Join Ebony Williams, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Root Wellness Healing, in this three-hour-long workshop where participants will be making a doll utilizing writing and drawing exercises to address a range of adverse life experiences and transitions. With the use of raw materials with personal and historical significance, participants will be introduced to the use of doll making as a tool to process trauma and life transitions while strengthening social, emotional, and cognition skills. In addition, participants will learn about the theoretical orientations underlying this model, and the application of crafting/making as a culturally relevant approach to addressing trauma and transitions across identities, culture, and family structure.

Must be 18 years and older. Participants will be asked to bring a piece of clothing and or images from someone who has been supportive or important in their lives, an inspirational quote or music lyric, and any special materials they would like to add to their doll. All other materials will be provided. No experience is necessary.

Presented by USC Arts in Action and USC Fisher Museum of Art.

In partnership with USC Center for Black Cultural and Latinx Chicanx Center for Advocacy (La CASA).

Ebony Williams, LMFT is a Black, queer, first-generation woman, social-emotional healing arts instructor, and trauma-informed yoga teacher. She created the Ragdoll Project while earning an MFA in Writing at the California Institute of the Arts and has facilitated workshops on both the East and West coasts for trauma survivors and individuals navigating life challenges that range from sexual and intimate partner violence, grief and loss, LGBTQIA identity, and living in communities challenged by violence. Ebony also earned an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in African American Family Studies. Ebony's current work includes having a small therapy private practice and teaches in the cultural psychology LGBTQIA specialization at Pacific Oaks College and the Social Emotional Arts Certificate Program through UCLArts and Healing Initiative. Ebony is also the founder of Root Wellness Healing, leadership and organizational wellness consulting practice bringing together best practices in mental health, DEI, holistic wellness, and trauma resilience.