Art Therapy and Trauma: Healing Through Creative Expression
by Josie Beck, LPC-IT, ATR-P
Josie is an Art Therapist and EMDR Therapist. Josie brings a blend of creativity, compassion & skill to her therapy practice, where she dedicates herself wholeheartedly to her clients' well-being and progress.
Trauma affects both the mind and body, often leaving lasting scars on an individual’s sense of safety, connection, and self-worth. According to Francine Shapiro (2018), any event that has a lasting negative effect on the mind can be considered traumatic. Whether it's emotional, physical, or psychological trauma, it distorts our perception of the world around us, making it feel unsafe or uncertain. Fortunately, art therapy provides a powerful, non-verbal approach to processing and healing from trauma through creative expression.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is not about being a skilled artist—it's about self-discovery and expression. In fact, many people who seek art therapy may feel they are "not creative" or don't have artistic skills. However, creativity is inherent in all of us, and art therapy is a safe space to explore your inner world without judgment. The process of creating art becomes a pathway for healing, allowing you to express what words may fail to communicate.
How Art Therapy Helps in Healing from Trauma
Trauma is often stored in the body, and it can be difficult to verbalize the emotions or experiences attached to it. Art therapy allows individuals to bypass these verbal barriers and access deeper emotional states. Here’s how art therapy can help those recovering from trauma:
1. Regulate Emotions Through Art
Art-making provides grounding and a sensory outlet, helping individuals return to their “window of tolerance.” This is especially important for those who are stuck in chronic states of "fight or flight." The process can soothe the nervous system and promote emotional regulation.
2. Externalize Internal Experiences
Creating art helps individuals externalize overwhelming feelings and experiences. This act of visualizing and putting emotions on paper creates emotional distance, making it easier to understand and process what’s happening internally.
3. Empowerment and Self-Efficacy
Completing an art piece provides a sense of accomplishment and control. After trauma, individuals often feel powerless or disconnected, but the creative process fosters a sense of agency and the ability to reclaim personal power.
4. Foster Connection and Reducing Isolation
Art therapy can help individuals connect with others, whether through sharing their creations with a trusted therapist or loved one. This connection combats the isolation that is often felt by those dealing with trauma, reinforcing feelings of safety and support.
Overcoming the "I'm Not Creative" Barrier
One of the most common concerns about art therapy is the belief that “I’m not creative” or “I can’t do art.” It’s important to note that creativity is not about technical skill—it’s about expression. In art therapy, there are no mistakes, only exploration and discovery. The focus is on the experience of creating, not on the outcome.
Art therapy is a space where individuals can reconnect with their inherent creativity, just as children do when they create freely without concern for perfection. By giving yourself permission to explore, experiment, and make mistakes, you open up the possibility for healing.
Art Therapy Activity: Mapping Your Safe Place
A great introductory activity in art therapy is called "Mapping Your Safe Place." This exercise helps individuals reconnect with feelings of safety and calm, which are often lost in the wake of trauma. It's especially beneficial for those who are new to art therapy or feel uncertain about their creativity.
What You’ll Need:
A piece of paper (any size)
Drawing tools (markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.)
Optional: magazines, scissors, glue, textured paper, or stickers for collage work
Steps to Begin:
Create a Calm Space: Find a quiet, comfortable space to work where you won’t be distracted. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and release any pressure to make your art "perfect."
Imagine Your Safe Place: Think of a place where you feel entirely safe and at peace. This could be a real location, like your home or a natural setting, or an imagined place, such as a magical forest or a serene beach. Focus on what feels safe to you.
Start Mapping: Begin drawing, doodling, or collaging your safe place on the paper. Let go of any expectations for the art to look "real" or "beautiful." Use colors, shapes, and symbols that represent the feelings and sensations of your safe place.
Add Personal Details: Think about what makes this place feel safe—are there comforting objects, people, animals, or soothing sensations? Add these elements to your drawing or collage. Allow the artwork to reflect your inner sense of safety.
Reflect: Once your piece is complete, spend a few moments reflecting on it. What does this safe place represent to you? How can you carry the feeling of safety with you as you navigate life?
Why This Activity Works
This exercise isn’t about creating a masterpiece; it’s about connecting with yourself and your sense of safety. Trauma can make us feel disconnected from ourselves, but activities like Mapping Your Safe Place remind us that safety and comfort still exist within us. Through creative expression, you begin to reclaim your inner sense of security and control.
Exploring Other Art Therapy Activities
If the Mapping Your Safe Place activity doesn’t resonate with you, there are many other creative outlets in art therapy. Some alternative approaches include:
Journaling with zentangles or freeform doodles
Creating a collage of inspirational images and words
Using abstract painting to express emotions
The key to art therapy is to let go of expectations and embrace the creative process. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and there’s no right or wrong way to engage in art therapy. The goal is to allow yourself to play, explore, and express your feelings, without judgment.
Moving Forward: Embrace Your Creative Healing Journey
Trauma often leaves us feeling disconnected from ourselves and our bodies. Art therapy is a gentle path back to yourself—it's not about becoming a skilled artist, but about reclaiming your wholeness and starting your healing journey one creative step at a time.
So, grab a piece of paper, let go of expectations, and start creating. You don’t need to be ready, skilled, or confident to begin. You just need to be willing. And in that willingness, you might discover a spark of joy, hope, or perhaps a part of yourself that you thought was lost.
You are creative. You are capable. And you are worth the time it takes to heal.