Mariam El Halawani
Languages: Fluent in Arabic & English
Originally from Egypt, Mariam was born and raised in Dubai. Mariam attended the American University of Sharjah to complete a Bachelor of Arts in communications and a minor in psychology. Prior to entering the art therapy field, Mariam worked in cognitive development through which she provided services to children and adults struggling with cognitive delays and disabilities. Mariam’s caseload included individuals affected by Attention Deficit Disorders, Autism, Dyslexia and other neurological conditions such as brain strokes, Cerebral Palsy and Opsoclonus-Myoclonus. While working in cognitive development, Mariam recognized her passion towards being a care provider. Soon after, Mariam began exploring the field of mental health.
Art therapy appealed to Mariam as it combined her two interests: art and psychology. She began tailoring her academic and professional paths towards becoming part of the art therapy field. She completed several independent art and psychology courses, and acquired a certificate of art therapy through the College for Educational and Clinical Art Therapy in Australia.
In 2015, Mariam became part of the New York University art therapy graduate program, where she received her training. While accomplishing her graduate studies, Mariam completed several internships. Her internship experiences allowed her to serve numerous populations in psychiatric, medical, educational and clinical settings. Her clients included individuals who are experiencing or have experienced physical and psychological trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking, bereavement and loss, selective mutism and medical conditions (i.e. Multiple Sclerosis). Mariam also completed a three-week internship in Italy where she worked with members of a senior home. Mariam practiced her art therapy skills through both, group and individual session formats, and with a wide range of ages [6 – 89]. In 2016, Mariam developed her own art therapy initiative that was dedicated to working with the construction workers in Dubai.
Mariam follows a psychodynamic approach that is client-centered, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. She is inspired by the Jungian school of thought and Gestalt psychology, and incorporates several theoretical lenses, such as trauma, self-psychology, attachment, artistic and psychosocial development and symbology. Mariam’s style as an art therapist is rooted in her belief that art making can be transformative as it provides the person with a dignified and confidential space for expression. She values the artistic narrative and perceives it as means for authentic communication with oneself and with others.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member, American Art Therapy Association
Member, New York Art Therapy Association
Member, The Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism
We are international members and governed by
British Art Therapists Association (BAAT)
Australia, New Zealand Art Therapists Association (ANZATA)
Art Therapists Association Singapore (ATAS)
American Art Therapists Association (AATA)
British Music Therapy Association (BMTA)
Play Therapy International (PTI), UK
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), UK
Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai