[Self-Study] Decolonizing Art Therapy from Within: Disarming with your Inner Colonizer (MP114)

Recorded On: 10/27/2024

Description

This presentation will discuss the universal nature of art therapy, the need for constant self-reflexivity, and the benefits of cultural adaptation in practice and research. It will emphasize the importance of a decolonized and socially just stance, including all voices from different locations. The role of reflexivity and self-reflexivity in art therapy is highlighted, along with the significance of understanding the inter-relationality present in all aspects of life. We will also explore how creativity can be used as a form of resistance towards meaningful social change. Finally, it calls for acknowledging our contribution to sustaining inequalities and working towards liberation and social justice in exploring our inner colonizer.

Learning Objectives

By participating in this session, attendees will be able to:

Identify at least two dynamics of power within art therapy relationship.
Identify two uses of creative arts for grounded, experiential, critical, and emotionally meaningful personal and social change.
Define the role of self-reflexivity in art therapy to develop a nonjudgemental awareness of internal biases, predispositions, and values that are complicit in external systems of power.

Natalia Gómez-Carlier

MAAT, ATR-BC

Natalia was born in Bogotá, Colombia. She received a degree in Psychology from the Universidad de Los Andes in 1998, after completing her thesis on adolescent relationships. Natalia received a master’s in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) in May 2005. She is a Registered Board-Certified Art Therapist with the American Association of Art Therapy. Natalia is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). She was a co-founder and President of the Colombian Art Therapy Association, taught at universities, frequently presents at International Mental Health Conferences, and is a published author. She has practiced as an art psychotherapist for more than 20 years in Bogota, Chicago, New York, Muscat, and now Dubai. Natalia is trained in psychodynamics and uses and adapts different techniques and modalities according to the needs of each person.

Natalia has focused on issues related to immigration, acculturation, decolonizing art therapy, including indigenous aspects, and developing a culturally sensitive art therapy approach. She also teaches classes on art therapy and creativity at institutes and Universities. Natalia enjoys working with people from all over the world. She speaks English and Spanish fluently and is a 300HR Jivamukti Yoga Teacher.