MEET THE THERAPISTS
Sara Powell
Sara is from the UK and is the founder of ATIC. She has an MA specializing in Art Psychotherapy from LASALLE University Singapore. She is a registered member of the professional association for Creative Arts therapists in Australia, New Zealand and Asia (ANZACATA). Sara has over 8 years clinical experience and has provided art therapy to children, adolescents, adults, families, and has facilitated a variety of groups. Sara has worked on numerous projects in collaboration with Government agencies in Singapore and UAE, consulting on addiction, child-protection, vulnerable populations, eating disorders, chronic illness and palliative care. She specializes in women issues, child and adolescent related disorders and has worked extensively with those with special needs. Her research interest is in neurodevelopmental disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Sara follows an eclectic therapeutic approach, and is a published author presenting many conference papers, her latest publication is centered around the benefits of Art Psychotherapy in support of the family with a child diagnosed with ADHD.
“All of us have a right to be heard, to walk towards our authentic self and not be judged. Every child and adult has the right to feel safe. All of us share experiences in life which bring us happiness, joy, discomfort and even pain. Half the challenge is already overcome when we recognize this. As a therapist, it is my job to be the objective voice and help support you through your journey, leading to increased understanding and resiliency in a non-threatening confidential and creative space”
Mariam El Halawani
Mariam is a US trained art psychotherapist and has an MA in Art Therapy from New York University, New York. Her clinical experience includes working with clients in psychiatric, medical, educational and clinical settings in different countries including the US, Italy and the UAE. She has a special interest in working with adolescents and young adults experiencing psychological distress, suicidal ideation, self harm and/or identity confusion. Being born and raised in the Middle East, Mariam’s expertise also lies in supporting Arab families in navigating multigenerational patterns, trauma and difficult relational dynamics. Mariam’s areas of research focus on vulnerable and stigmatized groups, such as migrants and displaced individuals, and how to support them through art psychotherapy services. She is a part time lecturer and has presented in international and regional mental health conferences. Mariam is a member of the American Art Therapy Association, the New York Art Therapy Association, and the Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism. Mariam is fluent in English and Arabic and follows a psychodynamic and client-centered approach that is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.
“My priority as a therapist is to honor my client’s subjective experience. In art therapy, I view the artwork as the perfect conduit to hold and respect my client’s truth, as it promises a dignified and confidential space for expression”
Natalia Gomez Carlier
Natalia has a degree in Psychology from Universidad de Los Andes, a Masters in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and is a Registered Board-Certified Art Therapist with the American Association of Art Therapy. She has practiced as a psychotherapist for more than 15 years in Bogota, Chicago, New York, Muscat and now Dubai.
Natalia speaks English and Spanish fluently. She is trained in psychodynamics and is able to use and adapt different techniques and modalities according to the needs of each individual. Incorporating techniques from CBT, Gestalt, Brief Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Transpersonal, Mindfulness, and other modalities; therapy is oriented by the uniqueness of each individual.
“I offer a space of possibility, where we can welcome the difficult aspects of life in order to live more fully and without fear. I have a mindful yet playful approach that utilizes the tools of psychotherapy and art therapy, engages a full body experience and relies on evidence based practice. Together we will create a non-judgmental, safe and creative space for self-expression that invites personal growth.”
SUPPORTING STAFF
Daniel Michael Powell
Daniel holds an MSc in Applied Psychology from Middlesex University, and a BA in Psychology from James Cook University. He has worked with ATIC for a number of years and incorporates his more business focused psychological background to the team. His alternative perspectives help to compliment and add to ATIC’s diversity.
Camille Patricia G. Santos
Camille is our Program Coordinator, and will be your first point of contact when communicating with ATIC. She brings incredible focus, and bolsters the ATIC team making sure everyone runs at optimum efficiency so that they can provide you with the best care possible.