Working around the border: Shared experiences of art therapists working with families impacted by immigration and political realities in Mexico and the United States

This art-based, participatory action research sought to foster dialog between art therapists working on both sides of the US (Southern California)–Mexico (Tijuana) border in 2019. The paper summarizes the narratives from three initial focus groups, highlighting main findings arising from systematic analyses of verbal, creative and reflective writing input of participants. Identified themes include therapists' need to respond to immigration crisis; the realities of being a part of a border town; observing differences between communities; learning from the art of art therapists working with immigrants and refugees; and identifying challenges as a therapist. These themes inspired the creation of preliminary guidelines and are discussed within the context of mental health services around the border at this time.