On October 29th, we organized another art therapy session for women victims of violence in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The objective of these sessions is to help the beneficiaries to identify their problems through different art forms and to talk openly about what they are experiencing.
To begin with, they are led to use drawing to help them open up and talk about subjects that they do not want to discuss. We find that with this method they feel comfortable very quickly and can talk more easily about what they are experiencing.
The sessions are led by 2 psychologists, 2 social workers and 2 members of the PE&D team. They last about 2 hours and are punctuated by questions that help break down the stigma and taboos surrounding mental health. We notice that after 3 sessions, some women are already considering psychological support.
These art therapy sessions create a safe space where they can talk about their experiences without judgment. We know that these women have never had the opportunity to talk about these issues because the subject is so sensitive and considered shameful.
These sessions complement the work we do during the information and communication sessions on parenting They teach women the language to express their experiences, while therapy gives them the space to use that language and describe their feelings.
More information on the fight against violence against women in Vietnam.
