There is a relationship between ourselves and our experiences. Being able to process and express these experiences through the arts provides each of us with a unique mirror for self exploration and self-reflection.
Much of my work with adults, children, adolescents, and families has been focused on trauma and the effects of trauma on lives. The arts, especially the performing arts, provide an invaluable source of support, comfort, and resilience. Individuals weave their views, their beliefs, their souls and spirits throughout their artistic activities. The creative arts and Expressive Therapy allow people to reflect on their identity while providing an opportunity to interpret experiences and place them in a larger framework of understanding.
The use of Expressive Therapy, along with promoting artistic activity in general, is one resource that has the capacity not only to heal but also to transform individuals, families, communities, and education systems. Using Expressive Therapy, encouraging individuals to engage in activities like drawing, storytelling, theater, music, the visual arts as part of their process towards deeper understanding, promotes meaning-making in our lives while providing the means for each of us to share authentically our pain, our joy, and to welcome the support of others on our journey.
Education:
- Ph.D., Expressive Therapies, Lesley University
- M.A., Expressive Arts Therapy, European Graduate School
- CAGGS, Family Therapy, BeirZait University
- B.A., Social Work, Bethlehem University
Licensure:
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) # 11110, MA Board of Professional Licensure
- Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT), International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA)
Honors/Distinctions:
- 2013 to date: Executive Co-Chair, International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA)
- Excellence in Teaching Award, William James College (2015)
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (2012)
Presentations at Scientific Meetings & Conferences:
- The Role of the Arts Toward Healing Trauma and Building Resilience in the Palestsinian Community | Workshop presented at The Flowing Tao of Expressive Arts, International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) Conference, Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village, New Territories Hong Kong, China
- Using the Expressive Arts to Facilitate Self-care | Workshop presented at the 14th Annual Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Conference, New Momentum: Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan, Framingham, MA
- The Arts and Global Health Conference, 6th Annual Arts in Healthcare Conference, Lesley University
- Ethics and Touch in Expressive Arts Therapy | Workshop presented at the Expressive Therapy Summit, Expressive Media, Inc., NY
- Piece on Peace | Workshop presented at the International School of Boston, Cambridge, MA
- Piece on Peace | Workshop presented, International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) “Peace-ing our World Together,” Lesley University
- Piece on Peace | Workshop presented at Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
- Healing Communities: Using Peace Psychology to Transform Violence | Workshop presented at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, Boston, MA
- Piece on Peace | Workshop presented at Newton High School, Newton, MA
- Piece on Peace | Workshop presented at the Spirituality and Healing Conference, Lesely University
- Piece on Peace | Workshop presented at Lesley University, Board of Trustees
Professional Affiliations:
- 2016 to present: Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MaMHCA)
- 2014 to present: American Counseling Association (ACA)
- 2004 to present: International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA)
Contact: