Healing From PTSD Art And Expression As A Treatment Modality
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that can be brought on by severe or prolonged traumatic stress. It can involve a range of distressing symptoms, such as nightmares, avoidance, hopelessness, difficulty sleeping, and others. One unique form of treatment that may be used for individuals with PTSD is art therapy. Understanding this form of care can help you decide whether this treatment would be effective for you.
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that can develop in some people after experiencing a terrifying or traumatic event. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event may develop PTSD, but there are risk factors that may make a person more likely to develop it, including the following:
- A history of mental illness
- Childhood trauma
- A lack of social support
- Injury or severe illness
- Experiencing more stress after a traumatic event
Symptoms of PTSD
With intrusive memories, symptoms may include flashbacks to the traumatic event, upsetting nightmares about the event, and frequent disturbing memories of the event. Avoidant symptoms may include avoiding places, people, objects, or ideas that remind you of the event and trying to avoid thinking or talking about the event. For instance, if you were in a car accident, you might avoid driving.
With negative changes in thinking and mood, symptoms might include thoughts of hopelessness, emotional numbness, memory difficulties, lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, and withdrawal from friends and family.
Finally, with changes in physical and emotional reactions, symptoms might include difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, increased anger and irritability, being easily frightened, self-destructive behavior, and shame.
Common treatment options for PTSD
PTSD is commonly treated through psychotherapy, but treatment can also include medication or a combination approach. Some types of psychotherapy that are commonly used for PTSD include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Treatment for PTSD can also involve lifestyle suggestions, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Art therapy for PTSD
Art may be used in treating individuals with PTSD in several different ways. Art therapy is a therapeutic intervention involving using, experiencing, and creating art to engage and communicate in ways that may not be possible with verbal communication on its own.
In PTSD and anxiety art therapy sessions, a therapist might ask a client to draw or sketch while reliving an experience or remain silent as images are created to describe a current state of mind. Art therapists may encourage artistic expression in people who might otherwise be reticent and are also trained in recognizing patterns exemplified in the artwork.
Art may also be used as a source of personal relief when dealing with PTSD outside of the realm of therapy sessions. For some people, expressing the jumble of thoughts and feelings on paper or canvas can be helpful and cathartic. Art does not have to follow any linear progression. It is not graded or evaluated and has no standard to meet. Instead, individuals can use their hands, brushes, or pencils to allow the pain they are experiencing to come out creatively.
Addressing PTSD through creative expression
Visual art is not the only means of creative expression that can be used for PTSD. Creative arts therapies include art therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, and drama therapy. Drama, music, and dance can be used to try to express and address the pain, fear, and trauma of PTSD in therapy, and some individuals may also find it helpful to experiment with different forms of creative expression on their own.
When the body and brain are given the freedom to express the terror, confusion, and grief so common to traumatic events creatively, it may help clients release some of the distressing symptoms of PTSD.
Support options
Navigating PTSD can be challenging, but you’re not alone. With the help of a therapist, you can take steps toward a healthier future and symptom reduction.
Some individuals with PTSD may have specific symptoms or concerns that may make it difficult to commute to an in-person office for therapy. For these individuals, connecting with a therapist virtually through an online platform like BetterHelp may be easier, as they can speak to a therapist from home. In addition, art therapy can be done online as a client works through an art piece in their own space while speaking to their provider.
Research has also backed up the effectiveness of online therapy methods. One study found that digital art therapy sessions delivered through an online platform could offer promise for veterans with PTSD.
Takeaway
How does art therapy help PTSD?
Research suggests that art therapy can provide a safe way to approach the processing of traumatic experiences and may help a person process and consolidate their experiences. When used in conjunction with cognitive processing therapy (CPT), art therapy was found to improve trauma processing by providing enhanced memory access and better trauma recall, in addition to the facilitation of healthy memory distancing. Part of the reason behind the efficacy of art sessions is the engagement of the prefrontal cortex and integration between brain hemispheres, which allows for more complete processing and storage of traumatic memories.
What is an example of art therapy for PTSD?
Art therapy for PTSD can take the form of multiple different mediums, such as drawing, coloring, painting, photography, cinematography, and sculpture. Art therapists may ask individuals to use their visual or verbal memory to focus on specific elements of their trauma for each session. They may also ask them to create art based on the emotions or physical sensations they felt during a traumatic experience.
Art therapy can be an effective way to cope with the symptoms of PTSD and process trauma in a calming and safe environment. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy can also help improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, enhance social skills, and foster self-esteem and self-awareness.
What is the difference between art and EMDR for PTSD?
While accelerated resolution therapy (ART) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are both therapeutic treatments for PTSD that involve eye movement-based methods, they do have several key differences. ART tends to focus on the visual elements of trauma, including the identification and replacement of negative images with more positive ones. ART will also address the physical sensations one feels during sessions. EMDR, on the other hand, will typically focus on the cognitive elements of trauma and thought patterns associated with traumatic memories.
It's also important to note that while accelerated resolution therapy and art therapy can both be used to treat PTSD, they are two significantly different approaches. While art therapy uses artistic mediums to allow individuals a way to work through their trauma, ART uses guided eye movements and positive visualization to address traumatic memories.
What coping strategies work best for PTSD?
While coping strategies can have different levels of efficacy for each individual case of PTSD, there are a few techniques you may find useful.
- Support Groups: PTSD support groups can be a helpful way to connect with others who have similar experiences and work through the struggles associated with your trauma. Because you’ll be surrounded by those who understand the challenges you are facing, it may be easier to open up and be honest about what you are going through. For example, if you have experienced combat-related PTSD as a veteran, a veteran’s support group may be the most beneficial.
- Relaxation Techniques: There are a number of relaxation techniques that may help reduce the stress associated with PTSD. These methods can vary but may include meditation, breathing exercises, positive visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and tai chi.
- Avoidance of Drugs and Alcohol: A common unhealthy coping mechanism for PTSD is the use (and misuse) of drugs and alcohol. While substance use may seem to alleviate symptoms in the short term, doing so may lead to addiction and avoidance. In some cases, substance use may also make PTSD symptoms more severe or longer in duration.
How do you express trauma through art?
While there are a number of ways to express trauma through art and art therapy, one aspect that may be helpful is the use of symbolism. In some cases, trauma can be difficult to face directly, and recounting traumatic memories may cause severe discomfort or distress. Through the use of symbolism and art therapy, individuals can introduce elements of their psychological trauma into their art without becoming overwhelmed or inundated by negative thought patterns.
Who is EMDR not suitable for?
While eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be helpful for those experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and a number of other conditions, it may not be suitable for everyone. EMDR has the potential to be emotionally distressing, which may be difficult for those with recent or severe trauma.
EMDR may also not be beneficial for those actively experiencing a mental health condition that involves psychosis or delusions, which may make it difficult to focus on specific traumatic memories. EMDR may also not be effective for certain types of challenges, like interpersonal struggles. In those cases, individuals may benefit from other treatment approaches like visiting a family therapist.
Is CBT or EMDR better for PTSD?
In most cases, no two individuals will have the same experience with PTSD, and treatment efficacy can vary. However, research suggests that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may be more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
In one meta-analysis, researchers looked at controlled trials for articles published over a period of 18 years (1999-2017). Out of the 14 studies they analyzed, 11 showed that EMDR was more effective at reducing the symptoms of PTSD. It’s important to note that this analysis also recommended a large population randomized control trial or trials with longer follow-ups in order to create more conclusive evidence.
Does coloring help with PTSD?
Coloring may help to relieve the symptoms for those experiencing PTSD. One study aimed to investigate the efficacy of coloring for symptomatic relief in veterans with PTSD by looking at both structured and unstructured coloring activities. The study found that participants experienced reduced anxiety with structured coloring, increased working memory with unstructured coloring, and decreased stress with both activity types. While the activities in the study “did not constitute art therapy,” according to researchers, these results indicate that coloring may be a productive addition to trauma focused art therapy programs.
What is trauma drawing?
Bilateral drawing (which may be referred to as “trauma drawing”) is a form of art therapy that uses bilateral stimulation in an effort to connect both hemispheres of the brain. By using both hands to draw simultaneously, bilateral drawing may help individuals process trauma and reconcile the thoughts and feelings associated with their trauma. This type of therapy may also help to reconnect explicit memories (sights, sounds, and sensations) and implicit memories (certain memories like feelings of fear, hopelessness, and increased heart rate) relating to traumatic events.
What is the best behavioral therapy for PTSD?
While different types of therapy can have varying levels of efficacy for PTSD, one of the best therapeutic treatments is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. CBT may be accessed through a variety of avenues, including through in-practice providers, online therapy, and group practices.
This type of talk therapy may help PTSD in a number of ways, including:
- Trauma Education: One way a therapist may help those living with PTSD is to explain what trauma is and how it can impact a person’s life. This education may vary depending on what type of trauma a person has experienced; for example, a therapist will likely talk about different subjects with someone who has experienced sexual abuse than they would with someone who has trauma related to war. Overall, trauma education has the potential to help individuals understand their responses to certain stimuli and better manage their symptoms.
- Emotional Processing: Functioning as a form of personal interview that focuses on emotions and behavior, CBT can help you identify the feelings surrounding your previous trauma and understand the types of behaviors that may result from your PTSD. CBT may also help to change the meanings and responses you have to certain triggers that could result in unhealthy function.
- Relaxation Techniques: Cognitive behavioral therapists can also show you relaxation techniques to help manage the symptoms of PTSD and reduce stress. These can vary, but may include guided visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing exercises.
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