10 Stages of Art Healing From PTSD
After many years of working independently and with groups in therapeutic settings I noticed a trend of stages we shared in our healing through art. The following are what I identified and experienced.
After many years of working independently and with groups in therapeutic settings I noticed a trend of stages we shared in our healing through art. The following are what I identified and experienced.
1. Exploration
Lines, color, shapes, designs and representational symbols, scribbles and patterns. A sense of feelings and themes are possible but not certain. Can last for an extended period while the subject explores materials, feelings and style.
Exploration: Make sure you are in a safe environment, music helps and limit conversation. Start with your intuition and listen to the deepest voice within. Instinctively choose colors and textures that allow your inner child to play and communicate. This discovery artwork is often scribbles, stick drawings, child-like impressions, general, messy, and vague with poignant moments appearing.
Fear, anxiety and numbness can accompany this stage so make sure you are as gentle with yourself as you would be with a child. Sometimes it the opposite, as the artist makes pretty art to hide behind what’s lurking beneath and represents the facade a trauma survivor lives behind. This is okay because we have to meet our broken self where they exist. This work can take much time as it is the first layer of many, so be patience and allow exploration and play. Even if you don’t like what is created, save and honor it. The artwork is part of the process requiring respect and validation for what has been experienced.
Explore with crayons, watercolors, paints, clay, fabric, glitter, objects, clipped magazine images to collage or whatever media you are comfortable with. As a prompt, ask a question, for example, ‘what is the problem’?’ then answer it with a collage or artwork. Preferred materials and themes will reveal themselves as you experiment. Words can also be incorporated with the art. Writing about the art on the back is another way to embellish the process. Make sure you date and keep all works for future reference. Place art in a portfolio (you can make and decorate if desired) and keep in a safe place. Put recent works somewhere visible to help ‘hear’ its message, which can often lead to the next artwork and breakthroughs. Part of the process is to line up your art and view to recognize patterns and changes for further growth.
If you see a therapist, show and communicate your art with them. Make sure the sharing is not judgmental but as a supportive witness to the work. There is no right or wrong, if another interpretation doesn’t ‘feel’ right, it more than likely isn’t. This is the work…hear your OWN voice/impressions and learn self-compassion.
Exploration: Make sure you are in a safe environment, music helps and limit conversation. Start with your intuition and listen to the deepest voice within. Instinctively choose colors and textures that allow your inner child to play and communicate. This discovery artwork is often scribbles, stick drawings, child-like impressions, general, messy, and vague with poignant moments appearing.
Fear, anxiety and numbness can accompany this stage so make sure you are as gentle with yourself as you would be with a child. Sometimes it the opposite, as the artist makes pretty art to hide behind what’s lurking beneath and represents the facade a trauma survivor lives behind. This is okay because we have to meet our broken self where they exist. This work can take much time as it is the first layer of many, so be patience and allow exploration and play. Even if you don’t like what is created, save and honor it. The artwork is part of the process requiring respect and validation for what has been experienced.
Explore with crayons, watercolors, paints, clay, fabric, glitter, objects, clipped magazine images to collage or whatever media you are comfortable with. As a prompt, ask a question, for example, ‘what is the problem’?’ then answer it with a collage or artwork. Preferred materials and themes will reveal themselves as you experiment. Words can also be incorporated with the art. Writing about the art on the back is another way to embellish the process. Make sure you date and keep all works for future reference. Place art in a portfolio (you can make and decorate if desired) and keep in a safe place. Put recent works somewhere visible to help ‘hear’ its message, which can often lead to the next artwork and breakthroughs. Part of the process is to line up your art and view to recognize patterns and changes for further growth.
If you see a therapist, show and communicate your art with them. Make sure the sharing is not judgmental but as a supportive witness to the work. There is no right or wrong, if another interpretation doesn’t ‘feel’ right, it more than likely isn’t. This is the work…hear your OWN voice/impressions and learn self-compassion.
2. Safety
Exploration can begin a flow of information that is threatening to the individual. It is important for a safe place to be created not only in a physical setting but in the mind and heart of the subject. Art that depicts safety can be put up on walls or within view so they can visually access the imagery and be reminded of its existence.
Safety: Creating safety is possibly the most important part of the healing process. Exploration of feelings initiates a flow of internal information that can feel threatening and lead to fight or flight behavior. The idea is to establish an internal protected place to go to when the psyche feels vulnerable and frightened. Images, colors and concepts that remind you of better times when you felt whole and happy can ground and shield you from the war within.
If you can’t find that part of yourself, make up what you wish you could have to feel safe and then invent art to represent that. An artwork that stirs up negative emotions can be reworked to feel safe. Make a habit of creating safe art in between the other works. This practice will teach you where safety lies within and become a regularly visited shelter in times of distress, even when you are out in the world and get triggered. Meditations are also helpful when inventing this safe place. This space can be whatever you want it to be, where no one is allowed but you and contains all the pieces required for your happiness and security. Practice, practice, practice, safety is there, it just needs nurturing and attention.
Safety: Creating safety is possibly the most important part of the healing process. Exploration of feelings initiates a flow of internal information that can feel threatening and lead to fight or flight behavior. The idea is to establish an internal protected place to go to when the psyche feels vulnerable and frightened. Images, colors and concepts that remind you of better times when you felt whole and happy can ground and shield you from the war within.
If you can’t find that part of yourself, make up what you wish you could have to feel safe and then invent art to represent that. An artwork that stirs up negative emotions can be reworked to feel safe. Make a habit of creating safe art in between the other works. This practice will teach you where safety lies within and become a regularly visited shelter in times of distress, even when you are out in the world and get triggered. Meditations are also helpful when inventing this safe place. This space can be whatever you want it to be, where no one is allowed but you and contains all the pieces required for your happiness and security. Practice, practice, practice, safety is there, it just needs nurturing and attention.
3. Expression
Colors, textures, forms and shapes become more intense and dynamic. Something is coming into view. Intense moodiness can be stirred up. This period is a connection to something deep from within trying to communicate. Approach/avoid behavior are typical and
regular attention to create safety images are helpful.
Expression:
The first stage of Expression artwork is often simplistic and cautious in design. As the process continues, colors, textures, 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, increasing with suggestion and intensity. 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.
regular attention to create safety images are helpful.
Expression:
The first stage of Expression artwork is often simplistic and cautious in design. As the process continues, colors, textures, 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, increasing with suggestion and intensity. 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.
4. Clarification
Symbols, patterns, objects and themes will start to appear and reappear as the focus gets clearer. This period can be frustration as the subject tries to see something they may really not want to see, but need to see.
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.
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.
5. Identifying
Representational symbols, themes, and images begin to be defined and given a name,feeling, or place. Elements of the problems and related emotions appear in the art and begin to portray the context of the inner dynamics to the external world. Symbols communicate information in a puzzle-like style as it attempts to clue the subject to its existence.
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.
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.
6. Redressing Trauma
Paralyzed trauma memories start to flow and dramatize. The art acts as a vessel to contain and hold the memories for the subject to see and reflect upon.
REDRESSING TRAUMA:
This stage will require frequent ‘safety’ art making, patience and taking one step at a time. The unraveling at this point can go very slow and then suddenly have surprise breakthroughs, so have your safety net established, i.e. art making, meditation, pets, nature and support systems, AND USE THEM!!!
I would recommend a therapist (art therapist if possible) for complex and severe trauma events. Surround yourself with trusted and supportive environments and people.
Anxiety will increase as layers of healing expose the symbolism and glimpses of internal unrest. Close management and oversight to maintain balance and function is essential. Art processing work may become more difficult and result in PTSD symptoms of numbness, fogginess and resistance. Your deepest self will only unravel as far as it trusts, and requires feeling safe and strong enough to see what is there. It is very important to honor your rhythm and healing because the self knows how much it can do before it need to withdraw , recuperate and process the experience. Assimilation from deep within is happening, so trusting your intuition and gut is essential. Even if it doesn’t feel like progress is made, on a deep subconscious level it is. Sleep is very important when doing this work because the psyche heals in that deep reparative space without having to be directed by the awake brain to make meaning of it, thus allowing the emotive piece to evolve as needed.
REDRESSING TRAUMA:
This stage will require frequent ‘safety’ art making, patience and taking one step at a time. The unraveling at this point can go very slow and then suddenly have surprise breakthroughs, so have your safety net established, i.e. art making, meditation, pets, nature and support systems, AND USE THEM!!!
I would recommend a therapist (art therapist if possible) for complex and severe trauma events. Surround yourself with trusted and supportive environments and people.
Anxiety will increase as layers of healing expose the symbolism and glimpses of internal unrest. Close management and oversight to maintain balance and function is essential. Art processing work may become more difficult and result in PTSD symptoms of numbness, fogginess and resistance. Your deepest self will only unravel as far as it trusts, and requires feeling safe and strong enough to see what is there. It is very important to honor your rhythm and healing because the self knows how much it can do before it need to withdraw , recuperate and process the experience. Assimilation from deep within is happening, so trusting your intuition and gut is essential. Even if it doesn’t feel like progress is made, on a deep subconscious level it is. Sleep is very important when doing this work because the psyche heals in that deep reparative space without having to be directed by the awake brain to make meaning of it, thus allowing the emotive piece to evolve as needed.
7. Reconciling Trauma
Results of the trauma and related feelings, beliefs and changes are visited. Anger, grief, losses, alterations, conditions, and themes express what has been denied visual tribute to those changes. The individual can finally ‘own’ the trauma and begin to integrate that which was to that which is. This helps promote a sense of wholeness.
RECONCILING TRAUMA
The point has arrived to recognize, validate and respect what has happened and been buried so long. Once the core of trauma is identified, its related feelings, beliefs and alterations need to be heard. Use texture, image and colors to create the voice and needs of the survivor and their losses. This stage will feel more like a coming together than a falling apart. Talk to the lost self and ask it what it feels, ask the survivor what it feels, then go to your art materials and create what you’ve learned. I was surprised to find anger of abandonment by the lost self and feelings of resentment by the survivor self. This stage is an acceptance of what has occurred and discovery of what has been endured. Looking directly at yourself in the mental/emotional mirror and seeing the truth of the trauma and results is essential. The pain endured requires much compassion and forgiveness. Art helps make your pain beautiful in order to view it differently and in a new light.
RECONCILING TRAUMA
The point has arrived to recognize, validate and respect what has happened and been buried so long. Once the core of trauma is identified, its related feelings, beliefs and alterations need to be heard. Use texture, image and colors to create the voice and needs of the survivor and their losses. This stage will feel more like a coming together than a falling apart. Talk to the lost self and ask it what it feels, ask the survivor what it feels, then go to your art materials and create what you’ve learned. I was surprised to find anger of abandonment by the lost self and feelings of resentment by the survivor self. This stage is an acceptance of what has occurred and discovery of what has been endured. Looking directly at yourself in the mental/emotional mirror and seeing the truth of the trauma and results is essential. The pain endured requires much compassion and forgiveness. Art helps make your pain beautiful in order to view it differently and in a new light.
8. Rebuilding
Future can finally be contemplated. Art can be used to map ways to be, how to alter conditions, problem solve, integrate memories into present imagery and find new behaviors to learn.
Rebuilding
Relief and hope define this stage. Through problem solving, resolution and integration, the future can now be contemplated. The hardest and deepest seeds of trauma were discovered in the previous stages. The dynamics discovered need to be given attention, validation and respect to heal and move forward. Listen to all sides of the enigmas found, give them a voice and dialog then create images that bring resolve. This period is ripe for exploration of your hopes and dreams of who, what, when, where and how you want to be. Allow yourself to create visions of what you wish you and your life is to become. Problem solve and explore a map of your future through imagery. Collage with magazine pictures, find new art materials to play with and see what comes of this muddy place you have been in and try to see, invent/reinvent who you want to be. The uglies require acknowledgement of the blessings they bring to what has made you who you are, stand up for yourself and embrace your brokenness, only then healing will occur. Your truth has been found, respect, nurture and protect it.
Rebuilding
Relief and hope define this stage. Through problem solving, resolution and integration, the future can now be contemplated. The hardest and deepest seeds of trauma were discovered in the previous stages. The dynamics discovered need to be given attention, validation and respect to heal and move forward. Listen to all sides of the enigmas found, give them a voice and dialog then create images that bring resolve. This period is ripe for exploration of your hopes and dreams of who, what, when, where and how you want to be. Allow yourself to create visions of what you wish you and your life is to become. Problem solve and explore a map of your future through imagery. Collage with magazine pictures, find new art materials to play with and see what comes of this muddy place you have been in and try to see, invent/reinvent who you want to be. The uglies require acknowledgement of the blessings they bring to what has made you who you are, stand up for yourself and embrace your brokenness, only then healing will occur. Your truth has been found, respect, nurture and protect it.
9. Identity
The subject begins to feel, think and behave differently as the paralysis lessens. Art is beneficial to help address the identity crisis and associated feelings. This new sense of self can now be redefined and explored. Imagery can help portray the old and new self.
IDENTITY
As the paralysis of PTSD and related trauma begin to thaw, new feelings and thoughts of identity emerge. What used to work no longer fits, which can be unsettling, yet freeing and feels like an identity crisis. Focus on artwork that defines the old, changing and new self and how they overlap and interact. Examine all aspects of the past, present and future identity and bind them in imagery, which then helps view how they interact, block and co-exist. Then, create art that develops the identity that most resembles how you see your healed self. Place identity artwork in locations where you often see them and contemplate the next step toward defining the true you with all your cracks, beauty and courage to become whole. Identity development is definitely a work in progress, but also very exciting and hopeful. It is not easy becoming an integrated and unique expression of what you have been through, this is something to be very proud of.
IDENTITY
As the paralysis of PTSD and related trauma begin to thaw, new feelings and thoughts of identity emerge. What used to work no longer fits, which can be unsettling, yet freeing and feels like an identity crisis. Focus on artwork that defines the old, changing and new self and how they overlap and interact. Examine all aspects of the past, present and future identity and bind them in imagery, which then helps view how they interact, block and co-exist. Then, create art that develops the identity that most resembles how you see your healed self. Place identity artwork in locations where you often see them and contemplate the next step toward defining the true you with all your cracks, beauty and courage to become whole. Identity development is definitely a work in progress, but also very exciting and hopeful. It is not easy becoming an integrated and unique expression of what you have been through, this is something to be very proud of.
10. Connecting
Once the identity feels confident and secure it tries to connect to the world more. Attempts to bring the internal and external experience into a cohesive expression can be nurtured through art.
CONNECTING
Once the identity has been developed and defined, the work turns toward how to fit back into the world. The new sense of feeling more whole and integrated within encourages interaction. A new born confidence and courage allows stepping outside of the womb of internal healing to find a place in the environment outside. Create art that makes a map to help define obstacles, boundaries and existing dynamics that need attention in order to accomplish a successful reintegration of the public self. Like a child, we need to protect, guide and nurture that interface with the world and build for success. Find people, places and things that support this fragile entry of your healing self. Sharing the artwork you created with others in similar mindset is very empowering and builds a sense of belonging. An art therapy group, lectures/presentations on PTSD, online group chats are a few ideas.