Art therapy is not just about an outcome – it’s about the process.
Through the creative process, individuals can express difficult emotions, process trauma, and find empowerment. Whether through painting, drawing, or making collages, art therapy provides a unique outlet for survivors to make sense of their experiences and reclaim their narrative.
For survivors of domestic violence, art therapy offers a safe space to heal without needing to find the right words. It can help individuals regain a sense of control, rebuild their identity, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Research shows that creative expression can reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem, making it an invaluable tool on the healing journey.
At RESPOND, we offer wrap-around, trauma-informed services tailored to the needs of each individual. Whether someone is currently in an abusive relationship, has been out for years, or is seeking resources to help a friend, our services meet them where they are. From individual counseling and support groups to practical guidance on safety and self-sufficiency, we provide holistic support that promotes healing and empowerment.
“Narrative or verbal retelling is not always the best, or the first, form of disclosure. Reading the same book again and again is less multidimensional than seeing the story come to life in a dance, play, or song. Approaching storytelling from various mediums may help us explore them differently, more fully, and with more meaning.” This quote, taken from one of our 8-week group sessions, embodies the approach we foster in both individual and group counseling.
In individual sessions, I’ve worked with clients who found processing and healing easier through journaling, dancing, and creating fantastical storyboards of their trauma histories. In group settings, we’ve engaged in movement exercises, such as creating spiraling labyrinths and focusing on moving with intentionality. These exercises center the body and mind, offering a regulating experience in a safe space. We’ve also come together to craft a survivor prayer, weaving pieces of survivor wisdom into affirmations and reminders of progress. Other sessions have included vision-boarding, collaging, and open crafting, allowing survivors to choose their medium while sharing physical space with others on similar journeys.
Offering multiple forms of processing has proven to be an empowering experience. Survivors are given the opportunity to reclaim their own narrative at their own pace, through the lens they choose.
Art therapy is just one way we support survivors. By providing diverse healing options, we help individuals process their trauma in ways that feel right for them—through creativity, connection, and a renewed sense of strength.
