Refugees and asylum seekers often find themselves in a liminal space, existing in a gap between the past and the future. In this in-between phase, individuals are neither fully part of their old culture nor fully integrated into a new one. This “liminal phase” is a transitional space commonly described in the context of rites of passage—rituals that mark significant life transitions in many cultures.
In Expressive Arts (EXA) therapy, we invite participants to enter this liminal space through art-making, ritual, and play. This process encourages exploration of the essence of one’s being, an encounter with beauty in the unknown, and the discovery of inner resources and potential. Art provides a means to give shape to fragmented stories, acting as a container for emotions that are difficult to express verbally. It is a way to communicate hope, and the process is resource-oriented, held with care and compassion within a thoughtfully crafted frame.
This (bi-)weekly gathering serves as a temporary home for the displaced and oppressed—a “testimony through art.” The goal is to foster a sense of belonging and connection, preventing withdrawal and helping participants move through physical and mental stagnation. Through creativity and imagination, we aim to cultivate a sense of hope in the midst of uncertainty.
Facilitator: Yi Jen Chang, expressive arts therapist-in-training
*Expressive arts therapy is a therapeutic approach that places the creative process at the center of the human experience. Rather than focusing on advanced skills, it emphasizes the innate creativity of individuals and the heightened sensitivity that enables them to bring new things into being. This integrative approach uses a variety of creative expressions—such as poetry, music, visual arts, theater, clay, movement, and nature-based methods—to help individuals navigate personal challenges/ inquiries and explore their own resources. No previous art experience is required—just your presence.
**Note on Group: For safety and to maintain a consistent dynamic, this will be a closed group with a maximum of 6 participants. This group is currently full. If you’re interested in joining future sessions when space becomes available, please contact Yi Jen at bodywilderness@gmail.com. We will notify you as soon as a new group is formed. This group will be conducted in English, but support for translation may be available for languages spoken by participants. Please note that these sessions can not replace any ongoing therapies or medical treatments. We kindly remind our participants to take care of their own needs during and after these sessions.
Fríbúðin er opin! Allt ókeypis! Komið með dót/fatnað sem þið notið ekki lengur en viljið heldur ekki fleygja. Eða komið og finnið nýtt til að taka heim. The freeshop is open! All for free! Come and bring stuff/clothes... Read More
ENGLISH BELOW Á fundinum er farið yfir vinnuhópa, fólk getur tekið að sér verkefni, rætt mikilvæg málefni og séð önnur andlit sem tengjast Andrými. Dagskrá fundarins má sjá fyrir neðan. Þetta er fullkominn tími fyrir nýja og forvitna... Read More
Fríbúðin er opin! Allt ókeypis! Komið með dót/fatnað sem þið notið ekki lengur en viljið heldur ekki fleygja. Eða komið og finnið nýtt til að taka heim. The freeshop is open! All for free! Come and bring stuff/clothes... Read More
Fríbúðin er opin! Allt ókeypis! Komið með dót/fatnað sem þið notið ekki lengur en viljið heldur ekki fleygja. Eða komið og finnið nýtt til að taka heim. The freeshop is open! All for free! Come and bring stuff/clothes... Read More
Hvalavinir vernd hafsins boða til fundar til að ræða næstu skref og skipuleggja herferðir til að koma í veg fyrir að hvalveiðar hefjist í vor. Whale friends-Ocean Protection organise this meeting to disccuss the next steps and organise... Read More
Refugees and asylum seekers often find themselves in a liminal space, existing in a gap between the past and the future. In this in-between phase, individuals are neither fully part of their old culture nor fully integrated into... Read More
Fríbúðin er opin! Allt ókeypis! Komið með dót/fatnað sem þið notið ekki lengur en viljið heldur ekki fleygja. Eða komið og finnið nýtt til að taka heim. The freeshop is open! All for free! Come and bring stuff/clothes... Read More
Í lestrarhringnum ætlum við að lesa spennandi og innblástursríkann texta um hvernig hægt er að skapa réttlátara samfélag. Fyrsti textinn verður: A Practical Utopian’s Guide to the Coming Collapse eftir David Graeber. Hægt að nálgast hann hér: Svo... Read More
Fríbúðin er opin! Allt ókeypis! Komið með dót/fatnað sem þið notið ekki lengur en viljið heldur ekki fleygja. Eða komið og finnið nýtt til að taka heim. The freeshop is open! All for free! Come and bring stuff/clothes... Read More
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Last Updated: 29th November 2024 by Gunnar
Expressive Arts Therapy for Asylum Seekers/ Refugees (private sessions)
In Expressive Arts (EXA) therapy, we invite participants to enter this liminal space through art-making, ritual, and play. This process encourages exploration of the essence of one’s being, an encounter with beauty in the unknown, and the discovery of inner resources and potential. Art provides a means to give shape to fragmented stories, acting as a container for emotions that are difficult to express verbally. It is a way to communicate hope, and the process is resource-oriented, held with care and compassion within a thoughtfully crafted frame.
This (bi-)weekly gathering serves as a temporary home for the displaced and oppressed—a “testimony through art.” The goal is to foster a sense of belonging and connection, preventing withdrawal and helping participants move through physical and mental stagnation. Through creativity and imagination, we aim to cultivate a sense of hope in the midst of uncertainty.
Facilitator: Yi Jen Chang, expressive arts therapist-in-training
*Expressive arts therapy is a therapeutic approach that places the creative process at the center of the human experience. Rather than focusing on advanced skills, it emphasizes the innate creativity of individuals and the heightened sensitivity that enables them to bring new things into being. This integrative approach uses a variety of creative expressions—such as poetry, music, visual arts, theater, clay, movement, and nature-based methods—to help individuals navigate personal challenges/ inquiries and explore their own resources. No previous art experience is required—just your presence.
**Note on Group: For safety and to maintain a consistent dynamic, this will be a closed group with a maximum of 6 participants. This group is currently full. If you’re interested in joining future sessions when space becomes available, please contact Yi Jen at bodywilderness@gmail.com. We will notify you as soon as a new group is formed. This group will be conducted in English, but support for translation may be available for languages spoken by participants. Please note that these sessions can not replace any ongoing therapies or medical treatments. We kindly remind our participants to take care of their own needs during and after these sessions.
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