India

Amanda Al Arja is a humanitarian first and foremost, putting human holistic wellbeing as the core value of her work as a Psychologist, Expressive Arts Therapist, dialogue facilitator and peace seeker.
Being from Palestine, she developed her interest in researching, understanding Collective and Intergenerational Trauma. Focusing on the process of healing using Expressive Arts Therapy and Holistic Wellbeing care could promote a better functioning society in Palestine and aid in conflict transformation.
She has done research also in existential psychology specializing in meaning of life and expressive arts. She offers Expressive Arts group therapy, retreats and Self Care training for psychologists, social workers and humanitarian workers in several institutions and NGOs. She holds a BA degree in Psychology, Sociology and MA in Community Psychology from Birzeit University, Palestine and a Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy from Women’s Christian College, India.
On a personal note, Amanda is married to an Indian and currently living in India while keeping Palestine alive in her heart. She is a proud mom to a 4-year-old daughter, Aadya, vegan activist, gym enthusiast, yogini and a tennis player.

Gopika Dahanukar is an artist, vocalist, and expressive arts leader. She serves as the Founder and Director of Swahansa Expressive Arts India, an Expressive Arts training provider in Mumbai and Auroville, South India, recognized as a cooperating partner of The European Graduate School. Gopika’s dedication to fostering human unity through artistic expression is evident in her role within Auroville, an international township committed to this ideal.

In addition to her leadership at Swahansa, Gopika holds a pivotal position as a trustee of the Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation. This non-profit organization actively supports emerging artists and promotes progressive social action through the arts across India. Furthermore, Gopika contributes her expertise as faculty at the European Graduate School’s esteemed Arts, Health, and Society Division.

Gopika’s academic background is extensive, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field of expressive arts. She holds a Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy from Vancouver, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from EGS. Complementing her artistic pursuits, Gopika has a Master’s degree in Fine Arts in Applied Craft and Design from the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, USA and pursued specialized training with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation, and Change from UPEACE. With over twenty years of professional experience, Gopika has demonstrated her passion for community engagement through arts and voicework sessions. Her research is centered on the transformative power of the arts in peacebuilding initiatives, emphasizing the creation of inclusive communities that value creative expression as a fundamental component of human connection.