Art Therapy as Psychosocial Support for FARC Reincorporation

Abstract

Psychosocial support programmes are an intrinsic part of a sustainable and successful social reincorporation of ex-combatants in post-conflict situations. Following the end of Colombia’s 50-year civil war, people who were formerly part of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are currently living in designated spaces for reincorporation into society. This project aimed to identify how the field of art therapy can help advance existing initiatives of psychosocial support and reincorporation. An art therapist collaborated with local treatment providers on a short-term project with former FARC families and individuals. Based on the participants’ narratives and artwork, as well as the art therapist’s observations and field notes, this project identified four functions for art therapy: (1) facilitating communication amongst community members, (2) preserving memories of personal and historical relevance, (3) promoting acceptance, and (4) promoting artistic expression for self-reflection. The findings outline a viable course of action for future art therapists by exemplifying psychosocial supports to individuals, families, communities, and society in reincorporation processes. Open dialogue with community members and on-site service providers is crucial to ensuring art therapy is both adaptive and responsive to changing needs.