Digital HandBook
The focus of the training was the concept of group dynamics (from the theory of group therapy). Participants gathered in a circle every morning and evening to share their impressions of the work, discuss their emotional state, and identify their needs.
Read the HandBook available in English and Portuguese here:
About the Project.
The project focuses on creating and organizing art therapy workshops based on group dynamics and therapeutic principles. The program was divided into three main phases:
Phase 1
Introductions, theoretical foundations of art therapy, and exploring the training space.
Phase 2
Active art therapeutic work, self-exploration, and developing participant-led workshops.
Phase 3
Testing participant-developed workshops, addressing challenges, and engaging in exercises for practical application.
The project aimed to provide both theoretical knowledge and experiential learning through sensory exercises, reflections, and guided discussions. Participants engaged in hands-on activities and recorded their experiences in notebooks, culminating in their own practical art therapy methods.
Local Workshops
"Situational Center Open Doors"
01.02.2025
o Bulgaria, Sofia
o Ucranian children refugee, 10 person
This week, Olena Oreshonkova, a psychologist from Odesa who completed the Creative Therapy in Support of Youthtraining in Madeira with partner @arte.m.association as part of an Erasmus+ project in January 2025, conducted two inspiring art therapy sessions for children at the hub. The first session was inspired by painting with coffee. The aromatic, creative process awakened the children’s imagination, helped them express their emotions, and allowed them to see beauty even in simple lines and stains. This was not only an artistic activity but also a way to relax and find harmony within themselves. The second session involved storytelling while passing a ball of yarn. The first child began the story and then passed the ball to another, who continued the tale. As each participant received the yarn, they added their own imaginative elements to the story and answered questions, creating an engaging and collaborative experience.
"Art Therapy-collage"
19.02.2025
o Latvia
o Women from a vulnerable group – Women with disabilities
An art therapy workshop for a group of 10 women with disabilities, who are part of
a vulnerable community. The session was organized in collaboration with IMCA
Latvia, our partner organization.
The workshop was facilitated with the support of IMCA volunteers, who had
previously received training from a specialist who participated in our training
program. This hands-on experience allowed the volunteers to apply their newly
acquired skills while supporting the participants in their creative and emotional
expression
"NovuCenter"
04.02.2025
o Estonia, Narva
o 10 people
Based on one of the strategies we learned in our laughing therapy course, this week we held a special art therapy session. Along with teachers from Russian-speaking schools serving national minority populations, the event focused on young and social professionals supporting children and people with mental health issues. Participants in the session explored artistic ways to help target groups express themselves emotionally, lower stress, and foster trust. The practical skills gained through the hands-on approach helped them incorporate art therapy into their regular activities, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for those in need. The workshop emphasized the importance of creativity in mental health support and guided professionals in developing new approaches for working with sensitive populations. A key element in the work of teachers and social workers, art therapy enhances communication, self-awareness, and emotional resilience in addition to serving as a therapeutic tool.
"Pure in Heart"
14.02.2025
o Gozo Island, Nadur
o Nadur Teen & Youth Centre Ucranian children refugee, 10 person
The Pure in Heart art therapy session explored the Beatitudes in Christianity as part of an ongoing program. Held at the Nadur Teen and Youth Center in Gozo, it provided 19 young participants—facing challenges like isolation, limited education, and migration—with a safe space for creative expression and meaningful discussions. The workshop highlighted the power of art in fostering resilience, self-awareness, and moral understanding, especially for those overcoming social and financial barriers.
"Mitos"
22.02.2025
o Greece, Thesaloniki
o 12 Teenagers (Ages 18+)
The activity "Mitos" is a direct result of our training in Madeira.
One of the techniques explored during the training—storytelling—was adapted by our
participant to create a metaphorical communication exercise, turning it into an
engaging and meaningful activity for international college students.
The main goal of the workshop was to support students in adapting to a new place of
study and life, helping them feel the energy of their new team and build connections
with fellow students.
Additionally, the workshop provided an opportunity to explore Greek history, art, and
mythology, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural
heritage of their new country. Through a playful and interactive approach, the
activity fostered cultural exchange and strengthened interpersonal bonds in a non-formal
learning environment.
"Coffee Art Theraphy"
05.04.2025
o Portugal, Madeira
o 10 immirgants (Ages 23+)
The workshop focused on supporting women in vulnerable moments of transition — changing places, careers, lifestyles, or facing transformations in body and health.
We began with a symbolic ritual of reading coffee grounds, followed by intuitive art practices using color, print, and image to create personal symbols of support for this life stage.
The atmosphere was warm, reflective, and deeply feminine. We thank everyone who joined us in co-creating this gentle, powerful space.
"Art therapy in Rural area"
04.03.2025
o Spain, CDR Carrión de los Condes
o 19 kids (Ages 9+)
Youth group’s turn to engage in creative expression and experience the benefits of art therapy The participants were children from the local community, many of whom face fewer opportunities due to migration backgrounds and social vulnerability.
The activity took place in a remote rural area affected by demographic challenges, unemployment, and limited access to cultural and educational resources. Through art therapy, we aim to provide these young people with creative tools for self-expression, empowerment, and emotional well-being.
"Art therapy in Narva with VitaTEEM"
17.0.2025
o Estonia, Narva
o 10 adults (national minority)
For teachers and volunteers in Narva who regularly interact with young people including Ukrainian refugees and children from Russian-speaking minority schools, this week we conducted a unique art therapy session.
Highlights of Workshop Attendance
✔ Participants acquired artistic techniques that enable young people to communicate their feelings, lower their tension, and foster trust.
✔ Practical tools for applying art therapy in everyday life are given via the hands-on activities. Supporting minority populations and refugees among other vulnerable young people received particular attention.
"Art therapy in Lithuania with TAVO"
15.03.2025
o Vilnius, Lithuania
o 20 psychologists
The workshop “My Home”, inspired by the ART TERRA π project (co-funded by Erasmus+), was adapted and hosted by the Lithuanian NGO Tavo Europa. Originally developed during a training session in Madeira, the workshop was designed to explore the emotional meaning of “home” through the tools of art therapy.
Participants used coffee as a creative medium to reflect on memories, emotions, and sensory impressions connected to the idea of home. The group included professionals working in the field of psychology, who engaged deeply with the method and expressed interest in applying it in their own contexts.
"Sand art therapy in Riga with Young Folks"
27.03.2025
o Riga, Latvia
o 10 young people from a national minority
The Young Folks LV community held a unique art therapy session, exploring the concept of “inner self” through creativity and reflection. Using the colorful sand, participants created drawings that reflected their emotions and personal experiences.
Art Therapy Projects
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