Participants during the workshop.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), in collaboration with Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services, organised a unique workshop titled, “Healing with Painting: A Brush & Story,” aimed at raising awareness and empowering individuals living with cancer.
The event used art as a tool for self-expression and emotional release, offering participants a space to cope with the psychological pressures often associated with cancer and the treatment journey.
The initiative is part of QCS’s ongoing campaign titled, “Support Groups for Women Living with Cancer,” which focuses on offering a holistic support—both emotional and social—for this group. The workshop provided a safe and supportive space for participants to express their feelings through painting, colours and symbolic art, which in turn helped foster a sense of inner peace and self-connection.
Head of psychosocial support for cancer survivors at QCS, Dana Mansour emphasised that “Healing with Painting: A Brush & Story” workshop reflects the society’s strong commitment to offering comprehensive care for cancer patients and survivors—not limited to medical or financial support, but extending to emotional and community support as well.
“We believe healing is a collective journey that requires the collaboration of various elements. Art therapy, in particular, plays a vital role in helping participants navigate emotional stress, offering new ways to process and manage their feelings,” said Mansour.
“The workshop is part of the society’s long-term support initiative and one of the key pillars in QCS’s sustainable services. It was a deeply enriching experience where participants freely expressed their stories and emotions, connected in a safe and respectful environment, and contributed to building a supportive community that fosters healing and psychological resilience,” Mansour explained.
Commenting on the workshop, senior country manager for Qatar & Saudi Arabia at Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services, Najla AlHudaib said, “At Houston Methodist, we believe in a holistic treatment approach, this includes the patient’s emotional and psychological well-being, as well as specialised medical care. Our partnership with QCS reflects our commitment to community-driven initiatives that focus on improving the quality of life for people living with cancer. We’ve witnessed the profound impact that art can have in promoting emotional and spiritual healing, and we’re honoured to be part of this meaningful initiative.” “Houston Methodist is committed to supporting human-centred initiatives and believes in the power of collaboration with civil society organizations—especially the Qatar Cancer Society—to expand the reach and impact of these programmes,” AlHudaib concluded.
