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. 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 once the therapeutic process had begun and the creative process of the participants had been observed, was transformed and complemented towards conceptualizations based mainly on the adaptive model of Migratory Grief and on 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.