For children with multiple disabilities, ABT frees the child
from the burden of trying to give the 'appropriate response'.
Through what appears to be just play and fun,
therapeutic goals are realised and progress is evident.
ABT Course is uniquely and sensitively designed, incorporating a
balanced combination of subtle energy,
therapeutic techniques and an internalisation of healing concepts.
- Kashmira Vazifdar, Mumbai
At TTK, I can assure we continue to integrate ABT in all our programmes
- family programme, after care programme and patient programme.
- Shanti Ranganathan, Chennai
often makes me mad, but the journey has been incredible!
This course is not only about skills or tools, it is about a way of life,
a practice and the idea (not always easy to remember)
that we (all sentient beings) are connected.
- Mrinmoyee Majumdar, Chattisgarh / Delhi
When working with street children, ABT allows the participants to touch upon rhythm
and order within a chaotic external world and then they can differently organize
that chaotic world into the arts. It becomes a meaningful dialogue with the self.
The ABT Course gives powerful tools of knowledge transmission,
brings about different perspectives and allows the Practitioners to get a meta-view of
issues and themselves.
- Vikramjeet Sinha, Delhi

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ABT Course
Delhi
The ABT certificate Course started in 2005-06 in response to lack of systematic, long-term training in the subject. Hope Foundation
?

The Course is designed for professionals working in special needs, mental health and social work/care organisations Salam Baalak Trust
?
(NGOs).
Hyderabad
Highlights: Observation Home For Girls
?

Each year 28 applicants admitted since 2005-06 Gurgaon

Pragati Government
? School Patna
Professionals and Experts from various fields - Psychologists, Therapists, Counsellors, Special educators, Social Network
? of Communities
workers, Caregivers, Psychiatrists or Doctors of Research and Practice
Mumbai
Many organisational heads trained in ABT Spastic Society
?
Kripa de-addiction centre
?
Largest database of ABT Research across varied special needs and population types has emerged out of the ABT
St. Jude India Childcare
?
Course
Centres
ABT applied for children and adults in a variety of special needs settings SPJ Sadhana School
?
ABT addresses issues in learning disabilities, intellectual challenges, autism, in mental health, in de-addiction, National Society for Equal
?
palliative care & pain management, in rehabilitation for trafficking, abuse, domestic violence issues, in issues around Opportunities For The
LGBT and communities affected by violence and trauma Handicapped (NASEOH)
Ummeed Child
?
Admissions given on first come basis for those within eligibility Development Centre
25 Credit hours, i.e. it has 375 hours of Theory and Practical work Kolkata
Pune The Hope Foundation
?
More than 20 organisations have sent participants to the Course repeatedly, and continue to do so
?Muktangan CiniAsha
?
Urban, semi-urban as well as rural presence de-addiction Centre
?Kripa de-addiction
National presence of ABT through organisations from all over India
centre
?Asha School Vijaywada
SKCV Children's Trust
?

Bangalore
Atmavishwas Vidyalaya
?
Chennai
Deepika Resource Centre
? TT Rangnathan Clinical Research
?
The Association of People
? Foundation and Hospital
With Disability (APD) Foundation for Crime Prevention
?
Sunshine Autism Centre
? & Victim Care (PCVC)
Bubbles Centre for Autism
?
Pondicherry
Satyam
?
Kochi
Missionaries of Charity,
?
Nirmala Shishu bhavan
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Unique
Machado, N. et al*
(Tata Institute of Social Sciences 2009),
in a paper that won a CII award say,

According to the TISS authors, between

“ABT Course fares better than
2005/06 and 2009, the ABT Course appears to
have addressed multiple challenges:
compatible International Courses
on parameters of student intake,
1. Availability of Arts-based healers in India teacher student ratio, tuition fees
2. Integration of a range of Complementary therapies while maintaining the same
3. Renaissance of traditional and Complementary
international standards on
healing systems admissions criterion, curriculum
and pedagogy,
4. Making Complementary Health Education formal
assessment system”
and affordable
5. Creating knowledge through research

The authors conclude their paper with a commendation of the ABT Course:
“The WCCL innovation [ABT Course] is a significant step towards the revival of India's traditional
healing arts. The therapies taught by WCCL are not only artistic, inexpensive and effective; but
are also culturally relevant and acceptable in India. WCCL has demonstrated that a range of arts
can be integrated in education and treatment. This interplay of different disciplines helps find
knowledge at fringes of specialisations; it generates holism and spurs innovation.”

dia
e In
o u tsid een
ing re betw rs
train e la
Any anywh nd Dol ourse
os ts us a k c
c Tho wee ars
One rt one- nd Doll
*Machado, N., Kaur, A., Pant, N (2009) sh o us a
for a Ten Tho year, s!
Education Infrastructure for Complementary Health Practice in India, to f a tion fee
o r
tu i
Mumbai: School of Management & Labour Studies, in
just
Tata Institute of Social Sciences

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1. ABT Certificate Course Details
COURSE TITLE:
ABT Certificate Course
ELIGIBILITY:
For the Applicant
1. Comprehension and reading skills in English.
2. Education: Post-graduation in Psychology, Social
work, Humanities or Medicine
OR
Graduation in any stream (arts, commerce or
science) with minimum two years or more field
experience of working with special needs group.
3. The Graduation criteria will be waived for applicants
having field experience of working with special needs
group for seven years or more.
4. Applicant must have a clear understanding and
experience of the 'pathology' of illness/ disability/
special need s/he will be working with.
5. Applicants must be working with an Organization
where s/he could directly apply what s/he learns
under the supervision of seniors and peers.
6. Inclination or passion for the art forms. Prior training
or expertise in drama, music or other art forms is
NOT mandatory.
7. Aptitude for theory and research skills;
comprehension in English with writing skills in
English or Hindi or Marathi.
For the Organization
1. Registered Organisation working with special needs
groups
2. Commitment to incorporate ABT in their
organizational processes.
DURATION
Over 9 months, twice, 7-8 days of contact classes held in
Pune, Maharashtra. Rest of the period, practical work is
done in one's institution
COURSE RATIONALE
In the West, therapies that are based on art forms
mostly started from the 1930s, consolidating as drama,
music, art therapy by 1950s/60s. In the brief span from
then till now, there are universities offering training,
journals, research material, teachers, and various
certification bodies.
India has its unique multifarious culture, philosophy and
longstanding traditions of the arts in healing. However,
this has not been systematically and consistently
developed into an indigenous Practice in the
contemporary times. ABT bridges that gap. It brings
the much needed artistic language into therapy, while
retaining a firm basis in well-researched and scientific
understanding of mind and reality.
AIMS & LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student is certified as ABT Practitioner when s/he is
able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding and specific practice in
the area of the arts and healing
2. Design and implement ABT with specific population
group, and
3. Expand consciousness through realizing capabilities
of self, meaningful relationships and purposeful living
TEACHING-LEARNING METHODS
?
Workshop Seminars on ABT Theory and Laboratory
work with ABT Skills;
?
Individual Assignments (Practice of Theory and Skills);
?
Practical work on ABT through Action Research
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2. Course Design
1. Registration and Admission
Applicants submit completed application form and fees. WCCL Foundation sends confirmation
when selected

2. Pune Workshop I
Eight Days workshop in Pune. It is non-residential. (Outstation participants have to make their own
stay arrangements)

3. Pilot Project and Assignments

The purpose of pilot project is to be playful and get familiar with the new medium of
communication, and to 'see' the client from an ABT perspective. Students must practice ABT with
clients in their organization.

4. Supervision and Assessment

ABT Supervisors guide and assess students' work

5. Pune Workshop II
Seven Days workshop in Pune. It is non-residential. (Outstation participants have to make their own
stay arrangements).

6. Action Research Project

These projects are a vital part of learning how to systematically apply ABT over a period of time.
Students plan and conduct ABT sessions at their organizations. The research data is documented,
analyzed and presented in the form of a report.

7. Supervision and Assessment

ABT Supervisors guide and assess students' action research l

8. Certification
Students who have passed must attend the certification ceremony in Pune.

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3. Academic Details
COMPONENTS TEACHING-LEARNING HOURS ASSESSMENT
Section I: ABT Theory and Skills Theory Seminars 225 Hours 50%
Skill Laboratories
Assignments
Learning Workshop I: 56 Hrs. * Written Tests
OVERVIEW

Learning Workshop II: 49 Hrs. * Skill Tests

Assignments, A1 to A12: 120 Hrs. * Viva Voce
* Assignments
Section II: ABT Action Research Practical 150 Hours 50%
On-field Supervision
Pilot project: 30 Hrs. * Viva Voce
Action Research project: 120 Hrs. * Hours Completed
(includes direct client contact and documentation) * Research Report
* Supervisor’s Assessment
TOTAL 375 HOURS 100%

SECTION I: SECTION II:

ABT THEORY AND SKILLS ABT ACTION RESEARCH
1. Subtle Energy Guide (SEG) 3. Arts Become Therapy: Artistic Skills 6. Action Research Project
1.1 Foundation of ABT: Introduction to Subtle in Play, Level II (Practical)
Energy Guide 3.1 Advanced Grids: Improvs and Metaphors
6.1 Pilot Project Sessions
1.2 SEG Principle 1: Observer affects the Observed 3.2 Improvisations
(direct client contact)
1.3 SEG Principle 2: Reality is a Creation 3.3 Metaphors Basics
6.2 Pilot Project Documentation
1.4 SEG Principle 3: Multidiemtionality 3.4 Types of Metaphor in Therapy
6.3 Action Research Design and Plan
1.5 SEG Principle 4: Interconnectedness 3.5 Reading and Introducing Metaphors
6.4 Action Research Implementation
1.6 SEG Principle 4: Order and Chaos
4. Therapeutic Applications (direct client contact)
SYLLABUS

1.7 Ethics and Codes for ABT Practitioner

4.1 ABT Principles for Facilitating Groups 6.5 Action Research Documentation
2. Artistic Skills: Level I 4.2 Scope of ABT 6.6 Research Report
2.1 ABT Grids: Reference Maps to the Arts in 4.3 Intervention Design in ABT
Therapy 4.4 ABT Sessions and Documentation
2.2 Basics of Music: Rhythm and Melody 4.5 Artistic Tools and Techniques in Application
2.3 Basics of Drama: Voice and Body 4.6 ABT Assessment Design
2.4 Basics of Visual Aesthetics: Visual Art and
5. ABT Action Research Project
Compositions
5.1 Basics of Action Research
5.2 Project Planning
5.3 Research Study Design

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4. Course Admissions
COURSE SCHEDULE, APPLICATION FORM & FEES
1. For details including upcoming course dates, fees and application form -
Log-on to www.wcclf.org and look-up the links 'ABT Application Form' and 'ABT Course Logistics'
Or
Send-in an email to abtcourse@gmail.com with your name, contact numbers and a brief note on your background.
2. To apply, send completed application forms and fees to WCCL Foundation postal address.
3. For any doubts, to clarify eligibility or any other information regarding ABT Course, write to us at
abtcourse@gmail.com
4. Admissions are processed within 8 working days after receipt of completed forms and fees.

WCCL Foundation reserves the right to select and reject applicants

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WCCL Foundation Faculty
The team of WCCL Foundation is variously qualified (Graduate and Post-graduate studies) in Social Work,
Management, Literature, and Engineering.
This team has further trained and worked abroad in Counseling, Healing, Dramatherapy and Drum-circles (Music
Therapy).
The minimum experience of the team members is 12 years of field-work. They have worked together in human
resource and therapy, innovating and simplifying ABT practice, making it accessible to other Practitioners. They are
also the Managing Trustees and Co-founding members of WCCL Foundation.

Asha Pillai-Balsara is the Executive Director of WCCL
Foundation. She is a student of Buddhist Practices and is
very committed in finding new ways to bring that
understanding and wisdom to daily life.
Asha was the Head of Creative Division at Pragati
Systems Pvt. Ltd. She facilitated many Management
programmes since 1994. She also contributed to Pragati
Foundation and Goodwork Learning Centre in their
various educational and social programmes. Asha lends
her clarity to the organisation's lean and efficient
strategy. Among her many academic contributions are
'Living Totally' – a successful web-based modular
programme and the 'Subtle Energy Guide' student
compendium. She has also spoken as a guest lecturer in
many universities, educational institutions and social
organisations. She teaches a Course in Mahayana
Buddhist Psychology and Ethics at the Department of
Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Pune.
Her education includes an international qualification in
MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) based on Jungian
concepts, intensive (3 year) training in Psychic healing
(World School of Psychic Healing) and a Masters degree
in Management from the University of Pune.
Zubin Balsara is the Projects Director of WCCL
Foundation. Originally a musician by passion and
profession, Zubin has had a long musical journey of
more than 25 years! His musical training includes
knowledge of Drum set, Djembe techniques (USA),
Conga playing (Mexico), Mrudangam (Pune), Elementary
training in Guitar & Harmonica, Voice work & Singing
apporaches studied with teachers in India & USA.
Zubin inititaed the first WCCL Action Research project at
Muktangan De-addiction Centre in Pune. He is also a
keen follower of neurological and scientific
developments in therapy. He has worked intensively on
this in the USA contributing to various organisations,
among them New Rhythms Foundation, Opportunity for
Independence and Redwoods shelter for elders (all USA).
His research on efficacy of drum circle therapy for elders,
elders with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimers and
dementia 'Songs, Science and Spirit' is published in USA
(co-authored with Heather MacTavish). His other
academic writing includes 'Automusic” a book on
autism and ABT teachniques, with a focus on musical
bridges.
Educationally he has a Degree from the University of
Pune and work experience in Production Engineering.

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Aanand Chabukswar is the Project Head (Courses) of
WCCL Foundation. He has actively engaged with theatre
for more than 20 years as an actor-writer-director. While
exploring the personal and the social meaning of
theatre, he experimented with its application in teaching
and therapy.
Aanand trained intensively in the UK with Dr. Sue
Jennings, a pioneer in dramatherapy. He has he taught
in many Schools and Universities in India, as well as in
International Dramatherapy Schools in UK, Romania and
Portugal. He has been invited to several educational
forums and seminars to speak on the developing field of
ABT across India, Europe and SE Asia. He has also
published writings in UK and USA, and co-authored
research writings with the WCCL team. He has designed
and teaches 'Applied Theatre' for the CPA (Centre for
Performing Arts), University of Pune.
Aanand is trained in Commedia dell'Arte (Italian theatre
of mask and movement), and also trained in Jungian
dreamwork, Psychic Healing and Outdoor and
Experiential Education. He has a Post-graduate Diploma
in Foreign Trade, a Graduation in Economics and a
Masters' Degree in Literature, from the University of
Pune.
Deborah Daniel is the Assistant Director, Research &
Development. She is currently leading the long-term
intensive research in ABT – a multi-location and multi-
population study that aspires to maintain International
research parameters in field-work, even within India.
Deborah has co-authored a 2-year long intensive action
research in ABT for children with disabilities (Real World
2009). She has had more than 12 years of extensive
experience of working in Social and Organisational
Development projects in the field. In her erstwhile
capacity as the Deputy Director of the Pragati
Foundation, she presented trainings in rural and urban
centres within India and abroad in places as varied as Sri
Lanka, Egypt and Italy.
Deborah also specialises in Visual aesthetics – a subject
that goes far deeper than mere visual representation of
colour or drawings, or installations. As a teacher she
helps students to courageously walk on difficult paths
using images and colour to connect with all, and explore
and understand the nature of reality within and without.
She advocates an artist's grace and expression as prime
in ABT.
Deborah has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and
Masters' degree in Social Work from the University of
Pune.

World Centre for Creative Learning Foundation

C/o Sanjay Knit Pvt. Ltd.,
F 1001, Felicita Housing Society, Baner-Pashan/Sus Link Road,
Behind Symantec Building, Baner, Pune 411045. Maharashtra, India.
Ph: 020 – 20254989 / 9420197575
Email: abtcourse@gmail.com / wcclfoundation@gmail.com
Web: www.wcclf.org

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