Rachel Hoare is an assistant professor in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at Trinity College Dublin, where she founded the Research Centre for Forced Migration Studies. She is also a faculty member at the Children’s Therapy Centre in Mullingar, Ireland, and works with the Irish Child and Family Agency as a part-time expressive arts child and adolescent psychotherapist, supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking adolescents.
'Dr. Rachel Hoare has generously provided practitioners with a brilliant book that captures how expressive arts are essential in supporting adolescents challenged by traumatic stress. Articulately written, it is groundbreaking in scope and breadth and provides practitioners with numerous practical, informative, and inspirational guidelines and strategies. This volume is a “must read” for anyone who works with traumatic stress and elevates the role of expressive arts (movement, sound, image, enactment, and narrative) to its essential place as a psychotherapeutic intervention for refugees and anyone who has survived crises.' Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, LPCC, LPAT, REAT, author Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy: Brain, Body, and Imagination in the Healing Process and Handbook of Expressive Arts Therapy. ‘This book offers a comprehensive framework that is universally applicable to professionals, groups, and institutions working with child and youth refugees worldwide. The case stories validate the relevant steps and professional guidance for refugees' recovery from traumatic experiences. Amidst the turmoil and upheaval the world has witnessed, children and young people have been uprooted and scarred by violent conflict. This book stands as a guiding compass, directing us to the healing power of the arts when delivered with care and precision. The extensive research, practice, and lived experience serve as beacons, illuminating the path to bridging knowledge and practice gaps. This book is a 'well' for wellbeing, providing reassurance and guidance for humanitarian work! I strongly recommend it.’ Kunle Adewale, Founder, Global Arts in Medicine Fellowship. ‘This book is a well-structured, accessible, and encouraging guide for all professionals who want to reflect and improve on their work with refugee adolescents. Dr. Hoare guides the reader towards an essential understanding of the impact of forced migration and traumatic experiences on adolescent brain development and the development of key therapeutic skills and values. She offers insightful, clearly-illustrated methods of incorporating expressive arts techniques into diverse psycho-social support settings. Indispensable reading for anyone supporting refugee adolescents!’ Jessica Farnan, Manager, Youth and Education Service for Refugees and Migrants, Dublin, Ireland.