Dr Lydia Gitau

I specialise in research on creative interventions that have potential to support healing for survivors of refugee trauma. I work collaboratively with people from refugee backgrounds and colleagues to explore cultural and creative approaches that have this potential. I am committed to co-design and decolonial approaches in investigating what works in different communities of refugee background, and to using different art forms to engage individuals and communities. I am a social scientist and counsellor by training. I have previously worked as a counsellor in Kenya, and as a trainer and trauma counsellor with NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS).

Research projects I am currently involved in include:

• Immersive Media Explorations of the Felt Experience of Emotions in the Body (HC200508)
• Exploring Creative Engagement for Psychosocial Support of Young People from Refugee Backgrounds (with possible collaboration between Anglicare Program form Mental Health and Community Living Supports for Refugees, STARTTS, and fEEL UNSW).
• Poetry and Mental Health: Young South Sudanese Community Members Exploring Ways to talk about Suicide