Magali Kelly Frea Scholtis

Magali Kelly Frea Scholtis

Magali is an Occupational Therapist from Belgian descent.

From an early age Magali has used the visual arts as a manner of expression. This understanding of what art could do for her inspired her to help others in the same way.

During her education in Occupational Therapy, Magali got fascinated – specifically – with the role of the arts in mental health. Thus, in 2019 Magali moved to London to pursue an education in the master’s in science Creative Arts and Mental Health at the Queen Mary University of London.

Her master thesis ‘Making Sense of Silence: The Art Therapeutic Approach in Cases of Trauma- and Culture-induced Alexithymia’ was motivated by her volunteer work with Theatre Troupe, an organisation who strives to reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and create bright futures for young people who have experienced trauma.

It provoked the questions ‘What if a person doesn’t recognise their emotions and is thus not able to process them? How does trauma play a role in this, and should the art therapy be altered to the derivation of alexithymia?

Magali is currently living and working in Belgium. She is employed as an Occupational Therapist in a special needs school for kids with learning and behavioural difficulties and uses art as a tool to improve their cognitive functions and to develop an understanding of their own emotions.