ART is therapy or ART therapy, Florence 2025

In the spring of 2025, I had the privilege of taking part in an international training course titled “Art as Therapy: Self-Expression and Special Needs in Art Education,” held in the heart of Florence. It wasn’t just a course — it was a deep journey inward and into the world of others. Through art, through the body, color, movement, and creativity.

The program was organized by Europass Teacher Academy, and the training was led by the sensitive and experienced facilitator Monica Ogaz. Throughout the week, we — educators from different countries — explored how art can be used as a therapeutic tool, especially when working with people facing special needs, limitations, or life challenges.

What the Course Was About

Each day was filled with hands-on practice:

• We worked with color and emotion

• Studied the foundations of art psychology

• Tried out collage, clay sculpture, and mindful photography techniques

• Wrote texts and explored roles through street theatre

• Discussed how to avoid labeling in education for people with special needs

• Learned supportive communication and visual metaphors such as “The Tree of Life”

Special focus was placed on emotional intelligence, self-expression, and creating a safe and accepting environment — the kind of space where true internal movement can happen.

Since returning from Florence, I’ve been actively applying the knowledge and methods in my work with groups of people with special needs. These practices don’t require artistic skill — what matters is not the form, but the meaning, the process, the feeling, and the connection.

• We sculpt our emotions with clay, allowing them to take shape and exist

• We create collages to explore our dreams, fears, and desires

• We learn to express ourselves even when words are not enough

• Through color, form, and movement, we gently return to ourselves — one step at a time

For me, this training was a confirmation: art works.
Especially where there is pain, loneliness, vulnerability, or limited resources.
Especially where depth matters more than speed.
Art gives a voice to those who are rarely heard — and helps us hear ourselves more clearly.

And this is not just a line in my resume — it’s a part of my practice, a part of my inner work, and something I am truly happy to share with others.

Svetlana Smirnova