In May 2019, I began a full-time role at a hospital's Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation to introduce movement-based expressive arts therapy into neurological rehabilitation. My objective was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Tamalpa Life/Art Process®, a creative methodology that promotes neuroplasticity and fosters resilience and recovery. This five-part process—identification, confrontation, release, change, and growth—utilises various art mediums to explore patients' physical, emotional, and mental experiences. During my tenure, I collaborated closely with medical professionals and patients, observing therapy sessions and identifying opportunities to integrate expressive arts. The approach includes techniques such as movement, drawing, writing, music, and dialogue, helping patients express and process their needs nonverbally. The use of body part metaphors allows for a deeper exploration of personal stories and recovery goals.  The integration of this methodology with traditional medical treatments has shown promising results in providing a holistic framework for neurological rehabilitation. This proposal outlines the continuation and expansion of this work, with case studies highlighting its impact on patients recovering from strokes, road traffic accidents, and post-COVID neurological challenges. By fostering a deeper understanding of self through creative expression, this approach aims to enhance patients' resilience and overall recovery

Sophia Ali is a practising psychotherapist from India with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and specialized training in Movement-Based Expressive Arts Therapy from the Tamalpa Institute in California, USA. She is India's first Tamalpa Practitioner and is registered as a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist (RSMT) and Registered Somatic Movement Educator (RSME) with the International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy Association (ISMETA). Since 2016, she has been dedicated to her practice and currently serves as a consultant psychotherapist at the International Pain Centre. There, she conducts individual therapy for a diverse range of clients, focusing on providing tailored therapeutic support to help individuals navigate their challenges and improve their overall well-being