Why Art Therapy is the Ideal Tool for Ukrainian Refugees
Over the past year, I have dedicated myself to volunteering with a program that supports Ukrainian refugees, using art therapy as a central tool for healing and integration. This work is deeply personal and important to me, as I believe that the process of integrating into a new society should be seen as a transition to strength rather than a response to trauma. My goal has been to help individuals discover their new selves as strong, resilient people who can grow from their experiences, rather than being defined by a lack of stability and suffering.
Art therapy is particularly effective for refugees because it provides a non-verbal outlet for expressing emotions. For many Ukrainian refugees, verbalizing their trauma can be difficult, especially with language barriers and emotional complexities. Art therapy allows participants to process their feelings through creative expression, which taps into the subconscious mind. This helps to rewire the brain, enabling individuals to cope better with the effects of trauma such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
One of the most impactful tools we’ve implemented is rhythmic attunement through music. Music therapy has a universal appeal and transcends language barriers, making it ideal for refugees who are still learning the language of their new country. Using rhythm and music in sessions helps participants regulate their emotions, process trauma, and rebuild a sense of stability. The rhythmic aspect of the therapy promotes attunement between individuals, fostering connection and a sense of harmony both within themselves and with others.
Emotional Healing and Rebuilding Strength
Participants in the KOLO Project have used art therapy to explore and express emotions they often cannot articulate through words. By doing so, they can process and release their trauma in a safe and supportive environment. Over time, many have reported reduced anxiety and improved mental health, including better sleep and increased self-confidence. Our goal at Active Kreative is not only to help participants process trauma but also to support them in building resilience and a new self-identity. Immigration can be overwhelming, and it often brings a sense of loss—loss of home, culture, and stability. Through art therapy and other modalities, we help participants rebuild their identities from a position of strength, empowering them to see themselves not as victims of their circumstances but as resilient individuals with the capacity for growth and transformation.
Coping Mechanisms for Integration
Another critical element of the KOLO Project has been equipping participants with coping strategies to help them integrate into Australian society. Art therapy is combined with mindfulness practices and grounding techniques, empowering participants to manage stress, anxiety, and the challenges of adjusting to a new life.
For many refugees, immigration is not just about physical relocation but also about building a new identity. The tools learned in the program enable participants to approach this transition from a position of strength. They begin to see themselves as empowered individuals who can thrive in their new environment, rather than being defined by their past hardships.
Building a Supportive Community
Beyond emotional healing, one of the most impactful aspects of the KOLO Project has been its ability to foster a strong sense of community among participants. Refugees often experience feelings of isolation, particularly when integrating into a new culture. The group sessions provide a supportive space where individuals can share their stories, develop connections, and build a sense of belonging.
This sense of community is vital for integration, as it provides mutual support and fosters solidarity. Witnessing participants celebrate each other’s successes and support one another has been incredibly rewarding.
Play Therapy: Cultivating Safety and Playfulness
We also use play therapy in every session to create a safe, playful environment. Refugees, particularly those who have experienced significant trauma, often feel disconnected from feelings of joy and playfulness. By engaging in play therapy, participants can enter a lighthearted, secure space where they feel safe enough to explore emotions, build trust, and reconnect with a sense of curiosity. Play therapy has been particularly beneficial for children, but adults also benefit from the chance to let their guard down and engage in playful interaction.
Bilateral Drawing: Activating Both Sides of the Brain
One of our favorite techniques is bilateral drawing, which activates both hemispheres of the brain. This technique encourages participants to draw simultaneously with both hands, engaging the logical left side of the brain as well as the creative right side. Bilateral drawing is especially useful for integrating traumatic experiences, as it helps to process emotions stored in the body and brain while fostering balance and calm. The therapeutic outcome of this exercise has been profound, with participants expressing newfound clarity and emotional regulation.
Somatic Techniques: Body-Mind Integration
Another key modality we’ve integrated into the program is somatic therapy, specifically techniques advised by Ditte Marcher from Bodynamic International. These techniques focus on the connection between the body and mind, emphasizing that trauma is often stored in the body. By addressing the physical manifestations of trauma—such as muscle tension, posture, or body movement—somatic therapy helps participants release these emotional burdens. This body-oriented approach is invaluable for refugees who may have been in survival mode for an extended period, helping them reconnect with their bodies and regain a sense of control over their emotional and physical states.
Expressive Forms of Art Therapy
In addition to these specialized techniques, we regularly use expressive art therapy in various forms, such as painting, sculpture, and collage-making. These forms of artistic expression enable participants to delve deep into their inner worlds and convey emotions that are often too difficult to express verbally. Art therapy provides a tangible, visual representation of their journey, allowing them to reflect on their growth and progress. For many, these expressive forms of therapy have been a key factor in their emotional healing and integration into society.
Art therapy is not just a tool for healing trauma—it is a pathway to growth and empowerment, enabling us to rebuild new identities and find strength in a journey of integration. Together, we can continue to support refugees and immigrants, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in their new communities.
At Active Kreative, our work with Ukrainian refugees goes beyond traditional therapeutic methods. Since February 2024, we’ve been using art therapy as a cornerstone of our approach, providing a unique way for refugees to heal and integrate into their new environment. However, one of the most powerful aspects of our program is the incorporation of multiple therapeutic modalities, each tailored to different stages and aspects of the integration process. These techniques ensure that participants can not only process trauma but also build resilience, self-identity, and community ties as they rebuild their lives.
Through this holistic, multimodal approach, we are confident that we can help more individuals not only survive their experiences of displacement but also thrive in their new environments, fostering resilience, emotional healing, and a sense of community.
