Cairo – Maii Abdo:
At a time when psychological pressures are intensifying and human connection is increasingly confined behind digital screens, inspiring young figures are emerging who are redefining the true essence of art—as a language of the soul and a means of healing.
Among these figures stands Soheila Gamal, a determined young woman who has chosen an unconventional path that bridges psychology and visual art, transforming both into powerful tools for social change and psychological well-being.Soheila Gamal is a graduate of the Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Fayoum University (Class of 2023), and a master’s researcher in Clinical Psychology. She represents a generation that believes passion should not be silenced, but rather cultivated and guided to become a meaningful mission.
From her secondary school years, she dreamed of studying at the Faculty of Fine Arts; however, family considerations and her wish to remain in her home governorate led her toward psychology—a field that opened for her a deeper understanding of the human psyche and its complexities.Despite this academic redirection, Soheila never abandoned art. Drawing and visual expression remained integral to her life, serving as her primary refuge during moments of stress and emotional strain.
She explains that she practiced art as a form of emotional release, unaware at the time that she was instinctively applying a modern psychological therapeutic method. During her university studies, she encountered the concept of art therapy, realizing that what she had long practiced intuitively was, in fact, a scientifically recognized approach within clinical psychology.As Soheila explains, art therapy is far from being a recreational activity; it is a structured psychological approach used in the treatment of certain disorders, behavioral modification, reduction of maladaptive behaviors, and the development of cognitive and emotional abilities.
This realization marked a pivotal turning point in her life, as it allowed her to merge her artistic passion with her academic specialization into a unified path that serves both individuals and society.From this vision emerged the “Masar Bel-Fan” (Path Through Art) initiative—a community-based project launched by Soheila under the supervision of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The initiative targets children and adolescents aged 6 to 16, aiming to reduce negative behaviors, stimulate imagination and creative thinking, strengthen self-confidence and social skills, and lessen the harmful effects of excessive technology use and smartphone dependency. This is achieved through artistic activities that provide children with a healthy outlet to express their emotions.The initiative quickly moved beyond theory into practice.
Soheila reached out to remote villages across Fayoum Governorate, entering schools and youth centers, communicating with children in a language they understand, and posing simple yet profound questions such as, “What do we do when we feel upset?”—with the answer being: “We draw.” Through drawing, children were able to express repressed emotions and address issues such as bullying and abuse, within a safe environment that relies on color and form rather than words.
Alongside her therapeutic efforts, Soheila has built a strong presence in the artistic field. She has earned top rankings at the level of Egyptian universities in the arts, participated in numerous exhibitions, and trained at art centers affiliated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. She also expanded into mural painting, starting with modest attempts that gradually evolved into large-scale works.
Over time, her artistic passion became a genuine professional path, supported by positive engagement across her social media platforms.Her distinction extends beyond art. Throughout her university years, Soheila was an exceptionally active student, participating in forums across the Arab world.
Her university consistently selected her as its representative at major events, and she was frequently requested by name by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to represent her university, her governorate, and Egypt at conferences.
She also appeared in television interviews and delivered official artistic presentations before the university president and the governor. Later, several universities invited her to lead graduation ceremonies—experiences that provided her with extensive exposure and growing confidence.
After graduation, Soheila completed her public service in an administrative capacity and was subsequently nominated to work as a psychological specialist at art centers affiliated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. In this role, she undertook supervisory and guidance responsibilities and delivered lectures on self-confidence. She continues to pursue professional training programs in preparation for obtaining her official license to practice psychology.
Soheila is keen to express her deep gratitude to those who believed in her from the very beginning, foremost among them Ms. Lamia Kassab, former Director of the General Administration for Youth Welfare, who offered her unwavering support and nominated her to work as a psychological specialist, becoming one of the earliest advocates of her journey.
She also enjoys strong family support; her family has been her first and enduring pillar, believing in her talent since childhood and providing both moral and financial backing, alongside friends who shared her dreams and ambitions.Today, Soheila also works at an artistic venue in Tunis Village, Fayoum Governorate—a renowned destination for tourists and art enthusiasts.
Despite the long distance, she has remained committed to commuting there for the past three years, driven by her belief that art is a mission that recognizes neither fatigue nor excuses.Soheila Gamal believes that ambition knows no limits, while fully acknowledging the responsibility that comes with being a role model.
She says that realizing others look up to her motivates her to continuously refine her skills and character, striving to be worthy of that trust. In her message to young people, she encapsulates her journey in sincere words: “Do not lose hope, even if you do not reach your first dream.
Follow the path God has chosen for you, and you will find goodness within it. Read—then read again—and keep developing yourself; through this, we truly shape who we are.”
Thus, Soheila Gamal continues along her path—between color and idea, between knowledge and purpose—affirming that when art joins hands with science, it can heal, transform, and help shape a more aware, balanced, and peaceful human being.
