Nicola Velotti, psychoanalyst, professor, art therapist and philosophical consultant, is considered a key figure in the field of art therapy and philosophical counseling in Italy and Europe. With a wide contribution to the diffusion and valorization of these disciplines, he has written numerous books and articles on topics related to psychoanalysis, art therapy and philosophy, consolidating his role as a pioneer in these fields. In addition to his clinical activity, he plays an important academic role, teaching and conducting research in the psychological and artistic fields.
Born on November 11, 1964 in Casamarciano, in the province of Naples, he graduated in 1990 in Philosophy at the University of Naples "Federico II", with a thesis that analyzed the Freudian psychoanalytic paths in the art and poetics of Pier Paolo Pasolini. Subsequently, in 1994, he specialized in Analytical Psychotherapy and Autogenic Training at the ARPAD Scientific Research Institute in Rome and in Art Therapy at CISAT in Naples. These trainings led him to a multidisciplinary career, in which he combined philosophical, psychological and artistic knowledge.
In 1991 he published “Il Manifesto Italiano dell'Arteterapia”, edited by Flaccovio Editore, with the collaboration of artists such as Camillo Capolongo. He later conducted important art therapy workshops in collaboration with artists and psychiatrists, such as Claudio Costa and Antonio Slavich, at the former Psychiatric Hospital of Quarto di Genova, and with the psychiatrist Sergio Piro in the former Psychiatric Hospital of Aversa.
In 1994 he attended the first International Conference on Philosophical Counseling in Vancouver, organized by Ran Lahav and Lou Marinoff, where he came into contact with leading figures in philosophical counseling. The same year he published “the Italian Manifesto of Philosophical Practice” supported by philosophers such as Gerardo Marotta, founder of the Italian Institute of Philosophical Studies. He continued his education at the University of Cologne, where he attended courses by Gerd Achenbach, founder of Philosophical Counseling, further developing his skills in the field of philosophical counseling. Thanks to these experiences he promoted the diffusion of such practices in nursing homes for the elderly, centers for minors at risk and facilities for the disabled.
In 1999, she became a professional art therapist for the American Art Therapy Association and attended courses by Edith Kramer, a key figure in the development of art therapy. In 2000, she founded the “Philosophic Therapy Center,” where she organized professional training courses for art therapists and philosophical consultants. The association aims to apply philosophical and art therapy theories and offers online courses on various topics, such as Art Therapy, Philosophical Counseling, Autogenic Training, and Cinematherapy. With locations throughout Italy and even a branch in Mumbai, India, the center has also attracted members from other countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Switzerland.
Nicola Velotti is deeply convinced that philosophy and art can be effective tools to improve the psychophysical well-being of the individual. This vision was born from the encounter with prominent figures such as Gerd Achenbach and Edith Kramer and from the experience gained in creative workshops conducted in former psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, centers for minors at risk and facilities for the disabled. His practice also includes individual and group meetings in the private sphere.
He draws inspiration from great thinkers in the history of philosophy, such as Giordano Bruno, Spinoza, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and Heidegger. In the psychoanalytic field, his main references are Freud and Jung. Through his research and clinical work he focuses on the practical application of art and philosophy with the aim of breaking down stereotypes and prejudices and stimulating positive interaction with others and with the environment. His mission is to help people recognize the value of diversity and fully accept themselves.
Among his most important publications are: The Italian Manifesto of Art Therapy (1991), The Italian Manifesto of Philosophical Practice (1994), Art According to Psychoanalysis: The Theoretical Bases of Art Therapy (2018), Pier Paolo Pasolini: Poetic and Filmic Art as Therapy (2019).
Nicola Velotti is present on several language editions of Wikipedia, the English, Dutch, Croatian, Albanian and on Wikimonde.