Art therapy in a family camp for refugee families and families of fallen soldiers

Abstract

The article highlights the experience of implementing the Psycho-Emotional Stabilisation and Renewal Programme, developed by the NGO «TUR» together with the NGO «Art Therapeutic Association», which aims to support the civilian population of Ukraine who have experienced traumatic events due to the full-scale war. The programme, which includes 5-day family camps, provides free assistance to families of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and families of fallen soldiers. Camp participants, mostly mothers with children, participate in art therapy classes, hiking activities and psychological sessions aimed at reducing stress and restoring their psycho-emotional state. The article focuses on the use of nature therapy, including forest, water, mountain, and geotherapy, as well as creative art therapy practices such as working with clay, creating mandalas and rag dolls, drawing, and music therapy. Particular attention is paid to the impact of these techniques on the psycho-emotional state of participants, in particular, on reducing anxiety, post-traumatic stress and depression. A study of 72 programme participants showed a significant improvement in the participants’ condition after completing the programme. The majority of respondents demonstrated a reduction in anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms, which indicates the high effectiveness of the applied correctional techniques. This is confirmed by the results of psychodiagnostics before and after participation in the programme. The authors conclude that it is advisable to use similar programmes to support socially vulnerable groups, especially in times of war, with an emphasis on an integrated approach that combines art therapy and physical activity. The programme is an example of the effective use of creative and natural resources to restore the psychological state of survivors of traumatic events and can be recommended for use by other NGOs.