An Art Therapy Intervention for Displaced Arab Families: Creating New Narratives and Pathways to Communication

The global migration crisis calls for more support for refugee and asylum-seeking families. Families escaping their countries due to war, climate, or economic crisis are likely to have been exposed to traumatic events prior to, during, and after their displacement. These relocations can have multiple consequences on individuals and their family system. This research paper examines the effects of displacement on families. The primary research question of this study asks: How can a family art therapy intervention program be developed to support displaced Arab families in North America during their resettlement process? Subsidiary research questions ask: (1) How might family art therapy interventions support resettlement for displaced Arab families? and (2) What are some culturally sensitive approaches to arts-based intervention with displaced Arab families, and how might they support family communication and foster well-being? The research questions are explored using the first two steps of Fraser and Galinsky’s (2010) intervention research methodology. The literature is examined and analyzed using a systematic research synthesis and narrative synthesis. The results informed the creation of a 12-week family art therapy intervention program for displaced Arab families. The goals of the program are to enhance the family’s ability to use coping skills, improve communication, and support the development of their narrative. I conclude that the program could support displaced families in enhancing their sense of connection and belonging during their resettlement. This first proposal must be piloted to confirm and improve the findings