Creating Through COVID: Virtual Art Therapy for Youth Resettled as Refugees

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.

Keywords:

• Stress
• trauma
• refugees
• youth
• psychopathology
• COVID-19
• virtual art therapy

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

Dr. Grasser’s effort was supported by F31MH120927. Dr. Javanbakht’s effort is supported by R01HD099178.

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.