Trauma-Informed Art Therapy- Unlocking Healing and Resilience
Understanding Trauma-Informed Art Therapy
As a society, we have made great strides in recognising and addressing the far-reaching effects of trauma on individuals and communities. Although trauma may be more openly discussed, and we have increased access to resources, there is still much work to be done to fully understand and mitigate its far-reaching impact.
Trauma can deeply impact an individual's emotional and psychological well-being, influencing every aspect of their life and relationships. Acknowledging the need for healing is the first step towards reclaiming personal power and building resilience, but finding the right therapy modality is also a vital step forward.
If you have tried traditional talk therapies and found them inadequate in addressing the complex layers of trauma, you may be interested in exploring trauma-informed art therapy, which could offer a unique and powerful approach to healing. This blog will explore the principles of trauma-informed art therapy, its benefits, and how it can unlock healing and resilience.
What is Trauma-Informed Art Therapy?
Trauma-informed art therapy is a specialised form of therapy that helps people who have been through trauma of any kind. It focuses on making sure they feel safe and can trust the process. It builds an environment where they can have a say in what happens, collaborate with their therapist, and feel empowered.
By maintaining a strong base on the principles of art therapy and prioritising awareness of trauma, individuals will be directed to participate in art activities such as drawing, painting, and sculpting. Through these activities, people can process difficult experiences without the need to verbalise them. This enables them to express and cope with emotions and experiences that are challenging to discuss. This entire process can empower them to feel more in control, build resilience, and commence the healing journey.
Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
- Safety: Creating a safe environment where feeling secure and supported is a priority.
- Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust through clear communication and consistent behaviour.
- Peer Support: Encouraging connections with others who have similar experiences.
- Collaboration and Mutuality: Emphasising the importance of collaboration between the therapist and the client.
- Empowerment, Voice, and Choice: Empowering individuals to take control of their healing journey.
You may also like to read...
Techniques for Managing Your Emotional Well-Being:
Binaural Beats & Meditation by Ennora
Disclaimer - This blog post contains affiliate links
The Role of Art in Trauma Recovery
Expressing the Inexpressible
The impact of trauma can be difficult to put into words and process consciously. For many years, I didn’t have the ability to access or understand my past and how trauma affected every aspect of my life and sense of self. All I knew was that I hated myself, I held deep shame in my body and I seemed to be attracted to abusive men.
The healing process was long and consistent for me. Initially, I mainly focused on talk-based therapy and journaling. While talk-based therapy helped, it didn't fully address the deep somatic level of healing necessary for me to achieve resilience. It wasn't until I studied art therapy that I realised there is an alternative path to healing, one that doesn't solely rely on talking through trauma.
Through creativity, I discovered that art serves as a powerful medium to express emotions and convey experiences that can be challenging to put into words. It provided me with a nonverbal means of communication that allowed me to externalise my traumatic experiences, making them easier to cope with and process.
Through art you can visually represent your feelings and thoughts, gaining a sense of control and understanding over your emotions.
An example of an art therapy activity...
Drawing Emotions: In this activity, you'll use colours and shapes to express how you're feeling. It's a simple but powerful way to get in touch with emotions that might be tough to put into words. By letting creativity lead the way, you can explore what's going on inside, gain insight into your feelings, and process them in a way that feels natural—no pressure, just expression.
With the art therapist's support, you'll get to explore the meaning behind the colours and shapes you naturally gravitate towards in your artwork. By thinking about why you chose them and how they make you feel, you’ll start to connect more deeply with your emotions and experiences. It’s a way to reflect on your personal journey without having to put everything into words—just letting your creativity do the talking.
Drawing Emotions Activity:
1️⃣ Gather Your Art Supplies
Grab some paper, paints, markers, or any materials you enjoy working with. There’s no right or wrong choice—just use whatever feels comfortable for you.
2️⃣ Check In With Your Emotions
Take a moment to reflect on how you're feeling. You don’t need to put it into words—just notice what emotions are present.
3️⃣ Express Your Feelings Through Art
Start drawing or painting a colour wheel using colours that represent your emotions. Let your feelings guide you—there’s no need to overthink it. Just focus on expressing what you feel in the moment. Then, using the colour wheel, create a piece of art to represent your current emotional state.
4️⃣ Explore the Meaning Behind Your Choices
Once your artwork feels complete, take a step back and look at it. What do the colours and shapes say about your emotions? If you're working with a therapist, you can discuss your choices and explore their deeper meaning.
5️⃣ Use It as a Tool for Emotional Awareness
Keep your artwork somewhere you can revisit it. Over time, this process can help you recognise patterns in your emotions and develop effective ways to manage them.
Enjoy the process, and let your creativity guide you towards greater emotional awareness!
Building Resilience Through Creativity
Building resilience is a life skill I strongly encourage everyone to embrace along their healing journey.
Getting creative—whether it's painting, writing, or crafting—can do wonders for your confidence and sense of accomplishment. There's something really empowering about bringing an idea to life and seeing what you're capable of. The more you create, the more you build problem-solving skills and adaptability, making it easier to tackle challenges when they come your way. Over time, creative activities help you become more resilient, giving you the mindset to keep going, even when things get tough.
Another example could be...
Creating a Resilience Collage: This is a creative and uplifting activity where you gather images, words, and symbols that represent your strengths and sources of resilience. Think of it like making a personal vision board, but focused on all the ways you’ve overcome challenges. As you piece together your collage, you’re not just creating something visually inspiring—you’re also giving yourself a powerful reminder of your inner strength. Plus, it’s a fun and relaxing way to express yourself while reflecting on all the ways you keep pushing forward.
What you’ll need to get started:
· A bunch of old magazines to cut out images, words, or shapes
· Photocopied photo images
· Scissors, ruler, glue and pin tacks
· A solid cardboard of whatever size you feel you need
· Decorative embellishments—glitter, stones, feathers, etc
· Suitable quiet space to work on- a cover to protect from any spillage
Think about the strengths, support systems, and personal qualities that help you navigate life's challenges. Maybe it’s a memory of overcoming a tough situation, a symbol of inner strength, or words that remind you to keep pushing forward. Hold those images in your mind for a few minutes. Close your eyes and focus on the feeling of resilience—the determination, the growth, the sense of knowing you can handle whatever comes your way.
Now, open your eyes and start cutting out images, words, or symbols that represent your resilience. Trust your instincts and choose what speaks to you. Arrange them on your board in a way that feels right—there’s no wrong way to do it.
Once you feel like your collage is complete, take a step back and appreciate what you’ve created. This is a visual reminder of your strength, proof that you’ve faced challenges and come out the other side.
Keep your collage somewhere private but visible, somewhere you can look at it every day. Let it ground you in moments of doubt, remind you of your capacity to grow, and keep that focus on your inner strength as you move forward.
More blog posts to explore:
Techniques in Trauma-Informed Art Therapy
1. Safe Space Visualisation
Creating Your Mental Safe Space:
Your imagination is like a superpower—it can take you anywhere, even to a place where you feel completely safe and at ease. Picture a space that brings you comfort. It could be a cosy cabin, a quiet beach, or even something totally magical, like floating on a cloud. Close your eyes and really sink into the feeling—breathe in the calm, soak up the peace, and let it wrap around you like a warm blanket.
This mental escape isn’t just for daydreaming—it’s a powerful way to shake off stress, quiet anxious thoughts, and feel more grounded when life gets chaotic. The more you visit this place in your mind, the easier it’ll be to tap into that calm whenever you need it. Consider it your personal retreat, always there, ready to remind you of your inner strength.
Now, imagine where you would go to create your safe space?
Safe Place Drawing Activity:
1️⃣ Find Your Safe Space in Your Mind
Close your eyes and imagine a place where you feel completely safe and at peace. It could be a real spot—your favourite quiet park, a cosy reading nook—or something totally dreamy, like floating on a cloud or chilling in a magical forest. Really sink into the feeling of comfort and security. What does it look like? What sounds, colours, or textures surround you?
2️⃣ Grab Your Art Supplies
Once you’ve got a strong image in your mind, gather your drawing or painting materials. Use whatever feels right—pencils, pastels, paints, or even collage materials. This is your space, so make it yours!
3️⃣ Bring Your Safe Place to Life
Start creating your safe space on paper, holding onto that feeling of calm as you go. Use colours and shapes that reflect the peace and security you feel when imagining this place. There’s no right or wrong way to do it—just let your creativity lead the way.
4️⃣ Reflect on Your Artwork
Once your piece feels complete, take a step back and look at it. How does it make you feel? Does it capture the essence of your safe space? If you're working with a therapist, you can discuss what certain colours, shapes, or elements mean to you and how they bring comfort.
5️⃣ Use It as a Grounding Tool
Keep your artwork somewhere visible, and when life feels overwhelming, take a moment to look at it. Let it remind you of the feelings of security, calm, and strength that you’ve created—it’s always there to help you reset and find your centre.
Enjoy the process, and let your creativity guide you to a space that feels uniquely yours!
2. Symbolic Self-Portrait
Creating a self-portrait using symbols is a powerful way to explore your identity and personal story. Instead of drawing a traditional portrait, you’ll use images, colours, and shapes that represent different aspects of who you are—your strengths, experiences, values, and dreams.
This creative exercise allows you to express parts of yourself that might be hard to put into words. Maybe a specific colour symbolises a feeling or phase in your life, or an object represents a meaningful experience. By thoughtfully choosing and arranging these symbols, you’re essentially crafting a visual reflection of your unique journey.
Beyond being an artistic activity, this process encourages self-discovery, helping you recognise the qualities that shape you. It’s a chance to embrace your personal growth, honour your resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself—all while having fun with creativity.
Symbolic Self-Portrait Activity:
1️⃣ Gather Your Materials
Grab some paper, pencils, markers, paints—whatever feels right for you. You might also want magazines or printed images to cut out if you prefer a collage-style approach.
2️⃣ Reflect on Your Identity
Think about the qualities, experiences, and dreams that make you who you are. What symbols, colours, or images represent different aspects of your personality? Maybe a tree symbolises growth, a wave represents resilience, or a specific colour reflects your energy.
3️⃣ Start Creating Your Portrait
Instead of drawing a traditional self-portrait, use symbols, shapes, and colours to represent different parts of yourself. Arrange them in a way that feels meaningful—there’s no right or wrong way to do this! Let your creativity guide you.
4️⃣ Explore the Meaning Behind Your Choices
Once your portrait feels complete, take a step back and reflect. What do the symbols say about you? How do they connect to your personal journey? If you're working with a therapist or group, discussing your choices can deepen your understanding of yourself.
5️⃣ Keep It as a Reminder of Your Growth
Display your symbolic self-portrait somewhere you can see it often. Let it serve as a reminder of your strengths, experiences, and aspirations—something to ground you and celebrate your unique identity.
Enjoy the process, and let your creativity tell your story!
3. Timeline of Strengths
Mapping out a timeline of our strengths and achievements can be a powerful way to visually track our growth and progress. By documenting our successes, big or small, we can reinforce our self-belief and resilience. This timeline serves as a reminder of how far we've come and the challenges we've overcome, instilling a sense of empowerment and motivating us to continue achieving our goals.
Strengths Timeline Activity:
1️⃣ Gather Your Materials
Grab some paper, a notebook, or a large poster board. You’ll also need pens, markers, or anything else you’d like to use to make your timeline visually engaging.
2️⃣ Map Out Your Life Events
Start by drawing a horizontal line across your page—this will be your timeline. Think about key moments in your life, both positive and challenging. Mark these events along the timeline, adding dates if you remember them.
3️⃣ Identify Your Strengths
For each event, reflect on the strengths you demonstrated during that time. Did you show resilience, creativity, patience, or determination? Write down the qualities that helped you navigate each experience.
4️⃣ Make It Personal
Use colours, symbols, or images to represent different phases of your journey. Maybe a bright colour symbolises a time of growth, while a certain shape represents perseverance. Let your creativity bring your timeline to life.
5️⃣ Reflect on Your Growth
Once your timeline feels complete, take a step back and look at it. What patterns do you notice? How have your strengths evolved over time? Recognising these qualities can help you appreciate your resilience and personal growth.
6️⃣ Keep It as a Reminder
Place your timeline somewhere you can revisit it when you need a boost of confidence or perspective. Let it serve as a reminder of how far you’ve come and the strengths that continue to guide you forward.
Enjoy the process and celebrate the journey that has shaped you!
Benefits of Trauma-Informed Art Therapy
Enhancing Emotional Regulation
Engaging in art therapy can be a powerful way to navigate emotions and find balance. Through creativity—whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpting, or dancing—you can process feelings in a way that words sometimes can’t capture. Expressing ourselves in these creative ways helps us manage our emotions, easing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and rewiring our brains and nervous system—allowing us to feel calmer, more grounded, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges with resilience and strength. Through this process, we develop healthier coping mechanisms, deepen self-awareness, and create a sense of emotional balance that supports overall well-being.
Emotion Wheel Art Activity:
1️⃣ Your Emotion Wheel
Find an emotion wheel—a tool that visually represents a wide range of feelings. You can use a printed version, create a digital one, or use the one you drew from the previous activity.
2️⃣ Identify Your Emotions
Take a moment to reflect on a past event that still holds an emotional charge for you. Look at the wheel and choose the emotions that resonate with that event and the emotions it evokes. Don’t overthink it—just go with what feels right.
3️⃣ Gather Your Art Supplies
Grab some paper, paints, markers, or any materials you enjoy working with. You can also use collage elements if that feels more expressive for you.
4️⃣ Express Your Emotions Through Art
Using the emotions you identified, start creating a piece of art that represents them. Use colours, shapes, and textures that reflect how each emotion feels to you. There’s no right or wrong way—just let your creativity flow.
5️⃣ Reflect on Your Artwork
Once you’re done, take a step back and look at what you’ve created. What do the colours and shapes say about your emotions? How does the artwork make you feel? If you're working with a therapist or group, discussing your piece can help deepen your understanding.
6️⃣ Use It as a Tool for Emotional Awareness
Keep your artwork somewhere you can revisit it. Over time, this process can help you recognise patterns in your emotions and develop effective ways to manage them.
Enjoy the process, and let your creativity guide you towards greater emotional awareness!
Fostering Self-Expression and Communication
Art provides a safe and non-judgmental space to express yourself and can help facilitate communication and connection with others.
Group Projects:
Getting involved in group art projects can be a powerful way to heal and connect with others who have shared experiences. Creating together in a supportive environment allows you to express yourself, form meaningful connections, and offer encouragement to one another. The sense of community that comes from working on a shared artistic project can help ease feelings of isolation and provide a safe space for reflection and growth. Through creativity, you can build resilience, share your story in a way that feels comfortable, and find strength in the collective healing process.
Look up local groups offering art activities, or start one of your own.
Promoting Healing and Resilience
Engaging in creative activities such as painting, writing, or crafting can help develop a sense of mastery and achievement. This in turn can contribute to promoting resilience and a positive self-image. By immersing yourself in creative pursuits, you can experience a sense of empowerment and growth, fostering emotional healing and a strengthened ability to bounce back from adversity.
Try Your Hand at Mandala Making
Mandala means ‘circle’ in Sanskrit, which has often been used as a sacred symbol throughout the centuries as a way to practice meditation, and prayer and promote healing. More recently, mandala art making has become a staple in art therapy for its ability to restore balance, reduce stress, lower pain and promote a calmer, more focused mind.
Art Therapists use mandalas to try and better understand their clients’ state of mind and to help process powerful and difficult emotions within a safe space. The circle motive often represents wholeness, health, connection and harmony throughout the cycle of life.
Mandala Drawing Activity:
1️⃣ Gather Your Materials
Different coloured pens, markers, pencils or paint & thin brushes/toothpicks/cotton buds- for dot marking
· Thick paper or canvas
· Compass/ruler, if you wish to be precise in your circular patterns (no need though)
· Solid surface
· A quiet space
2️⃣ Start from the Centre
Begin by drawing a small shape or pattern in the middle of your page. This will be the heart of your mandala. From there, work outward, adding layers of shapes, lines, and patterns in a circular, symmetrical fashion.
3️⃣ Embrace the Repetition
Let yourself get lost in the process of repeating patterns and shapes. There’s no need for perfection—just focus on the rhythm of creating, allowing it to bring a sense of calm and relaxation.
4️⃣ Experiment with Dots and Details
Adding dots, intricate lines, or shading can deepen the meditative aspect of the activity. Play around with different techniques to make your mandala uniquely yours.
5️⃣ Reflect and Enjoy
Once your mandala feels complete, take a moment to appreciate it. How does it make you feel? Notice the colours, patterns, and the sense of balance it brings.
This activity is all about mindfulness and self-expression, so let go of expectations and enjoy the creative flow!
Now Let Me Introduce My Art Therapy Workbook
Unlock the healing power of creativity with From Heart to Canvas – Therapeutic Art Workbook!
Whether you're seeking a soothing escape or a meaningful way to process emotions, this expertly designed workbook guides you through transformative art therapy exercises—all from the comfort of your home.
Packed with structured activities, step-by-step instructions, inspiring prompts, and deep self-reflection tools, From Heart to Canvas empowers you to express yourself freely while uncovering insights into your inner world. Plus, with a comprehensive self-interpretation glossary, you’ll navigate your artistic journey with confidence.
Don't just explore art—experience its profound ability to heal, restore, and uplift. Click to begin your creative wellness journey today! 🎨✨
Final Thoughts
Art therapy that's geared towards trauma is pretty special. It combines trauma-informed care with the power of creativity to help people heal. Techniques like imagining a safe place, creating symbolic self-portraits, and making strength timelines can help you unleash your healing abilities and build upon your strengths. This type of art therapy encourages emotional regulation, self-expression, and a sense of accomplishment, guiding people as they work towards recovery and resilience.
I completely understand that it can feel overwhelming to face and heal from your trauma. Considering your emotions and revisiting the trauma directly can be a lot to handle. If you're not quite ready to tackle these challenges with talk-based therapy, how about considering exploring trauma-informed art therapy as a gentle way to start your healing journey?
Happy Safe Healing 😊
Starlah Rose
Click to explore the Therapeutic Benefits of Art Therapy
SUBSCRIBE Now to Receive a Free
"How to Be Mindful in 7 Days" Workbook.
By signing up you also agree to recieve my newsletter when I have interesting stories and blogs to share- straight to your inbox before everyone else
Contact
hello@starlahrose.com
© 2025 Starlah Rose
All Rights Reserved