Artistic Interventions Toward Healing for Refugees

Abstract

There are many social and economic opportunities for refugees who relocate to a Western context. Additionally there are usually many agencies and resources that aim to meet the tangible and physical needs of refugee com m unities. However, there is a lack of healthcare, specifically mental healthcare, support, and soul care. Furthermore traditional Western talk therapy or other mental healthcare services offered in the United States can be expensive, intimidating, un-relatable or unavailable to refugees. By establishing interventions towards artistic healing for refugees, we find that the tools for mental healthcare are democratized and available for all. Drawing upon my own experience, and relying on expert opinion, field interview s and research I will convey values, best practices and methods for successful artistic interventions. Furthermore my paper will outline the benefits artistic healing and how the church can take a vital role in this important work.