In the refugee and military communities, vulnerability is all too often associated with weakness. Displaced persons may have a high cultural stigma surrounding mental health or may not be familiar with evidence based options on mental health. Military service members and their families are expected to be resilient and self-sufficient — pillars of strength and unflinching when it comes to the many trials of military life.

This way of thinking only results in individuals suffering in silence, afraid to speak for fear of appearing weak or because of a power dynamic when hoping to resettle—especially when the government impacts your life in major ways. The conversation and stigma surrounding weakness needs to change. It starts with recognizing that true strength is found in opening up and relating to others on a universal level— even if that means sitting in the discomfort of admitting wrongs. Through vulnerability comes connection, and through connection comes healing.

 Anne’s class is designed to create a space in which all three — vulnerability, connection, and healing — can be found. By combining her skillset as an established artist and her social work education, Anne is establishing her class, Circle Sessions for Mental Health, for active duty service members, veterans, dependents, first responders, and now refugees.

As an intern at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Dallas, Texas, Anne adapted Circle Sessions to the refugee population beginning with an Afghan women’s group, Salamati Rohi, with hopes to expand to the many displaced persons IRC serves. Other projects include collaborating to bring Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow an international art therapy program pilot study for refugees to the U.S. for the first time.