Zahra Akthar
Lecturer
I am a Lecturer on the MA Art Therapy programme and a qualified Art Psychotherapist/Therapist (HCPC & BAAT) passionate about giving vulnerable individuals a voice through creative expression.
My interest in Art Therapy stemmed from my own lived experiences and engagement in art and image-making. Prior to undertaking the MA Art Therapy training, I obtained a BA (Hons) degree in Surface Pattern Design and attended the Art Therapy foundation course at the University of Chester.
Since qualifying in 2018, I have been working predominately with children and adolescents affected by trauma, abuse, loss and separation. My experiences have also included working with diverse and displaced client groups which have included: refugees, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), migrants, victims of trafficking, torture, war and political violence.
Alongside teaching, I also continue practising as an Art Psychotherapist/Therapist in the charity sector working with children and adolescents in community and educational settings.
I teach on the MA Art Therapy programme at the Wheeler (formerly Riverside) campus. I contribute to various modules on the programme through delivering lectures, seminars, facilitating experiential groups and providing clinical supervision to trainees during placement.
Current research interests:
- Art Therapy with diverse and displaced populations: refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants.
- Cultural tapestries in Art Therapy.
- Spirituality and Art Therapy.
Published in the International Journal of Art Therapy:
Treisman, K. (2019) A kaleidoscope of ways of using art therapy within child-based contexts, International Journal of Art Therapy, 24(3), 97-99. DOI: 10.1080/17454832.2019.1636579
Akthar, Z,. & Lovell, A. (2018) Art therapy with refugee children: a qualitative study explored through the lens of art therapists and their experiences, International Journal of Art Therapy, 24(3), 139-148, DOI: 10.1080/17454832.2018.1533571.
Qualifications:
- MA Art Therapy
- BA (Hons) Surface Pattern Design
- Foundation Degree in Art & Design
Memberships:
- British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)
- BAAT Special Interest Group – Art Therapy Race & Culture
- BAAT Region 10 Group
- Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC)