Museum and Gallery Visits with Substance Misuse Patients in An Arabic Country (N/NY-AS6139)
Papers
Trish Bedford, Expressive Arts Psychotherapist
Trish Bedford; HCPC registered Art Therapist working across all services in Naufar Wellness Hospital for substance misuse and co-morbid disorders, the first of it's kind in Qatar. Prior to this post Bedford worked intensive bespoke couple and individual art therapy with a unique addiction service in London. Bedford was previously a therapeutic Case worker with Refugees whilst undertaking her 'Refuge care' Masters program. In parallel with over a decade in the field of art therapy/autism/ looked after children. Bedford is currently an advisor for psychosocial training in Idlib, Syria with Qatar Red Crescent.
Substance misuse patients in Qatar at various stages of treatment and the staff at the museums and galleries met and a catalyst of connection, motivation, and normalization of shared experiences was facilitated. Two unlikely worlds met. Myths and prejudices from both sides were dissipated and an emergence of interest began.