Paola Luzzatto
Biography
Paola Luzzatto has a degree in Philosophy (Italy) and a Ph.D. in Comparative Religions (Nigeria). She trained in Art Psychotherapy at Goldsmith College, University of London. She worked as Senior Art Therapist with adult psychiatric patients (including Alcohol, Drug and Eating Disorders) in West Lambeth Health Authority, London, for eight years. She then moved to New York, and she worked with cancer patients at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for ten years: for this work she received the 2004 Clinical Award from the American Art Therapy Association. More recently, she was Honorary Lecturer for five years in the Dept of Psychiatry, Muhimbili University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. There she developed two innovative art therapy protocols, in the fields of Addiction and of Trauma. Both protocols have been published and are now applied also in Europe. Paola Luzzatto has published several articles on her clinical work in professional journals; a book on the Austrian artist Suzanne Wenger; a textbook on Art Therapy for Italian students; and two books for children on African mythology.
Research Interest
Paola Luzzatto has published several articles on her clinical work in professional journals
Abstract
The Autobiographic Art Therapy Protocol (AATP) to support clients during drug detoxification
Abstract Context: The AATP protocol was developed at the Methadone Clinic, in the Dept of Psychiatry of Muhimbili University, Tanzania, during the years 2019-2021. The Clinic was not residential and the risk of relapse was very high (over 50%).
Approach: This protocol is based on the concept of narrative therapy, using non-verbal symbolic self-expression and optional verbal sharing in the group. The aim is to strengthen the motivation of completing the detoxification process, overcoming feelings of shame and increasing personal resources.
Intervention: The protocol is structured with 10 theme-oriented workshops, followed by some free creative time. It moves through three phases: 1) the time before addiction (3 sessions); 2) the time during addiction (3 sessions) 3) the present time (3 sessions).
Results: The protocol was piloted with a group of 7 men clients, who all completed detoxification without relapsing. They acknowledged decrease of shame and increase of motivation. A research would be needed to prove the effectiveness of the intervention.
