I’m Aishu Madduri, an Art Therapist based in Bahrain. I was born in India and brought up in Bahrain. My passion for the profession stems from my own experiences with art making and personal well-being.

I gain great satisfaction from being a supportive partner for people in their healing through talking and creative therapies. I enjoy creating kind, safe and non judgemental environments which encourage openness and foster trust with clients, and am extremely passionate about promoting and nurturing holistic wellbeing. I am actively decolonising my therapeutic practice and questioning the applicability of therapeutic models to the South Asian population.

I’ve been in Bahrain ever since I was 3 years old, so it’s home to me. I trained in the UK to qualify with a Master’s Art Therapist and decided to come back home to practice. I’m currently practicing at Steps Rehabilitation Center, Bahrain.

My current client groups include: Children, adolescents, young adults, adults and parents and siblings of children with special needs.

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What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing.

Art therapists work with clients of all ages who may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These may emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses.

Art therapy is provided in groups or individually, depending on clients’ needs. It is not a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.