Art Therapy
What Art Therapy is and how trauma-informed therapists may use it.
Art Therapy
What this modality focuses on
Art therapy is a creative, expressive approach where drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, or other art forms are used as part of emotional exploration. The focus is less on making “good” art and more on what the creative process may bring up, symbolize, or gently express.
People who explore art therapy often use it to:
- Give shape or color to feelings that feel hard to put into words
- Explore memories, beliefs, and body sensations in indirect, symbolic ways
- Notice patterns in themes, colors, or images that show up in their artwork
- Create visual “stories” of their experiences, strengths, and hopes
- Experiment with new ways of seeing themselves and their relationships
Art therapy can be adapted for different ages, cultures, and abilities. The creative process may include a wide range of materials and styles, and each person can move at a pace that feels workable for them.
How it may support trauma survivors
Some trauma survivors find that art offers a gentler door into their inner world. Rather than talking directly about painful events, they may choose to express feelings or experiences through symbols, shapes, and images. This can feel more spacious and less overwhelming for some people.
Art therapy may support trauma survivors by:
- Offering a non-verbal way to express complicated or confusing feelings
- Creating a sense of control over what is shared, when, and how
- Allowing distance from difficult experiences by placing them “on the page” or in a piece of art
- Highlighting strengths, resilience, and preferred aspects of identity, not only painful experiences
- Supporting gentle awareness of body sensations through texture, movement, and color
For some people, the artwork itself becomes a record of their journey—something they can return to, revise, or re-interpret over time. Others prefer to create art and then let it go, focusing more on the moment of expression than on the final product.
What sessions may typically include (neutral, gentle)
Art therapy sessions often blend conversation with creative activity, though the balance can vary. Some people spend more time making art and less time talking; others prefer to talk about what they are noticing before or after creating.
Sessions may gently include:
- Checking in about energy levels, mood, or what feels most present that day
- Choosing materials such as pencils, markers, paint, clay, collage images, or mixed media
- Exploring simple prompts, like drawing a safe place, using colors that match a feeling, or creating an abstract image
- Looking at the artwork together, if the person wants to, and reflecting on feelings, thoughts, or body responses that arise
- Noticing any moments of relief, tension, surprise, or curiosity during the creative process
Some people prefer very open-ended art time, while others appreciate more structure or specific themes. Many art therapists emphasize that the goal is not artistic skill but personal exploration and expression.
How people can decide if this approach fits their needs
Art therapy may be a good fit for people who feel drawn to creativity, are curious about non-verbal expression, or feel that talking alone does not fully capture their experience. It can also be an option for those who notice that words sometimes “shut down” or become hard to find when emotions are strong.
When considering whether art therapy fits your needs, you might reflect on questions like:
- Does creative expression feel appealing, neutral, or uncomfortable right now?
- Would having something to do with your hands feel grounding or distracting in a helpful way?
- How do you feel about looking at images that may relate to your experiences or feelings?
- Do you prefer a quieter, more reflective pace, or more structured guidance and prompts?
It may also be helpful to ask potential therapists how they integrate art with conversation, how they work with trauma, and how they make space for consent and choice around what is created and shared. Exploring general information from resources like https://www.dv.support may also support you in considering what feels safest and most aligned with your situation.