On October 25, Fulbright Specialist Alumnus Dr. Jim Robinson, Fulbright alumna and mental health counselor Fizza Suhail, and Casim Ovais, a pioneer of improvisational comedy in Pakistan, led a workshop at USEFP’s Lahore office. The interactive presentation and discussion aimed to highlight the psychological benefits of the improvisational mindset in our personal and professional lives.
The 36 attendees included students, mental health professionals, educators, and theater professionals. During the three-hour long session, the instructors facilitated fun group activities to help the audience build internal tools that can alleviate anxiety, increase resilience, reawaken creativity, and deepen relationships.
“The workshop was really engaging. We threw balls in the air, role played, laughed, and generally had a great time. By the end of the session, we all felt like we knew each other really well – guards were down and everyone was smiling,” said EducationUSA Senior Adviser Aman Bashir, an active participant. “What I learned has really stayed with me. I am more mindful and aware of body language. The session didn’t just help me understand everyone else better, it also helped me understand myself better.”
The event was supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund.
