This presentation will share research findings from a community-partnered study about group art therapy for women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Presenters will describe the community partnership between Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services and Wilfrid Laurier University and outline the study’s context, research question, methods, and findings. This presentation complements CATA’s conference theme by illuminating how IPV survivors experience a sense of community through the group process and creative expression of art therapy.
Michelle Skop is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. Prior to joining Laurier, Michelle practiced social work in the field of adult mental health. Michelle’s program of research involves using arts-based research methodologies to explore people’s experiences of health, illness, and well-being. She also researches pedagogical methods for incorporating community approaches into social work education.
Olena Darewych is a registered psychotherapist in Ontario, a registered Canadian art therapist, an adjunct faculty at Adler University-Vancouver campus and Martin Luther University College, and instructor at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. She completed her PhD in expressive therapies at Lesley University and currently facilitates group digital art therapy sessions for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is a past president of the Canadian Art Therapy Association.
Julie Mason is a peer worker, educator and clinician. In her master’s thesis, Julie used the arts-based research method, body-map storytelling, to explore the experiences of women who pull out their hair. She works as an addiction therapist at Stonehenge Therapeutic Community in Guelph, Ontario, as well as a research assistant on this project.