Journal de pratique et de thérapie du yoga

Creative Practices as Mutual Recovery: Flamenco-Yoga

Elvira Perez Vallejos, Emily Haslam-Jones and Diane Pickard

This article describes the ‘learning conversations’ that lead to the development of a Flamenco-Yoga workshop aiming to promote wellbeing and mental health. This innovative workshop expands the notion of creative practices as mutual recovery, an emerging movement within Health Humanities that invites, not only those experiencing mental health distresss, but their carers, family and friends into the journey of recovery. Cummulative evidence shows that art-based practices can have a positive effect on psychological and social outcomes, however, lack of motivation, individual differences and preferences can be a barrier for engagement. This workshop presents an appealing and uplifting intervention that can be adapted to suit all audiences.