[Self-Study] FS-13 Art Therapy with the Demonically-Monstrous Sex Offender: Undoing a Hazardous Self-Appraisal

Recorded On: 12/05/2021

ATCB, NBCC, NY LCAT
Bani Malhotra, MA, ATR-BC and Dave Gussak, PhD, ATR-BC
We will discuss the effect of the internalized monstrous self-appraisals amongst those who have sexually offended
through examples of artwork completed in an art therapy
session and how art therapy can help address this
hazardous identity. We will underscore sustaining a diverse
mentoring relationship to address these sensitive issues.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Identify and explain how “monstrous” self-labeling contributes to the formation and maintenance of deviant identity in clinical and theoretical contexts.
Recognize and apply at least two strategies for disrupting, reframing, and potentially reversing dehumanizing labels through art therapy practice.
Compare and integrate Eastern and Western conceptualizations of self by using art-based metaphors (e.g., Milo’s telescope) to understand intersubjectivity and rehumanization in therapeutic relationships.

Bani Malhotra

PhD, ATR-BC

Bani Malhotra, Ph.D., ATR-BC, is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University and a lead interventionist for the Resources for Enhancing All Caregivers’ Health- REACH-TBI project, a telehealth intervention study for caregivers of veterans/service members with Traumatic Brain Injury. Bani earned her Ph.D. in Creative Art Therapies from Drexel University. Her research focuses on developing and implementing art therapy interventions for supporting individuals and their families in adjusting to stress, injuries, and chronic health conditions. Additionally, her work examines therapeutic applications of art media and engagement techniques that are accessible and congruent with the lived experiences of participants and communities. She currently serves as a Chair for AATA’s International Shared Interest Group. Bani has worked with diverse communities and her scholarly contributions have resulted in several publications related to injury/ illness adjustment and rehabilitation, and art therapy in diverse settings (www.banim.info/).

Dr. David Gussak

PhD, ATR-BC, HLM

Florida State University

Dr. David E. Gussak, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM is Professor for the Florida State University’s Graduate Art Therapy Program and Program Coordinator for the FSU/FL Dept of Correction’s Art Therapy in Prisons program. Dr. Gussak has presented and published extensively internationally and nationally on a myriad of topics, including forensic art therapy, art therapy in forensic settings, with violin and aggressive clients, professional identity, ethics, and supervision. He has held numerous roles for several professional organizations, including the American Art Therapy Association and the Art Therapy Credentials Board and he currently serves on the editorial board for several professional journals. He has also served as a supervisor and mentor for many over the last 30 years.