Abstract
Art therapy reduces trauma-related psychopathology in refugee youth. Given the added stress of COVID-19 on traumatized refugee populations, we adapted art therapy for refugee youth and their families in the virtual space. We describe program development, implementation and experientials, and clinical recommendations illustrated through two cases. Observations and feedback support art therapy as a tool to address socioemotional functioning in families who resettle as refugees and foster positive emotions, sense of self and community, confer stress coping skills, and enhance resilience. In light of the persistence of the pandemic, the unprecedented number of global refugees, and their unique needs for mental health services, virtual art therapy can expand accessibility and reach of beneficial methods to address trauma in refugee groups.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Ms. Mihaela Mitrofan and Samaritas for their constant support, client referrals, and providing art supplies as well as translation services for programming. The authors would also like to thank Ms. Bharti Thakkar for her involvement in the program. Finally, the authors would like to thank the participants for providing their data, dedicating their time to the program, and sharing their art and stories.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Holly Feen-Calligan
Holly Feen-Calligan, PhD, ATR-BC, ATCS, is an associate professor and coordinator of the art therapy program at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
Lana Ruvolo Grasser
Lana Ruvolo Grasser, PhD, is a postdoctoral research fellow at National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD.
Jessica Smigels
Jessica Smigels, MEd, ATR-P, is an art therapist and Kundalini yoga teacher in St. Clair Shores, MI.
Natalie McCabe
Natalie McCabe, MEd, is an art therapist at Home of New Vison, Ann Arbor, MI.
Breanna Kremer
Breanna Kremer, MSW, is a social worker at Samaritas and CARE House in southeast Michigan.
Alaa Al-Zuwayyin
Alaa Al-Zuwayyin and Ismail Yusuf are interpreters who work at Samaritas in southeast Michigan.
Ismail Yusuf
Alaa Al-Zuwayyin and Ismail Yusuf are interpreters who work at Samaritas in southeast Michigan.
Noor Alesawy
Noor Alesawy and Jenna Al-Nouri are undergraduate students at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Jenna Al-Nouri
Noor Alesawy and Jenna Al-Nouri are undergraduate students at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Arash Javanbakht
Arash Javanbakht, MD, is a psychiatrist, associate professor, and director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic in Detroit, MI.