Spring Greetings! As nature unfurls its fronds so do we! I have been very encouraged by the growth and process of all my friends I’ve met through Frida and Me. I feel so blessed to see how my healing has inspired the courage for others to start. I have found kindness and caring is the thread that binds us in this journey.
 PTSD has grown exponentially since the COVID began and only now are we seeing its impact in ourselves, family and communities. I also see more support for the seeking of help through the arts for mental illness and I have hope this will only increase as the demand grows.
My last newsletter covered the first two Stages of Healing, Exploration and Safety (found at www.eliweintraubmaurx.com). This one will cover the next three stages of Expression, Clarification and Identifying. Don’t forget to read my blog from the first post forward to get the foundation for starting the art work.
Stage 3/Expression:  The first stage of Exploration artwork is often simplistic and cautious in design. As the process continues colors, texture and patterns become bolder and dynamic as something feels like it’s trying to come into view.  As layers of expression peel away with each artwork a subtle and gradual shift becomes noticeable. Something deep within is trying to communicate with colors becoming deeper, forms/patterns suggestive and intensity increasing. Moodiness and approach/avoid behavior may also increase, so commit to regular Safety artwork (See last newsletter or website) to provide courage and balance for the journey. Sudden breakthrough themes and images start appearing at this stage. (Note last image bottom right).

Stage 4/Clarification: Once images start to appear from the chaos of expression, clarification begins. Symbols, objects and topics start to become apparent, sometimes subtle sometimes not. Notice reoccurring themes, shapes/colors and regularly view your art all together. These viewings provide a more objective eye to notice repetitions, patterns and similarities among the artwork, which can provide information to hear the voice within and what it wants to say. Layer by layer, clarification of issues and feelings are clues to the subconscious experience and provide validation to that which has been buried. This can be a process where the subject starts to see things they may not really want to see but need to.  If fearful artwork appears, follow it with a safety process artwork and monitor good self-care behavior.

Stage 5/Identifying: Once the artwork develops recognizable symbols and themes, the subject can begin to name related feelings, experiences, places, people and events. This is the internal understanding trying to find context in the external world. A puzzle-like unraveling of this layer requires patience and courage because it may take time to figure out the emotional coded images and develop the bravery to embrace them.  Others may be able to see your experience better, which can help to feel more understood, decrease isolation and increase a sense of belonging (as long as those viewing are non-judgmental and supportive). Once symbols and themes are identified, they can become the beginning of new artworks that continue the visual conversation within. Again, create safety images when fearful and do regular viewings of the artworks to identify patterns and cycles of processing.

This work is not easy, but better than living with PTSD. Doing the work challenges the warrior within to walk through the fire and not live in avoidance which creates a numbing of life. If your process is too overwhelming I encourage working with a therapist (one familiar with the art process).  I found it fascinating to see what would pop out of my art process even through all the tears and anxiety. The art process rescued the survivor buried within. Be good to yourselves and listen with your visual voice!

Anyone struggling with PTSD can benefit using art to heal trauma. (Please share with anyone you know touched by this).
The healing and repair from art making is an accessible process for all ages, cultures, genders and health conditions to express and manage deep unspeakable feelings related to PTSD and trauma.
Art expression through color, image and texture give voice to that held deep within and hold the initial impressions of trauma events. Our mind attempts to make sense of them (now a secondary experience) and can block core feelings from only having verbal acknowledgment, which often doesn’t reach the root problems.

Art materials help the internal experience communicate with the senses. They portray the ‘truths’ and result in validation which leads to better self esteem. Others can see your picture that says a 1000 words, creating a sense of belonging and lessen feelings of isolation that accompany PTSD symptoms.
Deep art healing begins with a safe and accurate portrayal between self & trauma event. Making the pain beautiful develops a relationship with self that encourages self respect, acceptance and healing.
Heal with your visual voice !!!!
Art Heals!!!!