20 sources

This page brings together the results of the bibliographic research carried out by the Lotus project team, with a summary of how the references are linked to the Lotus approach. Lotus project aims to design a methodological tool for conducting workshops for refugees and migrants, combining the disciplines of yoga and poetic writing.

— Introduction

The Lotus project was born from the desire to create a methodological tool dedicated to supporting refugees and migrants through an original dialogue between yoga and poetic writing. The ambition of this project is to offer workshops that nurture individual and collective resilience, support the healing of trauma, and contribute to the reconstruction of social and personal identity. To shape this approach, the Lotus team conducted extensive bibliographic research, exploring artistic practices with refugees, the contributions of yoga to mental health, as well as the foundations of therapeutic writing and somatic therapies.

The readings and references reviewed provided a solid foundation for reflection and directly informed the development of the methodology. They not only helped to scientifically and clinically validate certain pedagogical choices but also grounded them in practices proven in real-world contexts.

Three main areas guided and inspired Lotus:

  1. Artistic work with refugees and migrants highlighted the importance of creative practices as spaces for expression, resilience, and integration. References such as NDAM SE NA or the guide Creating Healing Classrooms emphasized the power of artistic engagement and the creation of safe pedagogical environments to restore trust and give voice back to displaced people. Insights drawn from Mind UK’s report on refugee mental health also underlined the need for adapted emotional and community support.
  2. Research on yoga and mental health demonstrated the relevance of yoga as a trauma-sensitive therapeutic tool. Clinical studies and practice-based programs (such as the Namaste program or approaches to trauma-informed yoga) reinforced the idea that yoga supports emotional regulation, helps re-establish the body–mind connection, and contributes to the healing of invisible wounds. The work of Bessel van der Kolk and related explorations linking yoga to post-traumatic stress confirmed the necessity of safe, caring, and adaptable frameworks sensitive to individual needs.

  3. Research on therapeutic and poetic writing showed how words can complement movement in rebuilding a personal narrative, integrating traumatic experiences, and restoring self-esteem. Studies such as James Pennebaker’s work on expressive writing, Silke Heimes’ research on poetry in art therapy, and Hosseini & Punzi’s investigation of Afghan refugee youths’ poetic expression confirmed the symbolic and social strength of writing in resilience processes.

Finally, cross-disciplinary references from somatic approaches (Peter Levine and Somatic Experiencing) provided a deeper understanding of the bodily mechanisms of trauma. They emphasized the importance of incorporating progressive body-based practices into Lotus workshops, helping participants regulate their nervous systems safely while respecting their individual pace and boundaries.

Together, these references consolidated the dual bodily and poetic dimension of the Lotus methodology. By combining scientific rigor with lived and artistic experience, they enabled the project to design a framework that is safe, adaptable, and integrative, where the body, emotions, and poetic word work together to accompany refugees and migrants on a journey of healing, empowerment, and identity reconstruction.

— Inspiring references on artistic work with refugees

 

  1. NDAM SE NA (let’s dance together/dancing together).
    By Taïgué Ahmed and Matthieu Chouinard. Lien
  • The Lotus Project was informed by the artistic approach described in this book, where art—through dance, theater, and music—is used as a powerful tool to support resilience and trauma recovery experienced by refugee populations. The trainer’s immersive and self-taught experience, developed in the field with refugees in Africa and Europe, inspired our project to integrate bodily and creative practices to offer participants concrete means of emotional and physical survival. This approach reinforced the Lotus Project’s vocation to give voice and strength to vulnerable people through pedagogy adapted and sensitive to the realities of refugees.
    This research enriched the project by demonstrating the power of movement and creativity as levers for channeling violence and restoring self-confidence. It allowed us to refine our teaching method, emphasizing the adaptability and flexibility needed to meet the specific needs of refugees. Finally, it reinforced our conviction that art is an essential vector for social integration and intercultural dialogue, beyond mere material needs.
  1. Create Healing-Friendly Classes.
    Guide for teachers and teacher trainers (UNGEI, 2006). LINK
  • The Lotus Project was inspired by the International Rescue Committee’s “Creating Healing Classrooms” guide to offer workshops promoting resilience, well-being, and social integration for migrants and refugees through yoga and poetry writing. The principles of creating safe spaces, emotional support, and pedagogical innovation described in this guide directly informed the Lotus Project’s methodology and support approach.
    The research provides concrete tools to strengthen emotional support in workshops. It has enabled the integration of innovative educational approaches, focused on active listening and participation. Finally, it has enriched the reflection on the importance of environments conducive to healing for vulnerable groups.
  1. Mental health of refugee communities. Mind UK’s report on refugee mental health brings together the experiences and needs of nearly 150 communities.mind.org.uk.
  • The Lotus Project was informed by Mind’s report, which examined the mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. This research highlighted the multiple stressors affecting these populations, such as isolation, administrative uncertainty, and trauma. It highlighted the importance of strengthening community organizations and advocates within refugee communities, which inspired our approach to integrate tailored psychological support through yoga and poetry writing.
    This research enriched the Lotus project by providing a better understanding of the specific challenges faced by refugees. It enabled us to tailor our interventions to more precisely address the emotional and social needs identified. Finally, it validated the importance of strong community support as a key lever for participants’ mental well-being.

— Inspiring references on artistic work with refugees

 

  1. Effects of yoga on mental health
    The article shows a decrease in anxiety-depressive symptoms in people suffering from PTS after two weekly yoga sessions over nine weeks (Hatha, Kundalini, Kriya, Satyananda).thepractitioner’sreview
  • The Lotus Project was inspired by the article in La Revue du Praticien that highlighted the invisible wounds related to migrants’ mental health. This research showed the high prevalence of mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress and depression, often aggravated by precariousness and institutional misunderstanding. It highlighted the importance of appropriate clinical support, including yoga in a protective setting, which guided the Lotus Project to develop safe spaces and artistic practices that promote the expression and psychological reconstruction of refugees.
    This study enriched the project by strengthening the focus on the traumatic dimension and the need for cultural mediation. It helped structure an approach that was more sensitive to the individual experiences of participants. Finally, it reinforced the need for comprehensive and respectful support, combining emotional support and recognition of life paths.
  1. The Namaste Program: Yoga-Based Group Psychotherapy for Youth with Traumatic Experiences
    ANDCase studies on yoga as an effective means to restore physiological balance and reduce traumatic symptoms in victims, demonstrated by several meta-analyses.scholar
  • The Lotus Project was enriched by the results of the study on the Namaste program, a yoga-based group psychotherapy for children who have experienced complex trauma. This research demonstrated that yoga practice improves emotional self-regulation and reduces internalizing and externalizing symptoms in young people in child welfare. The principles of a safe environment and a respectful approach to individual boundaries have directly influenced the way the Lotus Project designs its workshops, integrating adapted body and breathing activities to support emotional regulation and well-being.
    This study enriched the Lotus project by validating the effectiveness of yoga as a complementary therapeutic tool for complex trauma. It allowed for the refinement of intervention protocols by emphasizing the need for a secure environment and caring facilitation. Finally, it confirmed the importance of collective group care to promote socialization and psychological reconstruction of participants.
  1. Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and Resilience
    LYoga as an aid to dealing with difficult emotions.natachagodbout
  • The Lotus Project was inspired by the principles of trauma-informed yoga described in this article, which emphasizes the need to create a safe environment where participants maintain control over their bodies and avoid retraumatization. The approach emphasizes listening to bodily sensations, respecting individual boundaries, and adapting practices—essential elements for supporting refugees often marked by trauma. This perspective has enriched the design of the Lotus workshops by promoting kindness, safety, and bodily autonomy in the healing journey.
    The research enriched the Lotus Project by highlighting the importance of a sensitive and tailored framework to avoid the negative effects of yoga on traumatized individuals. It helped incorporate strategies to promote emotional regulation and a sense of safety. Finally, it reinforced the idea that yoga, practiced with respect for individual rhythm, is a powerful lever for resilience for vulnerable participants.
  1. Trauma-Informed Yoga with EMDR
    Trauma-targeted yoga may enhance the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in people with post-traumatic stress disorder.LINK
  • The Lotus Project incorporated the findings of this exploratory pilot study that evaluated the effects of Trauma-Informed Yoga (TIY) as an adjunct to EMDR therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This research demonstrated that TIY practice promoted interoception, mind-body connection, stress tolerance, and relaxation, thereby improving patients’ readiness for EMDR treatment. These findings encouraged the Lotus Project to incorporate trauma-informed yoga techniques to better support refugee participants’ emotional regulation.
    This study enriched the project by confirming the stabilizing role of yoga in the therapeutic support of trauma. It allowed us to deepen our understanding of the bodily mechanisms involved in resilience. Finally, it validated the importance of adapted yoga, sensitive to the specific needs of traumatized people, as complementary support to other therapeutic approaches.
  1. Healing Post-Traumatic Stress with Yoga
    L’This article explores how yoga helps reduce PTS symptoms and restore body confidence in traumatized individuals.LIEN
  • The Lotus Project was inspired by the work of Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, who contributed significantly to the recognition of yoga as an effective tool for healing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This article highlights how yoga, through slow practice, conscious breathing, and postures, helps restore the mind-body connection, reduce physical tension, and calm the autonomic nervous system, thereby helping to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD. These teachings guided the Lotus Project to offer trauma-informed body practices, allowing refugee participants to regain physical and emotional balance.
    This research enriched the project by confirming that yoga promotes emotional regulation by reducing excessive activation of the emotional brain linked to trauma. It guided the establishment of a safe framework adapted to the specific needs of traumatized individuals. Finally, it reinforced the importance of holistic care that integrates the body and mind to support healing and resilience.
  1. Stress reduction through yoga versus mindfulness training in adults with distress: a three-arm randomized controlled trial including qualitative interviews (RELAX study). LINK
  • The Lotus Project leveraged the results of this randomized controlled trial, which compared the effects of different forms of yoga and mindfulness meditation on stress reduction in distressed adults. The study showed that both “integrative yoga,” which combines physical exercise, mindfulness, and ethical considerations, and Iyengar yoga, as well as meditation alone, resulted in a significant and sustained reduction in perceived stress. These results confirmed for the Lotus Project the value of integrating physical yoga and mindfulness as complementary levers to improve the mental well-being of refugees.
    This research enriched the project by scientifically validating the effectiveness of yoga and mindfulness in stress management. It guided the design of workshops combining body practices and mindfulness to better meet the needs of participants. Finally, it reinforced the project’s multidimensional approach, combining body, mind, and poetry in the treatment process.
  1. Effects of different forms of yoga on stress
    A study shows that various forms of yoga (Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin) all have a positive effect on reducing post-traumatic stress.Lien
  • The Lotus Project drew on this three-arm randomized controlled trial that compared the effects of integrative yoga, Iyengar yoga, and mindfulness on stress reduction in distressed adults. The study showed that all three approaches were equally effective in significantly reducing perceived stress, with no notable difference between them. These results reinforced the Lotus Project’s decision to integrate physical exercise, mindfulness, and ethical considerations to provide personalized support to refugees.
    This research enriched the project by confirming the flexibility and effectiveness of different yoga approaches for stress management. It encouraged the diversity of practices proposed to adapt to the preferences of participants. Finally, it supported the idea of a holistic approach, combining body, mind (poetry), and values, at the heart of the Lotus project’s therapeutic journey.
  1. Yoga and mental disorders
    A popularized analysis of the mechanisms of action of yoga concerning resilience, emotional management and mental restoration in people suffering from post-traumatic disorder. Lien 
  • The Lotus Project was inspired by the analysis presented in The Conversation article, which established that yoga is an effective practice for alleviating mental health issues, including symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. Yoga works by promoting emotional regulation through the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, improving the mind-body connection, and practicing mindfulness during postures and breathing exercises. These elements helped structure the Lotus Project workshops, favoring a safe environment and a holistic approach focused on the body and emotions.
    This research enriched the project by validating the beneficial impact of yoga on stress reduction and resilience in the face of trauma. It guided the integration of mindfulness and breathing techniques to improve participants’ emotional regulation. Finally, it supported the importance of tailored, secure, and progressive support to promote the physical and psychological healing of refugees.
  1. Yoga therapy and art therapy — perceptions of healing.Kusilka’s 2014 doctoral study, using a mixed-methodology approach with students at Loyola Marymount University.Lien
  • The Lotus Project was enriched by the results of this study exploring perceptions of healing among yoga therapy and art therapy students. The study showed that these two approaches share an integrated view of healing, closely linking mind, body, and spirituality. Yoga therapy participants emphasized the concrete practice of yoga and its philosophy, which inspired the Lotus Project to reinforce the importance of a body-based and philosophical approach to supporting refugee resilience.
    This research enriched the project by highlighting the need to integrate body, mind, and spiritual dimensions into the healing process. It provided a better understanding of the concrete impact of yoga practice on personal change. Finally, it reinforced Lotus’ holistic approach, combining arts and body techniques geared toward inner transformation and overall well-being.
  1. Yoga therapy and refugee health. Gopalkrishnan, N. (2012) (Thèse de doctorat, Curtin University). LINK
  • The Lotus Project was enriched by Narayan Gopalkrishnan’s thesis exploring the role of yoga therapy in refugee health in Australia. This research highlighted the limitations of the traditional biomedical model in addressing the complex health problems of refugees and highlighted the importance of holistic approaches that integrate biological, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions. Yoga, as a complementary therapy, has demonstrated significant benefits for these vulnerable populations, promoting empowerment, emotional regulation, and mind-body reconnection.
    The study enriched the Lotus project by confirming the relevance of a therapeutic framework where yoga complements conventional care. It allowed for a deeper consideration of the cultural and complexity of refugees’ needs in the design of interventions.

— Inspirational References on Therapeutic Writing

 

  1. Therapeutic Writing for Psychotrauma
    Writing helps to put the pieces of post-traumatic psychological fragmentation back together and improves emotional regulation.Dominique-Rachel-Levy
  • The Lotus Project was enriched by the insights presented in this article on therapeutic writing, a practice used to support work on psychological trauma. This approach uses writing as a tool for emotional expression, the reconstruction of a personal narrative, and a means of reclaiming one’s body and emotions. These elements inspired the poetic and narrative dimension of the Lotus Project, which aims to offer refugees spaces for creative expression to process and overcome their trauma.
    This research enriched the project by highlighting the power of writing to create social bonds and strengthen self-esteem. It helped refine the group dynamics of the workshops, encouraging sharing and exchange in a secure environment. Finally, it confirmed the value of accessible, structured, and well-supervised artistic mediation, complementary to the physical work of yoga.
  1. Brief Writing Therapy for PTSD
    LWriting exposure therapy (WET) as effective as cognitive therapy in reducing PTSD symptoms.lopezpsychologue
  • The Lotus Project was inspired by the results of Brief Writing Exposure Therapy (WET), a validated method for effectively treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy consists of a series of sessions in which the patient writes intensively about their trauma, which significantly reduces symptoms and maintains these benefits over the long term. This data reinforced the Lotus Project’s decision to integrate expressive writing workshops as a complementary support tool to physical practices, helping refugees better manage their trauma.
    This research enriched the project by demonstrating that therapeutic writing is an accessible method, with a low dropout rate, offering a brief and effective alternative to long-term therapies. It allowed us to refine workshop facilitation protocols to encourage emotional expression and structured trauma narration. Finally, it confirmed the importance of a therapeutic approach combining body and mind in the participants’ resilience journey.
  1. The Science Behind Therapeutic Writing
    CHow creative writing, whether poetic or narrative, contributes to the emotional healing and mental health of people affected by trauma.Lien
  • The Lotus Project was inspired by the scientific foundations of therapeutic writing, as outlined in this article, which highlights James Pennebaker’s research on the power of expressive writing. This practice involves writing freely about deep emotional experiences, thus promoting authentic expression of emotions, emotional regulation, and the reconstruction of personal narrative.
    This research enriched the project by highlighting that therapeutic writing helps reduce stress, improves mental health, and facilitates social reintegration. It helped refine group writing workshops, emphasizing trust, sharing, and narrative progression. Finally, it confirmed the value of integrating this practice as a complement to body-based approaches, in a comprehensive approach to supporting resilience.
  1. State of research in art therapy through poetry.Silke Heimes (2011) offers an overview of the field of poetry therapy  Lien
  • The Lotus Project was enriched by the results of this study demonstrating the effectiveness of brief writing exposure therapy (WET) in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This method, by encouraging participants to repeatedly write about their traumas, led to a significant reduction in symptoms while promoting sustainable post-traumatic growth. These results supported the implementation of expressive writing workshops in the Lotus Project, as a complementary tool to support the resilience of refugees.
    This research enriched the project by confirming that therapeutic writing facilitates emotional regulation and structured trauma narration. It helped optimize workshop protocols to provide a secure and progressive framework. Finally, it reinforced the project’s integrative approach, combining bodily practices and narrative expression in the healing process.
  1. Mechanisms and effects — synthesized case study.Alfrey et al. (2022) used a replication case study methodology to analyze two separate poetry therapy sessions and associated participant interviews. They synthesized 37 general mechanisms and 58 perceived effects, confirming the validity of existing poetry therapy models.Lien
  • The Lotus Project was enriched by this study, which identified the mechanisms of action and perceived effects of poetry therapy through an in-depth case analysis. This research synthesized observational and qualitative data, confirming that therapeutic poetry engages participants cognitively and emotionally, promoting self-understanding, emotional transformation, and social connection. These findings inspired the Lotus Project to integrate poetry as a powerful artistic mediation, offering refugees a space for narrative reconstruction and safe emotional expression. Finally, the study validated the complementary contribution of poetry to bodily and writing practices, thus strengthening the overall effectiveness of the project.
  1. Hosseini, M., & Punzi, E. (2023). “Through my poems, I wanted a sense of recognition”: Afghan unaccompanied refugee minors’ experiences of poetic writing, migration, and resettlement. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 36(2), 131-143. LINK

— Inspirational general references

 

  1. Levine’s concept of innate regulation.Peter Levine (via NICABM) explains that, just like animals, humans have innate biological responses capable of resetting the nervous system after stress—often inhibited by fear of intense sensations. Legacy Place Society
  • The Lotus Project was inspired by Dr. Peter Levine’s approach to resetting the nervous system after trauma, the founder of the Body Awareness method. This method identifies a natural process of regulating the nervous system’s activation state through the recognition and gradual acceptance of bodily sensations, while avoiding emotional overload. These notions guided the Lotus Project in implementing workshops promoting safety, body awareness, and emotional regulation to support refugees in their healing process.
    This research enriched the project by emphasizing the importance of a sensitive, gradual approach that respects individual limits. It allowed for the integration of bodywork aimed at reprogramming the nervous system to escape from frozen states of stress. Finally, it reinforced the design of a therapeutic path where the body is a central player in resilience and psychological reconstruction.
  1. Somatic techniques in practice.Techniques such as breath-centered awareness, posture changes, and exploration of bodily sensations help individuals safely release trauma-related activation. NICABM.
  • The Lotus Project was enriched by Peter Levine’s teachings on the Somatic Experiencing method, which aims to reset the nervous system after trauma. This approach emphasizes activating the body’s natural resilience mechanisms by guiding the person to gradually feel and accept their bodily sensations, thus avoiding emotional overload. These principles inspired the structure of the Lotus workshops, which promote a secure environment and gradual regulation of stress states among refugees.
    The research enriched the project by highlighting the importance of respecting each participant’s pace, oscillating between controlled confrontation with traumatic sensations and returning to a state of safety. It provided a precise nine-step model to support the emergence from trauma-related frozen states. Finally, it reinforced the conviction that healing requires a balanced reactivation of bodily, emotional, and social memory dynamics.
  1. Levine’s fundamental book,Waking the Tiger (1997), presents the Somatic Experiencing Approach, asserting that healing from trauma involves embodied action rather than purely cognitive approaches. Wikipedia
  • The Lotus Project was inspired by Peter Levine’s book “Waking the Tiger,” which focuses on releasing blocked energy in the body following trauma. This book posits that healing requires bodily action aimed at reactivating instinctive regulatory mechanisms and overcoming fixed stress responses, particularly the freeze response. These principles guided the Lotus Project in integrating workshops based on reconnecting to the body, progressively releasing tension, and emotional regulation to support refugees on their journey toward resilience.
    This resource enriched the project by highlighting the importance of the somatic dimension in trauma healing. It reinforced the conception of the project as a holistic approach combining body, emotions and personal stories towards overall recovery.
  1. Effectiveness and therapeutic frameworks.The Somatic Experiencing (SE) approach uses the Sensation, Imagery, Behavior, Affect, Meaning (SIBAM) model to guide clients through trauma treatment through body-centered interventions. Verywell Mind.
  • The Lotus Project has drawn on extensive scientific and clinical research that has enriched its approach to mental health and well-being among refugees, particularly through yoga and therapeutic writing. Among the major contributions, the Namaste program validated the effectiveness of trauma-sensitive yoga for emotional regulation, while Writing Exposure Therapy (WET) encouraged the use of short, accessible protocols. Peter Levine’s work on Somatic Experiencing provided a nine-step model for resetting the traumatized nervous system. Therapeutic poetry was also integrated for its emotional and social effects. These combined elements allowed the project to build an integrative, safe, and progressive approach that promotes healing and resilience in refugees.