As a graduate of the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, Gabriele has been a Guest Lecturer at the Institute from 2006 until 2012.

Exerpt from “Intersubjectivity, Phenomenology and Multiple Disabilities.”

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION  
​1.1        Aim
This study explores the effectiveness of Art Therapy [AT] for deaf and hearing-impaired individuals with multiple psychiatric disabilities. Specifically, it explores whether AT is an effective modality to use with mentally-challenged and deaf individuals. The hypothesis is that a visual form of communication, AT, may be particularly appropriate for the hearing-impaired regardless of pre-­existing-psychiatric conditions. This investigation hypothesizes that AT helps build an individual's sense of self. It further suggests that AT supports self-esteem building.

This qualitative retrospective study is based on structured interaction with six participants. This thesis will focus on clinical work with Deaf, deaf or hard of hearing individuals [DIs] who are identified as low functioning as a consequence of additional diagnoses including autism, severe to moderate depression, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD], and Down's syndrome. The distinction between Deaf and deaf will soon be outlined.

The study is based on early or rudimentary symbolic communication feedback loops. The literature on symbolic communication is extremely varied and numerous schools of thought on its sub-disciplines exist; semiology, for example, has an entire spectrum of divergent perspectives (Borradori, 2003). This work is strongly influenced by R. D. Stolorow, B. Brandchaft, and G.E. Atwood (1987) and further elaborated in a subsequent journal article by D.N. Stern, L.W. Sander, J.P. Nahum, A.M. Harrison, K. Lyons-Ruth, A.C. Morgan, N. Bruschweiler-Stern and E.Z. Tronick (2000) and Lyons-Ruth (2004). Their work facilitates the articulation of a symbolic development model, integrated with intersubjectivity theory and provides the framework to advance client-therapist relationship depth. The aim is to facilitate client-self awareness and self-esteem growth