Healing via art

The failure of traditional and modern forms of treatments has always served a launching pad for other innovative forms of therapies and art therapy is one such new method getting popular, gradually and steadily.

Speaking to DT News, Bahrain’s first certified art-therapist Dalal Al Sindi said the unique form of treatment could be used to treat a variety of diseases, both physiological and psychological.

“The method has proved its ability to cure complications arising from stroke, traumatic brain injury, cancer, multiple sclerosis and spinal-cord injury,” explained Ms. Al Sindi, who obtained her certification from the United Kingdom while working at the King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In 2011, she established her first “art-therapy clinic” in A’ali. “This kind of therapy is widely used in Europe. The method uses art forms to help identify hidden issues of an individual and provides them a plan for healing and rehabilitation. Shapes, colours, symbols and creative inspiration are used to gain a deeper understanding of one’s subconscious and psyche,” she pointed out.

Giving a detailed description of procedures followed during treatment, she said, “It all begins with an assessment session, I spent the first 30 to 45 minutes understanding the patient’s main issues and try to construct goals about tackling them. I give them guidelines on things to be done during the session and make them meditate for a while. After this, I ask them to attempt a drawing, which is the beginning of the treatment.”

According to Ms. Al Sindi, the number of patients approaching her has been on the rise. “The interest for art therapy is growing in Bahrain. Especially, families with special needs children and people suffering from depression are coming forward for the treatment. I also get many people who suffer from life-threatening diseases such as cancer,” she added.

Source: Daily Tribune News
Published: 26 May 2014

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