This paper discusses the observed benefits of a Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) informed art group initiative for people with complex trauma, personality disorder and substance use issues who experience homelessness using a qualitative case study design. Over the course of two years 44 % (n.27) of all hostel residents at a designated hostel participated either regularly or sporadically, with an average of three residents attending each week. Due to the prevalence of trauma in the histories of those experiencing homelessness, this population can find verbalising thoughts and feelings difficult. Art media can offer a non-threatening mode of communication and allow individuals to explore their internal world and relationship to others and their past without the pressure to work on a verbal level. This paper offers a description of the observed benefits via four case studies. Delivered within the context of a “Psychologically-Informed Environment” homeless hostel initiative, the effects of the group appear to be multi-layered and indicate that MBT-informed artmaking contributes towards improvements in mentalizing and consequent growth in interpersonal functioning, therapeutic engagement and social inclusion.

本文通过定性的案例研究设计，讨论了基于心理治疗（MBT）的艺术团体计划对于患有复杂创伤，人格障碍和物质使用问题且无家可归的人的益处。在两年的时间里，指定旅馆中的所有旅馆居民中有44％（n.27）定期或不定期地参加，平均每周有三名居民参加。由于在无家可归者的历史中普遍存在创伤，因此这一人群会发现口头表达的想法和感觉很困难。艺术媒体可以提供一种非威胁性的交流方式，使个人可以探索自己的内部世界以及与他人和过去的关系，而无需在口头上工作。本文通过四个案例研究对所观察到的收益进行了描述。在“心理知情环境”无家可归的旅馆倡议的背景下开展的，该小组的影响似乎是多层次的，表明MBT知情的艺术创作有助于改善心理状态，从而改善人际交往，治疗参与和社交活动包含。