When compassion guides artistic endeavours

Samina Jamshed’s journey reflects the therapeutic properties of art

ISLAMABAD:

Anxious and perplexed, they share a moment of unease before closing their eyes for a unique scribbling technique session. Then, a cold silence falls before most of them burst into tears.

A calm figure enters the scene, takes centre stage and skilfully channels their emotions with intriguing techniques.

These scenes are from a three-day healing session conducted for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) in the federal capital.

The participants were to attempt a scribbling game with their eyes closed as the idea behind it was to open the wounds or rekindle the traumas they have experienced and then help them stitch them back.

Around 25 participants from across the country participated in the therapy session, conducted by acclaimed visual artist, certified therapist and activist Samina Jamshed.

Through art therapy, well-being sessions, mental health counselling, and the creation of safe spaces, Samina empowers these young survivors to reclaim their lives and equip them with the tools to bring positive change to their communities.

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“Art therapy, a unique form of therapy that utilises artistic expression to promote healing, has gained recognition as an effective method in addressing trauma and fostering emotional well-being,” says Samina as she engages with the participants of the circle.

An internationally recognised expert in her field, she brings her expertise to these sessions, where she not only facilitates the girls' healing journey but also provides them with the necessary skills to uplift them in ways unimaginable.

“The sessions were designed to create a safe and inclusive environment where the survivors could explore their emotions, express themselves freely, and rebuild their resilience,” she asserts.

Using various art forms, such as painting, drawing, and sculpting, the girls were encouraged to channel their emotions and experiences into meaningful creations. These therapeutic exercises allowed them to process their trauma, develop coping mechanisms, and reconnect with their inner strengths. However, the impact of these sessions went far beyond personal healing. Each participant was asked to identify essential tools they would take back to their communities and focused groups. Tools that would enable them to create positive change and uplift others facing similar challenges.

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The girls wholeheartedly embraced this task, showcasing their determination to break the cycle of violence and support fellow survivors. Reflecting on the session, one of the participants said Samina is truly gifted. “She not only healed us, but she stitched our wounds back together with a touch of empathy. It's something we never expected and we feel empowered and ready to help others who have been through what we experienced.”

The appreciation from the girls exemplifies the profound impact of art therapy and Samina’s exceptional ability to connect with survivors. Her empathetic approach, coupled with her expertise, has fostered an environment of trust and healing, providing a solid foundation for the girls to rebuild their lives and positively influence those around them, said another survivor.

Samina’s work is a testament to the power of art therapy in addressing the lasting effects of SGBV. Her dedication and the transformative nature of her sessions highlight the importance of investing in holistic approaches to support survivors, allowing them to find their voices, heal, and become catalysts for change in their communities.

As the girls return to their provinces, armed with newfound resilience and the four tools they carefully selected, they carry with them the promise of a brighter future—one in which healing and empowerment become widespread, and the scars of SGBV are replaced with hope and solidarity.

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Other than conducting healing sessions, Samina works closely with refugees, IDPs, humanitarian workers, drug addicts, special persons and women fighting severe forms of depression.

Apart from being a noted visual artist and art therapist, she is a fine sculptor and poet, having showcased her work in France, the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. Her paintings have recently been selected for an exhibition in Rome this month amongst artists from 64 countries.

According to her, she started the previous year with the commitment to conduct mental well-being and healing circle sessions throughout the year for people in need, may that be refugees or host communities.

She conducted 30 healing circles and 24 mental well-being and art therapy sessions, concluding the year in Bali, Indonesia, with a music therapy session for humanitarian workers from across Asia.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2024.