27 research outputs found
Art therapy with refugee children: a qualitative study explored through the lens of art therapists and their experiences
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Art Therapy on 9-11-2018, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2018.1533571This article sets out to explore the use of art therapy with refugee children, from the perspective
of art therapists and their experiences. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain
insights by capturing experiences and stories. Using thematic analysis, five themes were
identified: (1) giving voice; (2) rebuilding trust, opening wounds; (3) sharing stories, healing
pain; (4) exploring identity, discovering new-self; and (5) understanding art therapy. Upon
reflection, two key aspects of art therapy were established, these were identified as: (1)
providing refugee children with a safe space to heal and discover new-self, and (2) giving
refugee children a voice to express and share stories. Despite the last of the five themes
(understanding art therapy) being established as a factor that limits the use of art therapy,
this has created an avenue for further research. From the findings, it was concluded that art
therapy can be a useful form of psychotherapy for refugee children. Art therapy can provide
these children with a safe space to heal, and give them a voice to be heard
Ethical Considerations in Teaching Art Therapy to Non-Art Therapists
Working with and through art in the context of mental health has become popular and quite well known amongst social workers, community workers, nurses, artists and teachers. Many seek art therapy skills, and a greater understanding of the use of art in healing. In parts of the world where there is no professional art therapy training and no established art therapy profession, some may go on to call themselves art therapists. Despite this, art therapy is a recognized profession, with a master's level or post graduate level training and a written code of ethics. This article looks at the ethical considerations we as art therapists face in training non-art therapists. To explore this subject in greater depth we draw upon training we have delivered for social workers in Hong Kong. © 2009 Elsevier Inc.link_to_subscribed_fulltex