Alumna Gives TED Talk in Egypt
July 14, 2014
Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions alumna Carol Hammal, an art therapist, musician, and visual artist, presented during a TEDx (x= independently organized) event on June 27 at the German University in Cairo (GUC). While earning her Master’s degree in Art Therapy at Drexel in 2011, Hammal split her time between the United States and Egypt. Since that time, she has been immensely instrumental in developing the field of art therapy in Egypt.
“As an artist and musician, I’ve always believed in the therapeutic nature in creating art,” Hammal said. “The modes of expression were always an outlet for me and they helped me gain insight and develop my identity.”
While studying art at the American University in Cairo, Hammal discovered the world of art therapy. However, she realized that she would need advanced training and certain credentials, so she enrolled in Drexel’s Master’s program. “Art therapy is a clinical field for which I needed proper training, so I pursued my Master’s degree in art therapy in Philadelphia and returned to Egypt in an attempt to introduce the field based on reliable clinical and academic standards.
“I find that art therapy is successful in Egypt…and I intend to let it grow even further. We need many more certified art therapists in Egypt!” she concluded.
Hammal is a member of the American Art Therapy Association, attends the Annual AATA Conference in the United States, and lectures regularly on the clinical progress of art therapy in Egypt. Hammal currently works as an art therapy consultant at Egypt’s renowned Behman Hospital, closely working within its inpatient addiction unit.