Devereux Massachusetts/Rhode Island youth learn coping skills through comic books

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island youth are learning healthy coping skills in a creative way.

Children and adolescents at Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s East Meadow group home are creating comic books that emphasize the importance of coping skills, such as deep breathing and grounding.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Massachusetts and Rhode Island youth are learning healthy coping skills in a creative way.

“Comics are a powerful medium for storytelling – they are visually appealing and easy to read,” said Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Clinician Esteban Carrillo, M.Sc., M.A. “I wanted to create comic books with our youth to help them understand emotions, navigate social interactions, develop problem-solving skills and build self-esteem.”

About the comics

This year, Carrillo and the youth he supports have created the following comics.

“The Mindful Shark Boy and Penguin Coach:” Focuses on breathing techniques and imagining each thought as a cloud in the sky, watching it pass.
“Zen Balloon and the Bluey Balloon:” Discusses deep breathing, overcoming emotions and letting them go.
“Rocky the Rock and the Grounding Technique:” Reinforces the use of grounding to turn attention away from thoughts or memories of past trauma, and refocus on the present moment.

“Our youth have really enjoyed working on these comics,” Carrillo shared. “We use colorful illustrations to enhance understanding, and visual supports, such as thought and speech bubbles, to convey emotions, social cues and sensory experiences.”

From comics to reality

Carrillo says the comics use relatable characters and meaningful narratives to promote skill building.

“Seeing characters who share similar strengths and challenges can help our youth foster a sense of belonging and self-acceptance, and reduce feelings of isolation,” Carrillo explained. “Our hope is for those in our care to take the lessons they have learned from the comic books and apply them to real life.”

Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Executive Director Nadyia Abbas, M.A., CAGS, LMHC, LADC-I, noted, “Our youth have done a wonderful job helping to create the comic books. The stories address specific challenges they may face. This project has provided an opportunity for the individuals we serve to learn healthy coping skills that can help them overcome those challenges.”

Learn more about Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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