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The Healing Power of Symbolization in the Aftermath of Massive War Atrocities: Examples From Liberian and Sierra Leonean Survivors

Special Court for Sierra Leone, shaneestep{at}aol.com

In the aftermath of war atrocities, symbolization—a process whereby an experience or emotion that has been unexpressed is given form—can provide survivors with a sense of relief and solace and can attenuate isolation by permitting traumatic experiences to be shared with and acknowledged by others. This article focuses on creative methods of symbolization used in a trauma counseling program for Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees in the refugee camps of Guinea. The program, developed by the Center for Victims of Torture, integrated contemporary expressive therapy techniques with indigenous healing practices (e.g., songs, cultural stories, drama, drawing, dance/movement, letter-writing, rituals). A case example of the treatment of a war-traumatized Liberian boy is presented. The psychological harm of war atrocities is exacerbated by silence. Conversely, as victims find ways of giving form to their experiences—verbally, nonverbally, or via a combination of the two—psychological and social repair become possible.

Key Words: trauma counseling • refugee mental health • creative arts therapies • expressive therapies • symbolization • war victims • Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees

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