ABSTRACT
In 2014, an art therapist, a music therapist and a dance movement therapist began working together to provide services to Syrian refugee children in Istanbul, Turkey. Through a coordinated programme therapeutic benefits was designed to meet their specific needs, the Syrian refugee children generally responded positively to the therapeutic use of multiple art forms. A multi-sensory approach to trauma was particularly important, as the effects of trauma can be perceived through bodily physical sensation, imagery and sounds. Music therapy has been shown to help children who have experienced war trauma to express their emotions and feelings in a safe manner, while improving their self-esteem and helping them to regain a sense of purpose and personal control. Dance movement therapy sessions aimed to encourage creativity and safe processing of the traumatic experiences stored in the body, while supporting release and creating resources for the children.
