When people think of addiction, they may not consider the mental and emotional anguish that often accompanies it. Substance abuse can lead to a wide range of trauma, including but not limited to betrayal, loss, physical or sexual assault, and more. Addiction is a complex disease that attacks not only the person’s mind and body but also their spirit.
For many people struggling to open up, traditional talk therapy may not always be enough. However, art can be an incredibly effective tool for helping those struggling with addiction trauma process their thoughts and emotions. Here’s how art therapy can help you or a loved one begin the healing process.
What Is Art Therapy?
According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, boost self-esteem and self-awareness, build emotional resilience, encourage insight, improve social skills, reduce and solve conflicts and stress, and push for societal and ecological change.
In addiction recovery, art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses art-making as a way to promote healing and self-expression. It is based on the belief that art can be used as a tool to explore emotions, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness. Art therapy can be an incredibly effective tool for helping those struggling with addiction trauma process their thoughts and emotions.
Understanding Trauma
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. Trauma can come from a single event, such as an accident or natural disaster. It can also be created by ongoing exposure to difficult circumstances, such as physical or emotional abuse. Regardless of its cause, trauma can lead to a complex range of mental and emotional difficulties, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
Trauma can have a profound effect on people of all ages. It can cause people to dissociate from their bodies or reality. It can also lead to a loss of trust, feelings of isolation and loneliness, and difficulty regulating emotions. Unresolved trauma can have a significant impact on every aspect of a person’s life, including their relationships, work, and mental and physical health.
Luckily, there are plenty of resources and modalities available to help people heal from trauma, and art therapy is one of the many options that can be incredibly helpful in the healing process.
Why Art?
Art allows people to express themselves in a way that is non-verbal. This can be incredibly helpful for those who have experienced trauma, as they may not feel comfortable or safe enough to discuss their experiences verbally. Art provides a safe space for them to open up and begin the process of healing.
Art therapy can also help people to access parts of themselves that they may have shut off in order to survive their trauma. For example, someone who has experienced sexual abuse may have disconnected from their sexuality as a way to protect themselves. Through art therapy, they can begin to explore these parts of themselves again and start the process of reintegration.
Benefits of Art Therapy
Art therapy can be an incredibly helpful tool for those struggling with addiction trauma. Here are some of the ways art can help:
- Provides a safe space to express emotions and experiences
- It can help to access parts of self that have been shut off
- Allows for creative expression and exploration
- Is non-threatening and non-judgmental
- Builds self-esteem and confidence
- It can be used in conjunction with other therapies
Types of Art Therapy
Art can take on many different forms, depending on the needs of the individual. Here are some of the most common media used in art therapy:
- Drawing and painting – This can be used to express emotions, explore thoughts and feelings, and tell a story through colors and shapes.
- Sculpting – This can be a helpful way to work through anger and other strong emotions. It can also help to build self-esteem and confidence.
- Collage – This type of art therapy involves creating a collage out of images that represent your thoughts and feelings. It can be a helpful way to express yourself if you are struggling to find the words.
- Art journaling – This is a type of art therapy that involves using art and writing to express yourself. It can be a helpful way to process your thoughts and emotions.
- Photography – This can be a helpful way to capture your thoughts and feelings in a visual way. It can also be used to tell a story or create a message.
- Dance and movement – This can be a helpful way to express yourself if you struggle with verbal communication. It can also help to build self-esteem and confidence.
- Music therapy – This is a type of art therapy that uses music to promote healing and self-expression. It can be used to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and explore emotions.
Newfound Passions
One of the great things about art therapy is that it can even help people discover a new hobby or interest. For example, you may find that you enjoy painting or sculpting even if you never considered yourself to be an artist before. This can be a great way to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.
For many people, art is a way to express themselves that they may not have otherwise discovered. It can also be an easy way to connect with others who have similar interests. This can provide a sense of community and support as you heal from your trauma.
Art Therapy in Pulaski, TN
Art therapy can provide a safe space for individuals in addiction recovery to express themselves and begin the process of healing. However, it’s important to note that art therapy should be conducted in a safe and supportive environment. The therapist should be trained in trauma-informed art therapy in order to create a safe space for their clients.
At Magnolia Ranch Recovery, we offer art therapy in Pulaski, TN as well as many other types of therapy to help our residents heal from addiction and trauma. Our trained art therapist works with individuals to help them express their thoughts and emotions, build self-esteem, and explore parts of themselves that they may have shut off while battling with addiction.
Many of our residents find art therapy to be a helpful part of their treatment, but it is not always for everyone. If you find that art therapy is not helpful or you are not comfortable with it, there are many other types of therapy available. At Magnolia Ranch Recovery, we believe that healing is a journey that is different for everyone. If you are interested in learning more about our other programs, please contact us today.
