Odette Helou Chesnot
PHD Clinical Psychology
Art therapist,
Mindfulness instructor,
Expert in psychological trauma, Consultant in extreme violence prevention and care for victims of armed conflicts
The expertise in clay art therapy for a professional and formal approach
My experience as an art therapist began 17 years ago, during a deeply impactful experience in Lebanon during the 2006 war.
At that time, I was an artist, viewing art as a personal and aesthetic experience. However, this period in my life completely transformed my perspective. During this conflict, I had the opportunity to lead artistic expression workshops for young refugees. It was during this time that I realized art could take on a new dimension, one of sharing and liberation.
Since this revealing experience, I have devoted my time and energy to deepen my knowledge in art therapy. I earned a Master's degree from Descartes University - Paris Cité, a University Diploma in Psychological Trauma at Sorbonne, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Jules Verne University. I also enriched my skills through readings and field experiences.
I understood that art was much more than a mere aesthetic quest. It had been a support, a crutch for me, since my childhood spent under bombs in Lebanon. This awareness strengthened my determination to explore and develop the therapeutic capacities of art. Over time, I came to the conclusion that art, in itself, cannot be considered therapeutic. It is rather therapeutic mediation through art, an approach that is embedded in a transfer and counter-transfer relationship. This relationship creates a conducive framework for subjectivity, allowing individuals to express themselves, explore their emotions, and find a path to healing.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to learn more about art therapy and how it can assist you in your own life journey.
Online and in-person consultations by appointment, in French, English, and Arabic.
Specialized approach focused on patient well-being
In individual sessions, I adopt a personalized approach to address the individual needs of each patient and create a safe and compassionate environment.
Group art therapy workshops: In Institutional or Corporate Settings
I specialize in intervention within businesses and institutions following the occurrence of serious issues that may jeopardize the group's functioning or individuals' well-being.
Specialized trainer in psychological trauma and consultant in radicalization prevention
As a consultant at the United Nations, my primary role is to design and implement projects aimed at supporting social workers, the judiciary, and the medical community in several countries, including Lebanon, Iraq, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania. I work closely with these professionals to develop initiatives that address the specific needs of each country and contribute to improving services and care for the population. My work involves providing guidance, sharing best practices, and facilitating coordination among various stakeholders. Through these projects, we aim to strengthen the capacities of social workers, the judiciary, and the medical community so they can better address the challenges they face in their daily work.
15+
Years of experience
1000+
Supported victims
500+
Organized workshops
Contact
Odette Chesnot
Docteur en psychologie clinique
16 rue du ranelagh, Paris