Haggit Gershenson Rich - Connecting the Pieces

Haggit has been in art & design since her childhood, with experience in photography, sculpture, print, painting, and jewelry design. In 2010 Haggit shifted her focus to create psychological impact through art, working with youth at risk and special education children.

She resides in Petach Tikva, Israel, married to Rafi Rich, an architect and urban planner. She is mother to Noa, Maya & Daniel & proud owner of Willy the dog.

How does art & art therapy helps those I work with, and what do I gain from it?

Art therapy has always been a part of me, art has taken care of me much before I decided to be an art therapist. In my eyes, Art is a unique language that can enable people to express feelings and matters which cannot be revealed, said or written.

The patients I work with are invited to create using various artistic tools available in the therapy space, and during our joint exploration, a verbal conversation may occur, however many times words do not come out, or are not really needed, because often only art and the process that the patient makes, can heal wounds of the soul.

The fact that the patient is seen and is shown empathy during the session, enables soothing and diminution of the difficult situation he or she is in.

Many times loneliness and isolation cannot be relieved by conversation or any external action. Isolation is, in many ways, much more than a physical situation- It is a suffocating feeling that cannot be answered only by being together. Art can be the sole method of expression that can ease the pain and can enable a positive feeling.

For me, the ability to help others through tools that I love and understand, is truly satisfying. While in many situations the effect may take days, months or years, we may see direct results immediately due to the fact that

expression is not criticized or measured. I feel that I am a tool in this process that they make, and I sincerely believe that in therapy, art starts where words end.