Silent Explorers. Art Therapy experience with asylum and international protection seekers

Abstract

This presentation aims to expose the experience of the application of Art Therapy with asylum and international protection seekers in its different intervention modalities. Especially we will focus on the group experience developed with mainly a non-directive methodology in art workshop format with small groups. 

The interventions fall within a frequent reality in the profession of Art Therapy in Spain, in which the figure of the art therapist is shared with other roles within the institutions. Situation that forces us to think, and rethink the framing, and its effect on the creative process, and on the group and institutional dynamics. Likewise, it is intended to give value to the creation of conceptualizations based on practical experience and within the specific sociocultural framework. 

Art Therapy groups started from a trauma approach, which was transformed and integrated into an adaptive model of Migratory Grief that included in its conceptualization the effects of having experienced situations of violence or violation of rights. 

The art carried out in the Art Therapy space with this population has provided the opportunity to explore the multiple losses associated with a cohesive migratory process. It has also allowed to explore and rescue the abilities and potentials of each person to face their current situation.