Art therapist gives maids an avenue to express bottled up feelings

For the past 15 years, expressive art therapist Daphna Arbell Kehila has been working with shelter residents at the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home).

- Gracia Yap

These residents are mostly maids who might be involved in ongoing police cases, are waiting to transfer to a new employer, or are there because they have a dispute with their employers.

Dr Kehila, 64, runs a private clinic at her home that uses art, drama and yoga during therapy sessions.

She said: "Art therapy is a name for psychotherapy using art activity. It is not entirely based on verbal communication. This form of therapy is helpful for domestic workers because a lot of them don't speak English or are not fluent in English." The sessions are usually held weekly at the shelter.