When was the last time you paused to check in with yourself? Whether you’re dealing with stress, looking for a creative outlet, or simply curious about your own thoughts and feelings, it can help to take a moment to reflect. Lifesoulution offers a way to explore your emotional well-being–no need to wait for a crisis to start that journey inward.

Mental health is something many of us often overlook in the rush of everyday life. We may forget to pause, to check in with ourselves, or even feel afraid to confront words like depression and anxiety. But for Arpawee Setabrahmana and Tananis Saksupawee, music becomes a gentle bridge between emotion and self-development. 

Through their project, Lifesoulution, they explore how music and acting can nurture emotional awareness and personal growth. Their approach invites people to heal, express and rediscover balance from within. 

As we sit in with the two of them, we learn more about their vision: how they use sound, performance and creativity to open a safe space for healing.

How Arpawee and Tananis Use Creativity as a Tool for Psychological Growth 

“My background is in musical theatre, and I’ve worked with many artists. I notice that a lot of artists or actors are often simply told what to do, which can create stress. I tried applying the Dalcroze method, a practice from Switzerland, in my teaching and leadership. It worked well and I became so interested that I pursued further study and eventually became certified,” Arpawee explains.

Arpawee is a music educator for young children, a vocal director for acclaimed musical theatre productions, and co-creator of healing workshops that combine music, movement and therapy. Her work spans The Voice Thailand, The Voice Kids and the stage. Certified in the Dalcroze method, an educational approach developed in Switzerland that links musical understanding with physical movement, Arpawee encourages learners to experience music through both thought and action, helping them develop creativity and self-awareness.

Tananis continues: “I already incorporate drama processes in my work, combining theatre-based learning with collaboration with therapists especially in workshops for vulnerable groups, such as girls in shelters. While preparing them to re-enter society, we work with therapists to support girls who have been abused. The process is safe and it allows for deep work. It teaches them skills they need to live safely and independently.”

She adds, “Another spark for me came when I went to England to pursue my second master’s degree in actor training and coaching. I joined a workshop called Crowning, which is originally an acting approach, but in that setting it was also used to develop resilience. That experience inspired me to explore how acting techniques can be applied to enhance self-awareness.”

Tananis, an Applied Theatre Practitioner, specialises in transforming complex emotional topics into interactive and accessible learning experiences using drama-based methods. She co-founded Oasis, a psychiatric cliinic, where her work encourages participants to explore their inner worlds and express themselves meaningfully. 

“One of the challenges I’ve faced in running a psychiatric clinic is that people often feel they need to be seriously ill to come in,” Tananis explains. “But with workshops it’s different; they feel more like they are engaging in an activity rather than seeking treatment.” 

Lifesoulution: Guiding Self-Discovery Through Music, Movement and Creative Drama

The idea to establish Lifesoulution began when Arpawee invited Tananis to join her music class using the Dalcroze method. There they discovered a shared passion for using music and movement as tools for healing, which led them to create workshops that nurture emotional well-being through the arts.

Arpawee: “The workshop is a journey for each participant. One of our sessions includes creative drama, where attendees practice musical theatre, singing and acting. Beyond these skills the process encourages self-reflection.

When stepping into a character, participants need to understand themselves–what experiences or emotions connect them to the role. This helps them discover their own identity or even their personal song. Participants have time to process their emotions, reflect on past wounds, organise negative feelings and identify their strengths, learning to bring out those positive aspects.”

Workshops are tailored to suit different ages and needs. Adult sessions are typically one-day events, as participants often have limited time for longer courses. Children’s workshops, however, are held once a week for 15 weeks to accommodate their shorter attention spans. Group sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure that each participant receives adequate attention and support. At the end of each session, participants take part in a final performance, expressing their emotions through movement or music. This creates a safe and supportive environment, especially for those who may find it difficult to share their feelings publicly.

“I think music plays a crucial role in our workshops, guiding participants throughout the class. For example, when we ask them to walk with a certain intention, some may not know how to do it at first, but the music inspires them to move. This is how we integrate music into the entire process,” Arpawee explains. 

Growing Together: Lifesoulution’s Vision

Lifesoulution’s goal is to help each participant live in society with confidence, balance and well-being. Since people come from different backgrounds, they naturally have diverse perspectives and experiences. It is Lifesoulution’s role to help blend these differences, creating a supportive environment where participants can learn from one another while developing self-awareness and emotional resilience.

“I feel that mental health still isn’t given enough importance in society. In our workshops, we act as a supportive presence, helping each participant grow and develop in ways that traditional education may not always provide. We like to think of ourselves as a tree with many fruits growing together, or as a reader exploring each participant like a book, taking the time to understand and experience their story.”

Lifesoulution will soon launch online workshops. This comes from participants wanting to revisit exercises or find clips on YouTube, although both of them believe that self-guided practice isn’t as effective. However, the online sessions can provide a guided experience for those unable to attend in person.

In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget to care for your inner self. Lifesoulution reminds us that healing can start with a single step–through music, movement, or simply showing up. Why not take that step today?