When I first came into contact with the word trauma, like with most people, I instantly thought of dreadful events: war, natural disasters, acts of terror. I associated it with people in shock, suffering flashbacks, overwhelming emotions with PTSD like symptoms. It wasn’t until I started working with children, did I truly understand that trauma can relate to so much more.
Our initial interactions with those who care for us in utero and from birth fundamentally shape our views of the world and how we relate to others. Early relationship difficulties have the potential to profoundly affect a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and behavioural development. These could be traumatic experiences in childhood, as well as family separation and divorce. A child may struggle to build healthy relationships with others as a result, and form maladaptive coping strategies in response to overwhelming feelings.
So, how can art therapy support children who have experienced trauma?
Long before I became an art therapist, I always used art as a way to soothe my mind and engage in something light and playful when life became a bit too heavy. It does not surprise me that practitioners and clinicians alike have long since found art and play to be an important tool in helping children to heal and process traumatic and distressing experiences.
Art therapists have explored how the process of art making can support individuals to connect to areas of the brain that are blocked off by trauma and distorted thinking. Very often our ability to verbalise and understand these experiences become inaccessible to us as our mind and body seek to protect us. Art therapy can access the right hemisphere of the brain where memory of trauma and poor attachment in the early years are processed, this can be expressed through art-making when language is not possible (Malchiodi, 2008).
An art therapist can provide a safe and containing environment to help a child explore their internal world, and safely reconnect with stuck and unprocessed memories in a way that is tolerable for them. They may find the sensory qualities of using art materials soothing, and feel a sense of control and mastery in their ability to create something: a feeling which may have previously been taken away from them by their traumatic experiences.
Whether your child is struggling with peer issues such as bullying, or other stressful situations such as family separation, divorce, illness, abuse and trauma. Art therapy may be able to help your child communicate what they are unable to say in words. Sessions look to support children to develop emotional regulation skills, self care strategies and build resilience.
If this resonates with you and you are considering whether art therapy is suitable for you, please get in touch for a discussion.
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