Visual artist stirs hope with art therapy

Therapy plays a crucial role in mental health treatment, helping people understand and improve their mental health and well-being.

Samina Jamshed, a renowned visual artist and one of Pakistan's few pioneering art therapists, has become a significant figure in mental health. As one of only three recognised art therapists in the country, Samina has dedicated over a decade to blending art and therapy, fostering emotional healing and mental well-being for marginalised and vulnerable groups, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Her approach is rooted in the belief that creative expression can help transcend emotional pain, allowing individuals to externalise their trauma through visual mediums.

Recently, Samina further cemented her global reputation during an art therapy session in Toronto, Canada, where she led a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme under the theme, 'We Heal, but We Also Need to Be Healed'.

The five-day event brought together 68 artists from across the globe, highlighting not only the therapeutic potential of art but also the emotional challenges faced by healers themselves. As the master trainer, Samina guided participants through exercises encouraging them to explore their inner worlds through creative expression, earning widespread praise for her leadership.

Samina's ability to create therapeutic environments that are both empowering and safe sets her apart in her field. Her sessions incorporate a variety of art therapy techniques, such as mandala creation, visual journaling, and symbolic storytelling, allowing participants to process emotions in a non-verbal, deeply personal way. Though her work often goes unrecognised, the Toronto event placed her in the spotlight, where her contributions to the field could not be ignored.

At a two-day art symposium in Toronto, Samina showcased her provocative series 'Cursed Eve', which explores feminist themes and critiques cultural myths surrounding women in society.

This powerful series earned her the prestigious gold medal, cementing her status as a visionary artist who challenges societal norms and amplifies the voices of the marginalised. 'Cursed Eve' has since sparked important dialogue and is evolving into a feminist movement focused on dismantling gender and cultural expectations.