Working Through Trauma with Art Therapy
Art therapy: a powerful tool in the journey of healing from trauma. This article sheds light on how creative expression aids in processing deep-seated emotions and memories, offering a unique perspective on recovery.
A trauma refers to a wound caused by a tear in a barrier like the skin. Psychological trauma involves piercing the defences protecting mental space or the internal world. Traumatic events may shatter the belief that life maintains order, meaning, and continuity.
Key Takeaways:
- Trauma profoundly affects the mental space, challenging beliefs in life's order and meaning, leading to issues with memory, emotions, and behaviour.
- Various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), offer significant benefits in restoring psychological functioning post-trauma.
- Art therapy, utilizing creative processes, provides a non-verbal avenue for expressing and processing traumatic experiences.
- Research indicates that art therapy can be effective in reducing trauma symptoms and improving emotional well-being.
- Art therapy is suitable for various individuals, adaptable to different traumas, and can be integrated with other therapeutic methods.
A person who has experienced trauma could have problems with memory, sleep, and concentration; a restricted range of emotions; feeling estranged from others; and feel easily agitated, angry, or depressed. He or she may "relive" the incident through nightmares or intrusive images, causing the individual to struggle with trying not to think about the memory.
Psychological therapy could assist with working through the trauma. Sometimes, a short course of therapy like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) could help restore a client's psychological functioning. There are also situations when more time may be helpful to work at a deeper level. The goals of the therapy are usually identified in the assessment.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment, takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. It differs from other therapeutic approaches by focusing on how individuals' thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect their feelings and behaviours. The core principle of CBT lies in understanding that it's not events themselves that upset us but the meanings we give to these events. In the context of treating trauma, CBT aims to reshape and reframe the distorted or unhelpful thinking patterns that often accompany traumatic experiences. Through techniques like cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy, clients learn to confront and gradually desensitize themselves to the memories and emotions associated with the trauma, thereby reducing its psychological impact.
Through the creative process, art therapy could be a valuable therapeutic approach to trauma work. Art therapy is an art-based approach to psychotherapy and a state-regulated profession. Art therapists may apply CBT or psychodynamic psychotherapy to their work depending on their training. These methods have provided favourable outcomes for the treatment of traumatic stress in the research literature. Recent studies in art therapy have expanded considerably, exploring its effectiveness in diverse clinical categories, including trauma. A significant review in 2018 presented 27 studies examining art therapy's effectiveness with adult clients, including those coping with trauma. These studies underscore art therapy's potential in various clinical settings.
Art therapy explores the relationships between the image, the client, and the art therapist. Clients may draw from a range of materials (e.g., pencils, paint, pastels, or clay) to give form to their feelings, memories, and desires. The art therapist aims to provide a trusted space to reflect on the meaning of the creative process and art product in the sessions.
For trauma work, art therapy could offer clients a means to describe, organize, and integrate their memories and emotions. Through attention to the therapist on the image, clients may think about the therapist's responses, which could help understand other perspectives and develop a language for feelings. For nightmares, art therapy could assist with "imagery rehearsal" and "grounding techniques", two strategies to help clients restore their psychological integration.
The art therapy image may evoke memories much like a photograph. However, the image in art therapy could reveal memories through absent or distorted material. What the client does not intend to draw (but does so anyway) may shed light on what might be forgotten or not thought about. Art therapy could help clients integrate their sense of self by bringing conscious and unconscious thoughts together.
Most importantly, art therapy could allow clients to understand their preconceptions and tolerate uncertainty. This can be a crucial component in building a narrative about the trauma. The creative process offers clients a sense of choice and control. Being creative can also be profoundly empowering when witnessed and supported.
Finally, the art therapy image offers a sense of continuity: a record of an event, the session. Over time, recurring images may emerge, underscoring the meaning of the journey. The images may also transform throughout treatment, reflecting new insights and learning.
In summary, art therapy emerges as a powerful ally in the journey of healing from trauma. By facilitating a unique form of expression and introspection, it bridges the gap between the seen and unseen scars of trauma, offering a path towards more profound understanding and recovery.
This therapeutic approach addresses immediate symptoms and nurtures long-term resilience and emotional well-being. As we continue to explore and embrace the multifaceted nature of healing, art therapy stands out as a beacon of hope and transformation for those navigating the aftermath of traumatic experiences.
FAQ
What types of trauma can art therapy be effective in treating?
Art therapy has shown effectiveness in treating a range of traumas, including those stemming from personal experiences like abuse or accidents to larger-scale events such as war and natural disasters.
How does art therapy differ from traditional talk therapy in treating trauma?
While traditional talk therapy often relies on verbal communication to process experiences, art therapy provides a non-verbal medium through which individuals can express and explore their emotions and memories.
Can art therapy be used alongside other forms of therapy?
Yes, art therapy can be an excellent complement to other therapeutic approaches. It can be integrated into a broader treatment plan that may include methods like CBT or psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Is art therapy suitable for all ages?
Art therapy is adaptable and can be beneficial for individuals of all ages.
What can one expect in an art therapy session for trauma?
In an art therapy session, clients are encouraged to use various art materials to create works that reflect their feelings, memories, and experiences.
How does engaging in art therapy facilitate deeper psychological healing in trauma recovery beyond the immediate relief of symptoms?
Art therapy offers a unique pathway to psychological healing by enabling individuals to visually express and process emotions and experiences that may be difficult to articulate verbally. This creative expression allows a deeper exploration of the subconscious mind, unearthing underlying issues and patterns linked to the trauma. By working through these layers, individuals can gain profound insights into their emotional responses and coping mechanisms. Art therapy not only aids in alleviating immediate symptoms but also fosters long-term emotional resilience and self-awareness, which are crucial for sustainable healing and personal growth.
Stephen is a qualified Psychotherapist (Registered), based in Khet Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.
With a commitment to mental health, Mr Radley provides services in English, including Art Therapy, Assessment (General) and Psychotherapy (Individual).
Mr Radley has expertise in Addiction, Adolescent Counselling, Anxiety Disorders, Depression and Relationship Problems.
Click here to schedule a session with Mr Radley.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
Find a Therapist
Find skilled psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors near you.
