Art psychotherapy with youth in homelessness hostels.
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| Title: | Art psychotherapy with youth in homelessness hostels. |
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| Authors: | Skulczuk, Anna1 (AUTHOR) anna.skulczuk@gmail.com |
| Source: | International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape. Jun2026, Vol. 31 Issue 2, p144-158. 15p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Health services accessibility, *Psychological resilience, *Art therapy, *Adverse childhood experiences, *Adolescence, *Adults, Psychotherapists, Wounds & injuries, Health self-care, Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Psychological well-being, Conceptual structures, Homelessness, Psychosocial factors |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom |
| Abstract: | Background: The usefulness of art psychotherapy with youth, aged 16–25, at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the UK is under-researched. Context: I write from my experience working as an in-house art psychotherapist within London hostels for youth, many of whom have experienced complex trauma and face barriers to engaging in therapy. Approach: The concept and impact of complex trauma are examined. A theoretical framework is proposed, integrating psychodynamic, phase-based, art-based, somatic and relational modalities. Trauma-informed adaptations to psychodynamic practice are outlined. A literature review examines therapeutic interventions, alongside consideration of risks of vicarious traumatisation and burnout. Outcomes: A critical reflection of a case vignette and the therapist's countertransference highlights tensions, risks and potential vehicles for healing in this context. Conclusions: This paper proposes a set of key ingredients in trauma-informed art therapy for young people in homelessness hostels: somatic, creative, a balance of guided and non-guided approaches, anti-oppressive practices, adaptability with boundaries, relational aspects, and therapist self-care and inner work. Together, these aim to prioritise client safety, minimise retraumatization and disengagement, and foster trust, resilience and agency. Implications for Research: The paper identifies several gaps in research relating to art psychotherapy, youth homelessness, complex trauma, countertransference, agency, engagement, retraumatization and practice adaptations. Plain-language summary: This paper explores how art therapy may help young people facing homelessness in the UK. This is a client group that has typically faced adverse childhood experiences and complex trauma. It aims to explore what parts of art therapy can support healing, and how approaches may need to be adapted. There are high levels of drop-out rates from therapy amongst those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with a risk of increased dysregulation and retraumatization (Lewis et al. [2020]. Dropout from psychological therapies for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults: systematic review and meta analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1), 1709709). Complex trauma impacts nervous system regulation and the ability to trust others, which affects the therapeutic relationship (Van der Kolk [2014]. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.). Literature and research in this field are explored, and a theoretical framework is suggested. This combines approaches in psychodynamic, art, body-based, phase-based and relational therapies. Ways in which traditional psychodynamic psychotherapy may need to be adapted, to safely work with complex trauma, are outlined. This includes the therapist having a more active, directive and supportive stance. The emotional impact on therapists, and risk of burnout, are also emphasised. The theme of resilience is explored. I write about my experience, as an early career practitioner, of working with young people aged 16–25 in hostels in London. I describe the way that I deliver art psychotherapy. A case vignette gives an example of some work with one young woman. This shows the risks of therapy increasing distress, and how trust can breakdown. A critical reflection examines my own feelings and responses throughout delivering therapy. This includes exploration of saviour complexes, White fragility, secondary trauma and boundaries. The paper suggests ingredients of art therapy for youth in homelessness hostels. These are: somatic, creative, balance of guided and non-guided, anti-oppressive, adaptability with boundaries, relational, and therapist self-care and inner work. They hope to support youth in staying in therapy, support emotional safety, and foster trust, resilience and agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Education Research Complete |
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| Abstract: | Background: The usefulness of art psychotherapy with youth, aged 16–25, at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the UK is under-researched. Context: I write from my experience working as an in-house art psychotherapist within London hostels for youth, many of whom have experienced complex trauma and face barriers to engaging in therapy. Approach: The concept and impact of complex trauma are examined. A theoretical framework is proposed, integrating psychodynamic, phase-based, art-based, somatic and relational modalities. Trauma-informed adaptations to psychodynamic practice are outlined. A literature review examines therapeutic interventions, alongside consideration of risks of vicarious traumatisation and burnout. Outcomes: A critical reflection of a case vignette and the therapist's countertransference highlights tensions, risks and potential vehicles for healing in this context. Conclusions: This paper proposes a set of key ingredients in trauma-informed art therapy for young people in homelessness hostels: somatic, creative, a balance of guided and non-guided approaches, anti-oppressive practices, adaptability with boundaries, relational aspects, and therapist self-care and inner work. Together, these aim to prioritise client safety, minimise retraumatization and disengagement, and foster trust, resilience and agency. Implications for Research: The paper identifies several gaps in research relating to art psychotherapy, youth homelessness, complex trauma, countertransference, agency, engagement, retraumatization and practice adaptations. Plain-language summary: This paper explores how art therapy may help young people facing homelessness in the UK. This is a client group that has typically faced adverse childhood experiences and complex trauma. It aims to explore what parts of art therapy can support healing, and how approaches may need to be adapted. There are high levels of drop-out rates from therapy amongst those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with a risk of increased dysregulation and retraumatization (Lewis et al. [2020]. Dropout from psychological therapies for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults: systematic review and meta analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11(1), 1709709). Complex trauma impacts nervous system regulation and the ability to trust others, which affects the therapeutic relationship (Van der Kolk [2014]. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.). Literature and research in this field are explored, and a theoretical framework is suggested. This combines approaches in psychodynamic, art, body-based, phase-based and relational therapies. Ways in which traditional psychodynamic psychotherapy may need to be adapted, to safely work with complex trauma, are outlined. This includes the therapist having a more active, directive and supportive stance. The emotional impact on therapists, and risk of burnout, are also emphasised. The theme of resilience is explored. I write about my experience, as an early career practitioner, of working with young people aged 16–25 in hostels in London. I describe the way that I deliver art psychotherapy. A case vignette gives an example of some work with one young woman. This shows the risks of therapy increasing distress, and how trust can breakdown. A critical reflection examines my own feelings and responses throughout delivering therapy. This includes exploration of saviour complexes, White fragility, secondary trauma and boundaries. The paper suggests ingredients of art therapy for youth in homelessness hostels. These are: somatic, creative, balance of guided and non-guided, anti-oppressive, adaptability with boundaries, relational, and therapist self-care and inner work. They hope to support youth in staying in therapy, support emotional safety, and foster trust, resilience and agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 17454832 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/17454832.2026.2660646 |
