Healing Through Creativity: The Power of Art Therapy in Trauma Recovery

Nobody is immune to trauma. In fact, the unfortunate truth is that most of us will experience trauma at some point in our lives. By engaging in creative expression, people can process their trauma in ways that words often fail to capture. Today, we are talking about explore how art therapy and trauma recovery go hand in hand. 

These days, people are becoming more aware of how impactful trauma can be to our overall wellbeing. So naturally, the internet does what it does best: If you’re on my website then I’m sure you’ve felt this too- your Instagram page is likely inundated with posts about “healing your inner child” or old friends are always sharing articles about “how to practice mindfulness.” All of this information gets fed to us in the effort to heal the wounds that trauma leaves behind. While helpful information, it can be overwhelming to say the least. It can be tough to know what approach is best for you. 

Here at Cactus Counseling & Art Therapy, we recognize that trauma lives in the body, and therefore must be healed through the body. Which is why we utilize holistic therapy techniques such as Somatic Experiencing and Art Therapy to help foster trauma recovery. 

What is Art Therapy you may ask? I get this question at least once a day as an art therapist! Art Therapy is a field that recognizes the inherent healing power of creativity and art, and harnesses its unique processes as a tool to aid in the normal therapy process. In research, art therapy has been found to be a powerful asset in the healing of trauma. Art therapy can be used to help treat many different kinds of trauma- whether you have been through a traumatic event that was acute, or if you’ve experienced a trauma that was more chronic and ongoing. Or, if you’ve experienced complex trauma that has compounded throughout your life- Art therapy is available to help untangle the web of trauma. 

Art therapy has many unique qualities that can help foster trauma healing. First up is emotional expression. Trauma is something that is non-verbal. It happens in a part of our brain that struggles to verbalize our experiences. This is one way art therapy can help with trauma- it can give you a way to express your emotions and give you your voice back from trauma. Art allows for the exploration of complex emotions like fear, sadness, shame, and anger without the pressure of verbal communication. Through painting, drawing, or sculpting, individuals can express feelings that may be difficult to articulate, leading to greater emotional release and understanding.

Another way art therapy can help trauma healing is that it can help you feel a sense of control and autonomy. Trauma often leaves people feeling powerless and alone. Engaging in art therapy can help restore a sense of agency and control for people. By making choices in the creative process—such as selecting materials, colors, and subjects— people are able to reclaim their power and build self-confidence. This empowerment can translate into other areas of life, enhancing overall resilience. In an art project, you are the master of your piece. You have the ability to reclaim your narrative, and tell your story in a way that allows you to feel more empowered. 

Art therapy can also help with mindfulness and being in the present moment. Art therapy is inherently experiential- it requires you to be in the moment, with your body. It can help aid you in grounding and staying in the “here and now” and reducing dysregulation in your nervous system. Focusing on the creative process can ground individuals, helping them to manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts associated with trauma. The act of creating art can be meditative, providing a calming effect and promoting emotional regulation.

There are many techniques that art therapists use to help foster healing. With the help of a trained art therapist, you will be guided towards helpful directives and media that help foster your healing process. There is no limit to the type of creativity or typical medium that can be found in the art therapy process- because no client is the same! The art therapy process can be tailored to each individual’s needs. Art therapy offers a transformative path for people to heal from trauma. By providing an outlet for emotional expression, fostering empowerment, and creating a safe space for exploration, art therapy can be foundation in someone’s healing journey. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, consider exploring the healing power of creativity. It may be the first step toward a brighter, more hopeful future. You can reach out to us here to make an appointment ot learn more about how art therapy can be beneficial for you. 

Much, much love. 

Shaye