How Can Art Therapy Help Individuals Heal From Trauma?
Author: Ashtyn Ford
Over the years of working as a therapist, it has become apparent that most people will experience some form of trauma in their lifetime. Furthermore, some individuals will experience trauma even more than once or on an ongoing basis, and some may have experienced it first in childhood and later in other times of their life. This is why trauma-informed care is so important in the field of psychotherapy and mental health care.
Trauma can happen in many ways. It might be caused by abuse and violence, injury from accidents or another unexpected experience that compromised one’s sense of safety. These events will cause negative responses in an individual, such as difficulties regulating emotions, disruptions to sleep, physical health issues, flashbacks or intrusive thoughts, mental health conditions (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, etc.), and barriers in trusting themselves or others. The point is that traumatic experiences take on many forms and affect people in different ways, but all experiences are valid and deserve space for healing.
Recovering from trauma can come in many different forms, but the most effective treatment includes both your body and mind since they are impacted equally by trauma. Art therapy is a holistic form of therapeutic intervention that has been shown to be effective for working with clients who have experienced trauma. I will explain in more detail how art therapy can specifically help support individuals affected by trauma.