Art Therapy Workshop
& Psychosocial Support
Plan International × UNHCR × ETS ARTCONCEPT
50
Children supported
3
Working groups
3 days
Intensive programme
2
Partner organisations
Context & Goals
Giving a voice where words are no longer enough
This art therapy workshop was set up to give 50 children, split into three working groups, a space to express themselves and speak freely.
The main goal is to raise awareness and pass on essential field indicators to the staff who support these children every day. This work makes it possible to report crucial information to the Plan International and UNHCR teams, so that partner organisations can be mobilised and the children receive in-depth psychological follow-up that meets their needs as closely as possible.
Over 3 days of intensive workshops, through painting, free drawing and clay modelling, each activity is designed as a tool for listening and clinical observation as much as for personal expression.
Method
Three disciplines, one intention
Free painting
Each child is invited to paint without constraints. Their work reveals fragments of inner experience that the staff and the art therapist learn to read and document.
Clay modelling
Clay, a soft and tactile material, allows a more physical and direct form of expression. It helps children stay grounded in the present and offers a safe space to release tension.
Exhibition & recognition
The works are exhibited and celebrated together. This moment of recognition is essential for rebuilding self-esteem and a sense of belonging to the group.
Field observations
Critical cases identified
through art
Observation through the artistic activities made it possible to detect three situations requiring targeted care, which were reported to the partner medical teams in strict confidentiality.
Trauma & Expression
A 10-year-old girl. The trauma she had suffered came out very clearly in her artwork, revealing an urgent need for psychological support.
Uprooting & Psychosomatic disorders
A refugee child forced to leave their country, showing crises and extremely violent behaviour. The distress of being uprooted had turned into deep somatic disorders.
Spiritual manifestations
A child with complex difficulties linked to spiritual manifestations, requiring a very particular approach and way of listening.
Gallery
The workshop in pictures
Impact
“In just 3 days, the bond created was so strong that the end of the workshops was marked by deep emotion and tears shared by the children as they left.”
— Programme report, ETS ARTCONCEPT
Indicators reported
The field data collected enabled the Plan International and UNHCR teams to refer three children for specialised psychological follow-up.
A lasting bond
The emotional impact seen at the close shows how deep the bond was. A festive ceremony was proposed for the participants.
A documented method
The programme documented a replicable approach to art therapy with refugees, which can be transferred to other similar programmes.
Would you like to work with us on a similar programme?
ETS ARTCONCEPT supports organisations (NGOs, institutions, schools) in designing and running tailored art therapy workshops.