BARI – In Italy, the figure of the art therapist is not yet recognized. There is no register, it is not yet considered properly a profession, but for some time, particularly in the North, it has become a piece in the rebirth paths of those who, for the most diverse reasons, have suffered and need to be taken by the hand. Even in Bari, now, there are those who are bringing this work to the service of the most vulnerable, in particular minors and victims of gender violence. She is Elisabeth Borracci, and this evening, on the occasion of the International Day against Violence against Women, she will be in the Community Hub of the Municipality of Bari “spazio13”, precisely to give a taste of this profession which is still not well understood in these latitudes.
She, Elisabeth, experienced violence first hand. The psychological one, the “invisible” one, which is still difficult to demonstrate to judges today. Her experience as an art therapist began in 2019. Her life includes many travels and many years spent in Milan, before returning home to Bari. Her first job was in a community of women victims of violence: «Something at a certain point it echoed in me – he says -, my desire to fight for this issue is very strong”
«For many, art therapy is an empty word – he explains -. For me, it is a bridge that connects our inner world with external reality. The difference with psychotherapy is that the word is associated with the free, visual, total expression of oneself. I offer different materials – clay, paint, collage, pastels, brushes – and I leave the freedom to choose how best to express oneself. While creating there is a cathartic moment, it’s like a meditation. And furthermore, through symbolism, I guide you towards understanding what is hidden.”
«What all the women I work with have in common is the need to fill a void. The fear of being abandoned. Women who “fall” into this vortex, as happened to me, have not welcomed their needs. Emotional dependence is a problem, but one that can be taken care of.”
Borracci, who was born as an intercultural mediator, also works as an art therapist in a Save the Children office in the San Paolo district, where she deals in particular with prenatal mourning, in collaboration with a psychologist.
Tonight at 6.00 pm, in the Galattica Node in Bari, in the event organized by you, the film «Il Popolo delle donne» will be screened: «I watched this film for the first time in Milan, it is a sort of lectio magistralis by a psychoanalyst on theme of feminicide. I found a lot of similarity with my story, so I decided to take it to Puglia. In January we will also show it to schools. At the end of the screening, I will have those present do a small art therapy exercise.” The event is free: the psychologist Caterina Petronella will also be present with her.
In the gallery, some of the works created by the women victims of violence with whom Elisabeth Borracci worked.
How can viewers who have experienced trauma but lack access to art therapy professionals utilize artistic expression as a tool for healing and self-discovery?
## World Today News Interview: Art Therapy and Healing from Trauma
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Tonight, we delve into the powerful world of art therapy and its role in healing emotional wounds, particularly for victims of gender-based violence. Joining us are Elisabeth Borracci, an art therapist based in Bari, Italy, and Dr. Caterina Petronella, a psychologist specializing in trauma recovery.
**Section 1: Understanding Art Therapy**
* **Elisabeth, you mention that art therapy acts as a ”bridge” between our inner world and reality. Could you elaborate on how this bridge works, especially for individuals who may be struggling to express themselves verbally?**
* **Dr. Petronella, from a psychological perspective, how does art therapy complement traditional talk therapy in addressing trauma? What are some of the unique benefits it offers?**
* **Art therapy is still relatively new and not fully recognized as a profession in Italy. Elisabeth, what are some of the challenges you face in bringing this therapy to the public and ensuring its legitimacy?**
**Section 2: The Power of Creative Expression**
* **Elisabeth, you have personal experience with psychological violence. How did your own journey lead you to become an art therapist, and how do you connect with the women you work with on a deeper level?**
* **What are some of the common themes or emotions that emerge through the artwork of victims of violence? Could you share an example of how a piece of art helped someone understand and process their trauma?**
* **Dr. Petronella, what role does symbolism play in art therapy, and how do you help clients interpret the messages revealed through their artwork?**
**Section 3: Healing and Empowerment**
* **Elisabeth, you work with Save the Children supporting women experiencing prenatal mourning. How does art therapy help them cope with loss and find a path forward?**
* **Both of you are involved in the screening of the film “Il Popolo delle donne” and will be facilitating art therapy exercises afterwards. How can art be used to foster community and raise awareness about gender-based violence?**
* **Ultimately, what message of hope would you like to convey to survivors of violence through your work? What are some key takeaways for our viewers who may be struggling or know someone who is?**
**Conclusion**
We thank Elisabeth Borracci and Dr. Caterina Petronella for sharing their insights and expertise. Remember, help and healing are available. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or local support organization. You are not alone.
