How We Assimilate Trauma and How Art Helps

When an individual experiences trauma, the first imprints come through the senses; sight, taste, touch, sound and smell.
For example, the sight of a vehicle flying off the road, the taste of an apple at the time of the event, the unwelcome touch of a predator, the sound of a song on the radio, or the smell of a burning fire can become future triggers for PTSD.

Next, the mind and thought try to interpret and make meaning of what just happened. Already, this interpretation has distanced the individual from the event. Over time, if the sensory piece has not been acknowledged, disassociation for the person is likely because they will live in the secondary imprint of the trauma, which can lead to PTSD .

Arts and creativity can put the individual on a healing path fast because the impressions, images, textures, abstract feelings and senses born from trauma's impact, help express and communicate the event more accurately. The art materials link the interior person to the exterior world, which helps the individual feel more connected and belonging in the world. The resulting art becomes a map of how the person feels and can help others have more empathy, understanding and connection to the survivors experience, resulting in acceptance and safety for the trauma survivor to help manage PTSD symtoms . 

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