Art Therapy and Trauma Recovery
Written by Tiernee Schatz, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Collage by Tiernee Schatz
“Art is my cure to all this madness, sadness and loss of belonging in the world & through it I’ll walk myself home.”
-Nikki Rowe
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more than just a mental health condition; it is a complex disorder affecting the nervous system. PTSD, including many other mental health disorders, involve a dysregulation of the nervous system, which permeates every fiber of the body including the brain. When an individual faces life-threatening or otherwise degrading, intimidating, limiting, or frightening physical, psychological, social or emotional events, the nervous system initiates a survival response. When this stress response persists long after the danger has passed, or is consistently activated due to chronic, cumulative trauma, it can lead to an array of mental and physical symptoms. These include sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, negative thoughts, depression, anxiety and increased cortisol levels. Prolonged nervous system dysregulation is linked to severe physical conditions including diabetes, COPD, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and autoimmune disorders.
art therapy as a healing modality
Art therapy offers a powerful, natural approach to alleviating the symptoms of PTSD and traumatic experiences. A 2016 study by Drexel University found that engaging in art-making for just 45 minutes can significantly reduce cortisol levels, a stress-related hormone which correlates with prolonged nervous system dysregulation. Remarkably, this reduction occurred regardless of the participant’s prior art experience, indicating that the therapeutic benefits of art are accessible to everyone. Furthermore, research in neuroscience has shown that unprocessed traumatic memories are predominantly stored in the brain’s right hemisphere, where verbal and narrative processing is limited. This makes art therapy particularly effective for trauma recovery, as it allows individuals to process traumatic imagery through the creative process without having to find the words (which may be lacking and unavailable) to discuss the memory.
In my experience working with trauma, I often find that a big part of the healing process involves validation and resolving of the painful emotions associated with traumatic memories. Sometimes finding the right words and expressing empathy is enough, but more often, it is not. This makes sense considering research demonstrates traumatic memories are stored and activated in areas of the brain associated with emotional processing (the amygdala). Creating artwork and imagery that represents the emotional toll trauma takes, has a powerful cathartic effect, as well as a powerful witnessing effect. To witness, in terms of art therapy, is to be seen. To be truly understood and validated. To be believed, without question or doubt. Art created with the intent to process and express emotions associated with traumatic memories, has the capacity to truly transform and integrate trauma experiences in a healing and lasting way. For once we are seen, we are no longer seeking or hiding from resolution.
Sculpture by Tiernee Schatz
the impact of trauma
Seventy percent of adults in the U.S. have experienced some form of trauma in their lives, according to the National Council for Mental Wellness. This statistic underscores the widespread need for accessible, effective therapeutic interventions like art therapy. In addition, successful trauma requires a holistic approach and includes adopting a lifestyle that nurtures and supports a healthy nervous system. Key practices include ensuring adequate sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, minimizing stress and consuming a diet that supports brain function. Healing and recovering from trauma is possible. It is a journey home to yourself, your peace, value, and worth. And it is one worth taking!
If you are interested in learning more about art therapy for trauma and lifestyle support, please contact Tiernee at bluepinescouneling@gmail.com to schedule a complimentary consultation!
Collage by Tiernee Schatz
Tiernee Schatz, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, CCTP is the owner and lead therapist at Blue Pines Counseling, Holistic Arts Studio in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. She is a board certified art therapist, nationally certified licensed professional counselor with advanced training in nutritional psychiatry, and is a certified clinical trauma professional.
References:
Bremner JD. Traumatic stress: effects on the brain. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2006;8(4):445-61. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2006.8.4/jbremner. PMID: 17290802; PMCID: PMC3181836.
Kaimal G, Ray K, Muniz J. Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making. Art Ther (Alex). 2016 Apr 2;33(2):74-80. doi: 10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832. Epub 2016 May 23. PMID: 27695158; PMCID: PMC5004743.
Van der Kolk, Bessel A. “Trauma and Memory.” Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, vol. 52, no. S1, Sept. 1998, pp. S57–S69, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1440-1819.1998.0520s5S97.x, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1819.1998.0520s5s97.x.