Page 12 - Samaritas Our Hands Spring/Summer2024

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION SERVICES
Substance Use Disorder
(SUD) Treatment
Trauma Assessments
Samaritas Partners with Wayne State Group Support

University for Art Therapy Pilot Education & Training

Since 2017, Wayne State University (WSU) art therapists have
collaborated with Samaritas to offer art therapy to youth and families in a
variety of locations--at the university, in community locations including
the Hype Recreation Center, the Arab American National Museum, an
Islamic Center, schools, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, virtually, and
outdoors in parks. The art therapy sessions range generally from 6-12
weeks. Many of our programs are planned for the whole family so that
when children are involved in art therapy, moms or caregivers can
participate in yoga.

As a result of the success of the Samaritas-sponsored art therapy groups,
a grant from the State of Michigan in 2022 provided art therapy in five
regions with the greatest numbers of refugee families.

When possible, we have offered a research component to show
the great impact of these programs. Based on our research
through the Wayne State School of Medicine (and the leadership
of Drs. Javanbakht and Grasser) and our clinical observations, we
have found that art therapy reduces anxiety, builds coping skills,
and fosters resilience.

Often, art therapy combines movement, music, and yoga breath
techniques to enhance the opportunity for children to learn and later
recall stress reduction techniques. Creating a safe place, making a
meditation jar (like a snow globe), drawing what they see, hear, smell,
taste, and touch in the present moment, telling their stories through
puppets, creating clay vessels where wishes and dreams can be held,
writing what one keeps in their heart and then sewing it into a heart
pillow is among some favorite activities.

In 2024, are participating in art therapy led by Samaritas art
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therapist Jessica Smigels in schools with high populations of Ukrainian
students. We look forward to continuing this important work.
To learn how you can get involved, contact Liliana Masnytska at Liliana.Masnytska@samaritas.org.

Meet Helena "Lena" Rammal

Helena "Lena" Rammal is not your average clinician at Samaritas. As a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) clinician, Lena’s day involves working with 30 clients leading sessions
dedicated to each client's unique treatment plan.

Lena is also an advocate for mental health and addiction support services. Regarding the stigma
associated with addiction services, Lena likes to emphasize that “addiction can affect anyone, regardless
of their background, race, or age.” Her work aims to break down these barriers and provide
compassionate care to those in need.

To join Lena in this life-changing work on our team, contact Melissa Donselar at
Melissa.Donselar@samaritas.org.

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