Exploring the Masks That We Wear

As part of their learning on the Advanced Diploma in Counselling, our first-year students recently explored the theme of identity through a creative exercise on the masks we wear.

Each student was invited to create a mask with two distinct sides: one representing their authentic self—often unshared from others—and the other showing the version of themselves they present to their peers in class.

When the masks were complete, students shared them with the group, reflecting aloud on what each side meant to them. The process opened up thoughtful conversations, not just about identity, but about the emotional work of self-presentation and protection.

Together, we considered how creative interventions like this can support clients in therapy—particularly when words aren’t enough. A simple, symbolic exercise can offer a powerful way for people to express and explain what they feel, helping friends and family see what might otherwise remain hidden.