A CASE STUDY OF REFUGEE NARRATIVE THROUGH IMAGES AND WORDS

Abstract Art therapy integrated with Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) protocols can provide a framework for refugees to present personal images and narratives within cultural standards of expression. To demonstrate this model, a case study documents two sessions of brief art therapy with a group of siblings who described their migration experiences in a visual journal with semi- structured prompts. The art therapy process promoted spontaneous disclosure of trauma, identified spirituality as a source of resiliency, reinforced cultural family dynamics, and indicated symbols of acculturation. This case holds implications for the benefit of narrative-based art therapy that utilizes a short-term, culturally responsive, trauma-informed approach.