Storytelling Embroidery Art Therapy Group With Portuguese-Speaking Immigrant Women in Canada (Groupe d’art-thérapie de récit par la broderie avec des femmes immigrantes lusophones au Canada)

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative research was to listen to and explore immigrant women’s stories and, through a process of interpretation and analysis, to shed light on the lived experiences and cultures behind those stories. An eight-session virtual art therapy program was developed with 10 participants, which included storytelling and embroidery, exploring their past, present, and hopes for their future. The purpose was to gain an understanding of the potential effects of storytelling, embroidery, and the group setting in an art therapy program, and to contribute to the development of more culturally sensitive art therapy interventions. The completed artworks were displayed in a virtual art exhibition for public education. Data were collected using narrative inquiry methodology and were discussed based on the research question: What do stories reveal about the experience of immigrant women through embroidery in group art therapy? Findings indicated that: the experience of immigration contributes to mental health concerns; there is value in combining art making and narrative storytelling to improve psychological well-being; there are many positive therapeutic outcomes in group work; and there are benefits in using embroidery including in culturally sensitive art therapy practices when working with this population. Findings also demonstrated that this group helped participants to (re)establish social relationships. Additionally, it was found that the art exhibition expanded the visitors’ knowledge about art therapy practices.