The Art of Connection: Supporting Women in Times of Transition

The intention of this research is to explore how art therapy can support and bring benefits to women who are in a time of transition after the criminal justice system. Utilizing narrative and anti-oppressive methodologies, this study explores the group art therapy experiences for two Indigenous women who are in a time of transition; and have been impacted by colonization and systemic oppression. The findings suggest that art therapy served as a powerful tool to support the participants to restore a sense of connection to themselves, to creativity, to nature, to ancestry and community. Attending the group allowed the participants to explore their sense of self, to feel a sense of belonging and to make sense of their personal narrative. They had the capacity to witness and learn from each other, while giving space to themselves to reframe their personal narrative. This research demonstrates the potential for art therapy to address the complex challenges faced by women who are navigating personal transitions and systemic oppression and how to support them in regard to the unique challenges they face.