Treating Jihadists With Art Therapy

Drawing pictures of castles can represent patients putting walls up to prevent you gaining information from them.
Credit: Deb Ramos

I recently came across an excellent article on NPR's website  concerning a slightly more unusual form of art therapy specifically tailored to convicted terrorists in Saudi Arabia. It's a great example of how we can use art therapy to treat people who have gone to dark places mentally and re-educate them to have a more well-rounded view of life.

The Mohammed Bin Naif Counselling and Care Centre in Riyadh claims to have successfully treated 3000 patients with an 80% success rate of returning detainees to their families. The centre uses art therapy in tandem with psychological counselling, religious education,vocational training and financial incentives.

The article which you can view here: NPR is particularly relevant with the new threat of ISIS in the region. Although the centre has dealt with ex Guantanomo Bay in-mates and Al Qaeda members this new threat is seen as the ultimate challenge.

Do you think it will be successful or is it a step too far for art therapy to reach?