Found an interesting paper about the benefits of art therapy for adult survivors of sexual abuse. I mentioned before how art therapy helped Lee George from Australia, inspiring her to start her own art therapy program for indigenous women in similar situations. Christine helps us explore some really great concepts related to art therapy and sexual abuse that might be of interest to you, including accessing traumatic memories, encouraging disclosure, developmental issues, reconnecting with others through sharing, and more…
Benefits of Art Therapy for Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse
by Christine Hennig
1. Gaining Access to Traumatic Memories and Encouraging Disclosure:
- Since art therapy is a visual and sensory modality, it can help clients access traumatic material stored in implicit memory, a sensory, body-based form of memory that is not the same as conscious, narrative memory (what we usually think of as “memory”). Sound- and body-based approaches can also be used to access material in implicit memory, but are also more likely to verwhelm clients. Art-making provides a certain amount of distance and control, and thus provides a sense of containment for clients (Johnson, 1987; Lev-Weisel, 1998).
- Art expression can help clients who suffer from alexithymia, a trauma-related condition that involves an inability to express feelings in words; and can create a safe “transitional space” that can encourage clients to disclose traumatic memories (Johnson, 1987).
- Art-making can be a safe way for clients with Dissociative Identity Disorder to “tell” their memories, bypassing the usual switching of alter personalities that may happen when they attempt to report their memories verbally (Frye, 1990).
- Neurological researchers are speculating that a possible cause for PTSD may be the exclusion of traumatic memories from explicit memory storage, and that art may provide a bridge between implicit and explicit memory (Malchiodi, 2003).
- A research study found art therapy useful in uncovering unconscious material, generating a finished product that can provide further therapeutic material to work with, and providing a non-verbal way for clients to “speak” about the abuse (Meekums, 1999).
2. Dealing with Developmental Issues:
- Art therapy can provide mirroring, psychological distance, and containment for clients who are working on mastering missed developmental stages (Robbins, 2001).
- Recent brain research in attachment theory links problems with affective regulation with disturbed attachments with caregivers in early childhood; as well as linking affective regulation tasks with the right brain, which is organized non-verbally. This points to a special role for non-verbal treatment modalities such as art therapy (Malchiodi, 2003).
3. Reconnecting with Others Through Sharing One’s Artistic Expressions with Others:
- Creative arts expression is a superior way to communicate the devastating effects of trauma and abuse, since it can trigger feelings of empathy in an audience, whereas straightforward reporting in words can hide as much as it reveals, since much of the horror of victimization is “beyond words” (Laub& Podell, 1995).
- Trauma destroys the inner sense of an “other,” that is, an inner sense of connection with others, and creative arts expression can reestablish that sense of connection (Laub & Podell, 1995).
- Public display or performance of creative arts products can help reconnect survivors to society, as well as providing a sense of empowerment (Johnson, 1987).
4. Other Benefits Found in Research Studies and Case Reports:
- Increased catharsis, cohesion, and insight in group therapy (Waller, 1992).
- Raised self-esteem (Anderson, 1995; Brooke, 1995, 1997).
- Reduced symptom severity and interpersonal difficulties, and increased health potential (Korlin, Nyback & Goldberg, 2000).
- Reduced frequency and severity of nightmares (Morgan & Johnson, 1995).
- Contained and provided distance from overwhelming affect (Bowers, 1992: Meekums, 1999).
- Self-reports of art therapy positively impacting survivors’ recoveries (Anderson, 1995).
- Reduced symptoms of depression (Howard, 1990).
- Improved self-soothing abilities (Estep, 1995).
- Provided a visual means of ongoing assessment of therapeutic progress (Glaister & McGuiness, 1992).
- Increased integration of thinking and feeling (Serrano, 1989).
- Provided an effective way to work on control issues (Levens, 1994).
5. Reports of the Healing Power of Art-Making by Adult Survivors Who Are Artists:
- A female painter with a sexual abuse history experienced a therapeutic breakthrough when she started incorporating healing themes into her paintings and discussing them with her therapist (Lijtmaer, 2002).
- Artist Jane Orleman has publicly displayed paintings that explicitly depict sexual abuse at the hands of her father, despite some negative critical reception, and has written a book about the therapeutic benefits she gained from doing the paintings (Marstine, 2002).
- Painter and art therapist Francie Lyshak-Stelzer (1999) created a series of paintings documenting her healing process from child sexual abuse, which she later published in a book, along with a simple narrative of the story of her abuse and healing process.
- Louise Wisechild (1991) edited an entire book of articles by incest survivor artists, writers, and musicians proclaiming the benefits of using their creativity to heal.
References
Anderson, F. E. (1995). Catharsis and empowerment through group claywork with incest survivors. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 22, 413-427.
Bowers, J. J. (1992). Therapy through art: Facilitating treatment of sexual abuse. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 30, 15-24.
Brooke, S. (1997). Art therapy with sexual abuse survivors. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.
Brooke, S. (1995). Art therapy: An approach to working with sexual abuse survivors. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 22, 447-466.
Estep, M. (1995). To soothe oneself: Art therapy with a woman recovering from incest. American Journal of Art Therapy, 34, 9-18. Retrieved November 2, 2003 from Academic Search Premier database.
Frye, B. (1990). Art and multiple personality disorder: An expressive framework for occupational therapy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 44, 1013-1022.Glaister, J. A., & McGuiness, T. (1992). The art of therapeutic drawing: Helping chronic trauma survivors. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 30, 9-17.
Howard, R. (1990). Art therapy as an isomorphic intervention in the treatment of a client with post-traumatic stress disorder. American Journal of Art Therapy, 28, 79-86. Retrieved November 2, 2003 from Academic Search Premier database.
Johnson, D. R. (1987). The role of the creative arts therapies in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological trauma. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 14, 7-13.
Korlin, D., Nyback, H., & Goldberg, F. S. (2000). Creative arts groups in psychiatric care: Development and evaluation of a therapeutic alternative. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 54, 333-340. Retrieved November 2, 2003 from Academic Search Premier database.
Laub, D., & Podell, D. (1995). Art and trauma. International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 76, 991-1005.
Lev-Wiesel, R. (1998). Use of drawing techniques to encourage verbalization in adult survivors of sexual abuse. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 25, 257-262.
Levens, M. (1994). The use of guided fantasy in art therapy with survivors of sexual abuse. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 21, 127-133.
Lijtmaer, R. (2002). Psychoanalysis and visual art: A female painter and her dilemma. Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis, 30, 475-488.
Lyshak-Stelzer, F. (1999). The secret: Art & healing from sexual abuse. Brandon, VT: Safer Society Press.
Malchiodi, C. A. (2003). Art therapy and the brain. In C. A. Malchiodi (Ed.), Handbook of art therapy (pp. 16-24). New York: Guilford Press.
Marstine, J. (2002). Challenging the gendered categories of art and art therapy: The paintings of Jane Orleman. Feminist Studies, 28, 631-655. Retrieved November 2, 2003 from InfoTrac College Edition database.
Meekums, B. (1999). A creative model for recovery from child sexual abuse trauma. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 26, 247-259.
Morgan, C. A., & Johnson, D. R. (1995). Use of a drawing task in the treatment of nightmares in combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Art Therapy, 12, 244-247. Retrieved October 15, 2003 from: http://www.ncptsd.org/documents/morgan__use_of_a_09827.pdf
Robbins, A. (2001). Object relations and art therapy. In J. A. Rubin (Ed.), Approaches to art therapy: Theory and technique (pp. 54-65). Philadelphia: Brunner-Routledge.
Serrano, J. S. (1989). The arts in therapy with survivors of incest. In H. Wadeson, J. Durkin, & D. Perach (Eds.), Advances in art therapy (pp. 114-125). New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Waller, C. S. (1992). Art therapy with adult female incest survivors. Art Therapy, 9, 135-138.
Wisechild, L. M. (Ed.). (1991). She who was lost is remembered: Healing from incest through creativity. Seattle, WA: Seal Press.
Author’s Note: This handout is based upon Art Therapy for Survivors of Sexual Abuse: A Literature Review and Suggestions for Treatment, a paper I wrote in 2003 for my Clinical Art Therapy II class.
Copyright 2004 by Christine Hennig.
As an Art Therapy Intern, I worked at a Domestic Violence shelter with women and children who had been physically and sexually abused, so I really appreciate this article. I now work on the other side of the spectrum, treating sex offenders, with still the same goal in mind: preventing more victimization. Please see my blog at http://www.creativearttherapy.blogspot.com where I hope to post relevant info on Art Therapy, treating sex offenders, self care, and supervision.
I am so much interested in art therapy. As a counseling psychologist I wish to know more about art therapy and colour therapy. Please advise.Regards
I am not a victim if abuse but I have
Been abused during my childhood in many
Ways and I am very much interested in the field
Of pschology and becoming an art therapist
For abused children but I can’t seem to figure
Out the skills needed or courses required to achieve this.
Please any help possible would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Can l just say that l feel really honoured to have found the Mandala workshops. For years l have been “stuck” not able to move on from the sexual abuse and getting more and more distressed. Since 2007 my first Mandala l touched on issues/events that no body should ever have to content with.
But l need to ….
I am now on to about my 10th Mandala and although it can still distress me ….
The movement l have made since the first one in 2007 leaves me in no doubt that l am NO LONGER STUCK.
Some of them are so honest in what they say (even though they are symbolic) that l can’t believe l am able to see the connection ….
If it wasn’t for the Mandala work l would not be where l am now and are happy to continue as it works for me.
The Mandala’s help me say things l could never say in words…
Unfortunately!
Wow what a response. Thank you to you all for taking the time to not only read about my story but also to include all of your own thoughts and experiences through this site.
Art Therapy is a wonderful tool to use for healing. I am currently looking at doing an MBA and my topic is Art Therapy in Indigenous Trauma – what are the implications of Art therapy practices for Australian Indigenous communities?
I would be very interested to speak to victims of trauma (through this site) if anyone is willing to participate. Predominately my Masters topic will be exploring Aboriginal trauma, but if you would be willing to create a “yarning circle” through this website or my own email, I believe it would be a great avenue for healing. In my experience many survivors of trauma, have a difficult time expressing and sharing (hence the use of creative therapies)their lived experiences, so if you would like to have a yarn please drop me a line and I will endeavour to respond to all your emails.
Lee George
FNQ Support and Advocacy for Stolen Generation Survivors
Australia
I just want to say l continue to do the Mandala’s and continue to feel encouraged by what l put down and express.
That is not to say it does not make me sad but it certainly continues to show understanding of just what l am working on.
Not alwyas easy to look at but expressing it in the Art is bringing gradual changes.
20 mandala’s later now and more to come but the issues are now there to be seen.
Still need to speak the hurt but it is there to be seen for those in the know.
I am doing a Mandala at the moment that is a puzzle to me.
I know what l want to solve but haven’t really got all the memories that go with this work. But what l do have a number of reponses/ways of coping that l have been working around for years.
I know longer want to have these restrictions in my life so l am hoping this one will help solve this puzzle.
Meanwhile the family responsibilities continue and l continue to work with the therapy that works for me. The putting into Art work what is going on inside. Mandala’s continue to help me work.
Julie
i am a survivor of sexual,emotional,and physical abuse.i also am an artist/writer/photographer wannabe.how do i publish my own book that combines all of these elements?i’ve got them on microsoft word.my dad abused me at the age of 5(that i can remember)til age 14.that’s when he raped me.fyi i told my mom in hopes she’d help me.her xcuse was always the same,couldn’t do anything cause?…it took the rape to get her attention.the rape at age 14 was the first time i told my dad no.he grabbed my wrist.my dad was 6ft
hopefully my poem gets to u let me know my cell is 717 713 8770 i’d like ur feedback about my poem&or story
Marian,
I noticed your question about how to publish a book containing all the elements you listed and I have recently discovered a website that provides just what you are looking for- I believe. The website is blurb.com. On this site, anyone can create their own book, purchase the first copy, and then share it with the world! You can input any images, text, etc in the way and format that you want. Check it out and see if it provides what you are looking for.
-Jen-
Hello,
I am a junior Art major at Davidson College looking for opportunities for this summer. I am interested in going abroad in order to work with rape victims in the area of art therapy. I was wondering if you might have any suggestions of organizations outside of the United States that are within this realm. If you could email me back any suggestions you might have I would appreciate it: alford@davidson.edu. Thank you in advance for any suggestions you might have,
Alanna Ford
Hallo
Art therapie is very important !!
Hello. My name is Cathe Douglas and I want to tell you about a competition by the Guggenheim Museum and YouTube. It is called “Play” (www.YouTube.com/play) and I believe that it is an amazing opportunity for all survivor artists.
We could all unite and become a powerful force that will end the abuse of children around this world for once and for all. We can take on the systems that have permitted these atrocities against children to continue. Please feel free to view my video submission (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QOAFo0IVeM) to the Guggenheim. Remember that it is a narrative, so turn up the sound.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and to share this with your network and I look forward to meeting artists in October, 2010 in New York City.
Cathe Douglas
This sounds like a wonderful program. I am a survivor. I was raped by an ex boyfriend and I refuse to let that memory break my spirit. I recently did a painting for abuse and it was such a release of anger. I will continue to smile and live my life. If anyone would like to see my painting, you can visit http://beautybeans.imagekind.com/paintings
Thank you for your post and god bless,
Ashley
I am a survivor of childhood/teenage and adult sexual and all kinds of abuse. I have been on an intense healing journey for 25yrs so far, having done amazing and very deep work with various therapists; bodywork,spiritual,drama therapy and my own work which is a lot. When I discovered art therapy I felt new hope. It was so brilliant to be able to release and express and even transform my unbearable and powerfaul emotions through making art. It played a big part in saving my life I think. I would like to get back into doing it again as, after years of deep work I am still left with a lot of trauma..that didn’t shift..and I feel stuck in it so my life is stuck. I’m now working with a Tantric Therapist and psychotherapist and she is amazing, so my feelings are coming to the surface big time now which is tough going so art therapy would really support my healing. I hope I can find someone who can help me here in Ireland. I am unable to work due to cronic pain so I couldn’t pay much. Please help.
want to say
thank you
for this website
for all of you
to help me
and eachother
learn
art
women
will save the world
luta
Hi its Clare
I can still remember as if it was yesterday of what happened to me I have a very good Social worker helping me know I think I have moved on a great deal from where I was.
From Clare manley
It would be lovely to get a few more examples of what can be done/has been done to heal from Childhood Sexual Abuse….
If anyone here knows of someone who has created artwork during their journey of healing from abuse… I am looking for submissions to a silent auction. Please email lredman@ualberta.ca. All funds raised will be put towards the development of a smartphone app that will provide some very exciting tools and resources to victims of abuse.. The Empower App will be available in July 2014.