About Art Therapy
Art therapy is a unique type of therapy led by trained art therapists. It revolves around the creative process of making art and using the resulting artwork as a way to communicate, connect, and heal. In art therapy, people explore their feelings and experiences by creating and speaking about their art which can help them to find deeper meanings in their creations. The art they make helps uncover both conscious and unconscious thoughts and emotions, providing a safe space for self-expression and communication. Ultimately, art therapy offers a supportive environment where individuals can discover, explore, and heal through the process of art-making.
About the Art Therapist
Hello, I’m Kamal Naran, a certified Art Therapist registered with the HPCSA in South Africa. In 2023, I completed my Masters in Art Therapy with distinction at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), proudly standing as a member of the pioneering cohort of South African art therapists. My academic journey includes earning Honour degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Pretoria and an Honours and Masters degree in Art Therapy from UJ, where I currently serve as an Assistant Lecturer in the Art Therapy and Visual Arts department.
I've honed my skills in art therapy working with children, adolescents, and adults, offering individual and group therapy sessions. My experience ranges from university settings and schools to non-profit organizations and museum environments. I hold a special interest in LGBTQIA+ affirming art therapy, a focus that shaped my final university dissertation and subsequent journal article.
I firmly believe that through the lens of art therapy, we can tap into our inner resilience, recognizing the mosaic of our inherent strengths and capabilities. In doing so, we can navigate through life's challenges, fostering healing, growth, and continual self-discovery, akin to building layers upon the canvas of our existence.