“Mending Broken Pieces”: A Group Healing Arts Psychotherapy Model

Abstract

Marginalized communities often lack access to therapy, and traditional psychotherapy does not always meet their needs. Alternative therapies, including somatic and therapeutic arts, are often available only to the elite few with financial access. This article outlines a healing arts group model created by a psychologist and an artist for a grassroots community organization serving women who live at the intersection of gender- and class-based discrimination in the greater Boston area. The group model blends techniques from interpersonal and group-based arts therapy traditions. The article includes insights from women in the group about the healing power of art and reflections for practice.