Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy (Clinical)
Being dyslexic is my superpower. But it hasn’t always felt that way. Growing up in India, where learning challenges like dyslexia are often misunderstood, I was often seen as the child who might never succeed, the never "good enough" child. I was expected to fit into a box that was never meant for me. Yet, here I am now, proving those doubts wrong.
When I first joined Whitecliffe College, I wasn’t sure who I was or whether I would even fit in as an immigrant with a learning disability. But I was determined to be a voice for people like me, for those who struggle when words fail them. This determination is what led me to Whitecliffe’s College of Masters of Creative Arts Therapy (MCAT).
There are no words to fully express the depth of support and understanding I’ve found here. It’s not something I can explain, but I can guide you through what it feels like. Imagine a place where you feel completely safe, where you can be who you are without judgment or unsolicited advice. Where every challenge you overcome is celebrated, and every step you take is acknowledged. That’s how I feel studying at Whitecliffe. It’s not just a learning experience; it’s a journey of self-acceptance and growth.
But enough about Whitecliffe. Let me share a bit more about myself.
Today, I’m doing better than I ever have. I’m currently in my second year of my master’s, well on my way to becoming a Clinical Arts Therapist. With the guidance of my amazing tutors, I’m proposing to complete my dissertation through illustration. Alongside my studies, I’m also doing a paid internship with ARA institute of Canterbury , providing art-based mental health support for people with intellectual disabilities, funded by Te Whatu Ora. I am surrounded by a network of exceptional supervisors who support my holistic journey and understand that I’m more than just the label I started with. They see me, fully.
