|
BACKGROUND
Rosie, a bright and energetic 11 year old, was referred to STARTTS by her school counsellor. Her family history was not clear and the whereabouts and state of her biological parents was uncertain. Rosie had lived in a refugee camp, possibly for several years, before arriving in Australia.
Rosie’s referral indicated a number of concerning behaviours: crying in the foetal position under her desk; difficulties with affect regulation (anger and sadness); problems with concentration and memory; and inappropriate behaviour in social situations with peers. Rosie had also disclosed to school staff that she had witnessed horrific events, including the rape of a friend in the refugee camp. At home, Rosie had trouble sleeping, experienced enuresis and reported physical and psychological abuse by her caregiver.
INTERVENTION
Rosie’s counselling sessions took place at school with an art therapist trainee who worked in conjunction with a STARTTS psychologist and the school counsellor. The counselling team sought to simultaneously support Rosie’s caregiver and ensure appropriate child protection issues were addressed, which required reports to the Department of Community Services. A major objective in working therapeutically with Rosie was to offer her a safe environment so that she could begin processing some of her trauma history.
About Art Therapy
Art therapy is the application of psychotherapy with art and visual media. It does not require that the client have art “skills” and it is an alternative to talk therapy. Culturally and linguistically diverse clients may find art therapy especially helpful because they can use the language of symbols to communicate and express themselves. Both art and play therapies promote healthy development in children and young people. As therapeutic modalities, they foster creativity and imagination - which are cornerstones for learning. |
In her counselling sessions, Rosie immediately took to painting and experimenting with art materials. One activity involved the development of a timeline of Rosie’s life and significant events. This was essential in gathering background information and enabling Rosie to discuss some of what she had been through in a non-confrontational manner, allowing for controlled exposure to her trauma. Through ongoing art and dialogue, Rosie shared experiences that were often paired with feelings common to the refugee experience: abandonment, anger, grief and loss. In one painting, she touched on issues of departure and separation with the image of her hand waving (Figure 1). In another piece, she addressed drastic cultural adjustments by creating the flag of her home country.
Gradually, Rosie gained a greater sense of control and mastery over the art materials. This helped build self-confidence, since as a young person and refugee, many decisions were either out of her control or made for her - determined by circumstances and adult figures. Rosie was also able to externalise and play out personal struggles through the creative process when acting on them might feel unacceptable. In reviewing her artwork, she would remark proudly on how much she’d accomplished, indicating an increase in self-esteem. As counselling sessions continue, Rosie is slowly beginning to recognise her personal strengths and creativity while reflecting on her journey and transition to Australia.
3 MAJOR LEARNINGS
Through their work with Rosie, the counselling team learned the following:
- When working with children and young people who have suffered past and current trauma, a safe and non-judgemental environment in which art and play therapy can be used has tremendous potential.
- Building trust and remaining present to current interests and needs should take precedent over disclosure/working directly through trauma – since pressuring clients to disclose prematurely can be re-traumatising.
- Counselling young clients who are refugees can be challenging because (1) the process rarely follows a linear progression; and (2) there are frequently gaps in information about background and experiences. Patience, cultural sensitivity, knowledge about the impact of trauma, and access to a multi-disciplinary team that communicates effectively and seeks appropriate and innovative interventions are all very useful.
Figure 1: Untitled (goodbyes), 37 x 27 cm
> Toril is completing a Master of Art Therapy degree at the University of Western Sydney and has a background in children’s advocacy and art education.
> Angela is a Clinical Psychologist at STARTTS.
|
|
 |
|
Upcoming STARTTS Training
November 14
Core Concepts & New Developments in Working with Survivors of Torture & Trauma
A one-day workshop designed to provide workers with an understanding of the socio-political nature of war and the issues facing refugee survivors of torture and trauma.
Cost: $99 per participant (GST Inclusive).
To register, contact STARTTS on
Tel: 02 9794 1900 |
|
 |
|
