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Irina Katz-Mazilu

Trainer and Supervisor in Art Therapy, France

Presentation Title:

A case of music and choral painting in online arts therapies

Abstract

This chapter presents an art and music online art therapy process with a 19 years old young woman during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. The EFAT-European Federation of Art Therapy implemented social actions offering free online art therapy by some of its members to anyone experiencing difficulties at this time. The author volunteered to offer eight free art therapy sessions in individual settings in 2021 to 10 clients. The chapter describes the therapeutic process that successfully helped the client solve issues resulting from social isolation and other personal and familial aspects. The art therapy process combined art and music in each session with writing, recording, and finally, sharing. The therapeutic methodology, relationship and creativity are presented in their specific and original context. The chapter discusses the advantages and limits of the online methodology and some clinical and ethical questions and refers to other research in the field. While more research is needed on the synergy between different media, this case proves the efficiency of online arts therapies. The originality of this case is to cross music and art – as asked by a very gifted client. The healing power of the therapy is reinforced by crossing the two media and the two partners’ creativity: client’s and therapist’s.

Biography

Irina Katz-Mazilu was born in Romania and currently lives in Paris, France. She first graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in Bucharest, followed by the National School of Decorative Arts in Paris. In 1998, she completed her studies in Art Therapies at the University of Paris and has since gained over 25 years of experience as an art therapist, working with organizations, communities, and private clients across various mental and physical health settings, including psychiatry, disability services, migrant support, prisons, social care, and PTSD, with clients of all ages and genders. In addition to her clinical work, Irina is a trainer and supervisor in art therapy and has presented at national and international conferences and workshops, publishing in both French and English. She has served as a Board Member and Treasurer of the European Federation of Art Therapy (EFAT) and as President of the French Federation for Arts Therapies (FFAT). Currently, she is a member of the French Society of Psychopathology of Expression and Art Therapy (SFPEAT) and the French Union of Art Therapists (SFAT). Alongside her therapeutic work, Irina is an active visual artist and a member of the House of Artists in Paris, France (www.irina.katzmazilu.com).