Continuity of Care in Lebanon Humanitarian Crisis – The Red Pencil Humanitarian Mission presentation with MA Art Therapy

Synopsis

This presentation will introduce the art therapy programmes introduced by The Red Pencil in partnership with local organisations in Lebanon, providing trauma and self-care training, as well as art therapy and support, to frontline workers, children and their families.

Lebanon has experienced an increasing humanitarian crisis due to the influx of refugees from neighbouring countries, a crippling socio-economic crisis, systemic political corruption, as well as decades of civil unrest and war threatening to further destabilise the region. These communities, already in crisis, were further impacted and isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responding to these needs, an online art therapy programme was created in 2020. Four years later, the programme has continued and grown in numbers, scope and level of support needed as the region is pulled further into chaos and crisis.

The presentation will delve into the three phases of the programme, its ethical and cultural considerations, and how the approach has changed over time to provide continuous care and address the escalating crisis response.

Note: Please be aware that this virtual talk will be recorded for the purpose of documentation and potential future sharing. Screenshots will also be taken during the event to capture key points, engaging discussions, and memorable moments. The screenshots could be used for promotional or informational purposes related to the event. Thank you.

About the speaker

Heidi Bardot
MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Heidi Bardot, ATR-BC, LCPAT, is Director and Associate Professor of the George Washington University Art Therapy Programme in Washington, DC, USA. She is a licensed, registered, board certified trauma-informed art therapist.

Heidi has brought an international focus to the George Washington programme through her creation of immersion diversity courses and reciprocal learning programmes in France, India, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Croatia and has assisted in creating the first post-master’s programme in Croatia.

For the past 11 years, Heidi has collaborated with local organisations in Lebanon, where she grew up, to work with refugees and train relief workers in art techniques, self-care and trauma. She has collaborated with The Red Pencil since 2020 to create and provide online training and supervision for art therapists and teachers in their humanitarian mission in Lebanon. Heidi’s work utilises trauma and creative art techniques in a culturally sensitive, ethical and sustainable manner in order to support connection and communication.

Heidi has published and presented nationally and internationally on war relief, trauma, resiliency, grief, ethics, and international education. She is an active member of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and has held chair and member positions in numerous national and international committees.