Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a therapeutic method that combines creative expression with talk therapy. The approach aims to help children, adults and seniors address emotional issues by using a creative outlet, such as drawing, painting, dance, or music. Art therapists work with people of all ages.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a mental disturbance that develops after an individual experiences a traumatic event or a series of traumatic events. Examples include sexual abuse, violence, childhood neglect, natural disasters, car accidents, the death of a loved one, and war or combat. Trauma is often all-consuming, and it impacts every facet of a person’s life, including their career, relationships, self-esteem, sleep patterns, physical health, and ability to function in society. Trauma can cause PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or acute distress disorder as well as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), codependency, eating disorders, or survivor’s guilt. Frequently, trauma also coincides with drug and alcohol addiction.
Does Art Therapy help in Trauma?
Art Therapy is a type of experiential therapy with activities that encourage people to express themselves, get in touch with their creative sides, become more caring, socialize, spend time outdoors, be active, and cooperate with others. Art therapy is an exceptionally beneficial type of therapy. It can involve virtually any form of art or craft project such as: Painting, Drawing / Coloring, Journaling, Jewelry-making, Sewing, Pottery, Collaging and other forms of art.
Art Therapy helps people express themselves without having to verbalize their emotions. With the guidance of a psychotherapist, individuals often create expressive art portraying their thoughts and feelings. For many, this creative outlet is a vital component of healing trauma. When someone experiences a traumatic occurrence, they’ll often relive it through recurring flashbacks and disturbing thoughts — which is sometimes diagnosed as PTSD. These frightening thoughts and memories are difficult for some clients to express in talk therapy, which is why art therapy for trauma is so useful as a supplemental treatment. Additionally, traumatic memories aren’t always accessible by the conscious part of a person’s mind. Experiential exercises such as art therapy allow them to access the trauma they weren’t able to previously. As a result, patients are often able to get to the root of their psychological turmoil and substance abuse issues and ultimately release the trauma. Other experiential therapies include role-playing, music, animal care, outdoor recreation, and guided imagery.
Trauma-Informed Art Therapy
Art Therapy, as part of an inclusive approach to trauma therapy, focuses on offering emotional, psychological, and physical safety not only to patients but also to providers and families. As a result, trauma survivors are empowered, have a sense of control over their treatment, and aren’t at risk for retraumatization.
The Trauma-Informed treatment approach can be applied to art therapy. Within a safe, transparent, trustworthy, supportive, collaborative, empowering, and culturally sensitive environment, clients can express their feelings through art. Art therapy and other experiential activities (esteem-building exercises, such as personal growth activities, life-skill building, relaxation techniques, and outdoor recreation) can help individuals face their psychological disturbances, gain a sense of command, and eventually recover from their distress.
References
Fabian, Reneé. “How Art Therapy Can Heal PTSD.” Healthline.com. N.p., 23 May 2017., https://www.healthline.com/health/art-therapy-for-ptsd#1
Malchiodi, Cathy. “Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy.” Psychology Today 6 Mar. 2012., https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/arts-and-health/201203/trauma-informed-expressive-arts-therapy