Abu Dhabi Hosts First-Ever Art Therapy Conference
Abu Dhabi, 18th October 2023 – Art therapy has proven to be a powerful tool for recovery from violence, trauma, and abuse, and can significantly improve mental health, emotional well-being, and personal growth. This was the key message delivered by top experts during a two-day event held in Abu Dhabi. The region’s inaugural Art Therapy Conference, with the theme ‘Empowering through Creativity’, focused on the transformative influence of art on trauma and its therapeutic potential.
Organized by the Abu Dhabi Center for Sheltering and Humanitarian Care – Ewaa, an affiliate of the Department of Community Development (DCD), the conference brought together leading experts who showcased the extensive applications of art therapy techniques and strategies in addressing various forms of trauma. In addition to the conference, the event also featured workshops and an exhibition showcasing approximately 100 artworks created by survivors of trafficking, violence, and abuse.
Sarah Shuhail, the Director-General of Ewaa, emphasized the timeless and universal nature of art as a form of human expression. She stated, “Art has the remarkable ability to convey emotions, experiences, and narratives that words alone often fail to capture. As the founder and supporter of this conference, I am deeply honored to emphasize Ewaa’s steadfast commitment to creating a profound impact through the therapeutic potential of art.”
The conference was attended by high-profile figures, including Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD; Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Hanif Al Qasim, a board member of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD); and Shaista Asif, co-founder and group COO of Pure Health.
During the conference, Dr. Awad Alyami from King Saud University shed light on the journey of art therapy in the GCC and highlighted the challenges in its development. He remarked, “The concept of art as therapy is as old as human expression. The Arabian Peninsula is no different from other cultures in using art for healing and wellbeing prior to ideological enlightenment.”
Carol Hammal, an esteemed expert from Egypt, presented a program developed for women exposed to violence. She mentioned that over 70 percent of adults in 24 countries report exposure to trauma, according to a World Mental Health Survey initiative. In response to this, she introduced a four-day intensive art therapy intervention combining existential and psychodynamic approaches. Through art, participants can understand emotions, address and externalize trauma, and ultimately achieve resilience.
Chris Storm, a specialist in sensorimotor art therapy, highlighted the role of sensory stimulation in the art-making process. Storm emphasized how engaging with art using hands can enhance contact and connection with oneself, providing self-nurturing and relaxation. He stated, “Sensorimotor art therapy has emerged as a term to describe body-focused psychotherapies that use a bottom-up approach. It encourages awareness of the implicit felt sense and how our physical sensations shape our sense of being. When we touch the clay, for example, it touches us back. As we move our bodies, it moves us. The core relationship between ourselves and the world is defined by these motor impulses and sensory feedback.”
The Art Therapy Conference in Abu Dhabi signifies a significant step towards recognizing the power of art in healing and empowerment. By bringing together experts and survivors, the event sheds light on the transformative potential of art therapy and highlights the importance of incorporating it into trauma recovery programs worldwide.
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