Art Therapy for Trauma Recovery: A Gentle, Effective Approach
Written by Tiernee Schatz, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Collage by Tiernee Schatz
“Art is my cure to all this madness, sadness and loss of belonging in the world & through it I’ll walk myself home.”
-Nikki Rowe
Trauma lives not only in the mind, but in the body and nervous system. For many people, talking about traumatic experiences can feel overwhelming, or even impossible.
Art therapy for trauma recovery offers a different path. One that allows you to process experiences safely, without needing to put everything into words.
At Blue Pines Counseling in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, we use art therapy as a holistic, trauma-informed approach to help clients reconnect with themselves, regulate their nervous system, and move toward meaningful healing.
How Trauma Affects the Brain and Body
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more than just a mental health condition; it is a complex disorder affecting the nervous system. PTSD, including many other mental health disorders, involve a dysregulation of the nervous system, which permeates every fiber of the body including the brain. When an individual faces life-threatening or otherwise degrading, intimidating, limiting, or frightening physical, psychological, social or emotional events, the nervous system initiates a survival response. When this stress response persists long after the danger has passed, or is consistently activated due to chronic, cumulative trauma, it can lead to an array of mental and physical symptoms. These include sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, negative thoughts, depression, anxiety and increased cortisol levels. Prolonged nervous system dysregulation is linked to severe physical conditions including diabetes, COPD, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and autoimmune disorders.
IMPORTANT: Post-traumatic stress is not just psychological, it is physiological. Trauma disrupts the nervous system, often keeping the body in a prolonged state of stress response long after the event has passed.
This can show up as:
Anxiety and hypervigilance
Sleep disturbances
Difficulty concentrating
Emotional overwhelm or numbness
Because trauma is stored in areas of the brain tied to emotion and sensory experience, it is not always accessible through language alone.
Why Art Therapy Works for Trauma
Art therapy offers a powerful, natural approach to alleviating the symptoms of PTSD and traumatic experiences. A 2016 study by Drexel University found that engaging in art-making for just 45 minutes can significantly reduce cortisol levels, a stress-related hormone which correlates with prolonged nervous system dysregulation. Remarkably, this reduction occurred regardless of the participant’s prior art experience, indicating that the therapeutic benefits of art are accessible to everyone. Furthermore, research in neuroscience has shown that unprocessed traumatic memories are predominantly stored in the brain’s right hemisphere, where verbal and narrative processing is limited. This makes art therapy particularly effective for trauma recovery, as it allows individuals to process traumatic imagery through the creative process without having to find the words (which may be lacking and unavailable) to discuss the memory.
Research has also shown that even 20 minutes of art-making can significantly reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
Through creative expression, you can:
Process emotions without reliving trauma verbally
Externalize internal experiences in a safe way
Build emotional regulation and resilience
Create meaning from difficult experiences
The Healing Power of Being Seen
In my experience working with trauma, I often find that a big part of the healing process involves validation and resolving of the painful emotions associated with traumatic memories. Sometimes finding the right words and expressing empathy is enough, but more often, it is not. This makes sense considering research demonstrates traumatic memories are stored and activated in areas of the brain associated with emotional processing (the amygdala). Creating artwork and imagery that represents the emotional toll trauma takes, has a powerful cathartic effect, as well as a powerful witnessing effect. To witness, in terms of art therapy, is to be seen. To be truly understood and validated. To be believed, without question or doubt. Art created with the intent to process and express emotions associated with traumatic memories, has the capacity to truly transform and integrate trauma experiences in a healing and lasting way. For once we are seen, we are no longer seeking or hiding from resolution. Art allows for expression beyond words, helping integrate painful experiences into a more complete and compassionate understanding of yourself.
Sculpture by Tiernee Schatz
the impact of trauma
Seventy percent of adults in the U.S. have experienced some form of trauma in their lives, according to the National Council for Mental Wellness. This statistic underscores the widespread need for accessible, effective therapeutic interventions like art therapy. In addition, successful trauma requires a holistic approach and includes adopting a lifestyle that nurtures and supports a healthy nervous system. Key practices include ensuring adequate sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, minimizing stress and consuming a diet that supports brain function. Healing and recovering from trauma is possible. It is a journey home to yourself, your peace, value, and worth. And it is one worth taking!
A Holistic Approach to Trauma Recovery
Healing from trauma is not linear, and it does not happen in isolation.
At Blue Pines Counseling, we take a holistic approach that may include:
Art therapy and creative expression
Nervous system regulation and somatic awareness
Lifestyle support (sleep, movement, nutrition)
Because trauma impacts the whole person, mind, body, and spirit, healing must do the same.
Is Art Therapy Right for You?
Art therapy may be especially helpful if you:
Feel stuck in traditional talk therapy
Struggle to put your experiences into words
Experience anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional numbness
Are navigating trauma, grief, or major life transitions
You do not need to be “artistic.” Just open to exploring. Learn more about our approach to art therapy HERE.
Begin Your Healing Journey
Healing is possible, and it doesn’t have to start with words.
If you’re ready to explore art therapy for trauma recovery, we invite you to take the next step.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today and begin reconnecting with your sense of safety, clarity, and self.
Collage by Tiernee Schatz
frequently asked questions
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Yes. Art therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps process trauma without requiring detailed verbal recall, making it especially effective for PTSD.
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No. Art therapy allows you to process experiences visually and symbolically, which can feel safer and less overwhelming.
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Yes. Studies show art-making can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and support emotional regulation and trauma recovery.
Tiernee Schatz, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, CCTP is the owner and lead therapist at Blue Pines Counseling, Holistic Arts Studio in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. She is a board certified art therapist, nationally certified licensed professional counselor with advanced training in nutritional psychiatry, and is a certified clinical trauma professional.
References:
Bremner JD. Traumatic stress: effects on the brain. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2006;8(4):445-61. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2006.8.4/jbremner. PMID: 17290802; PMCID: PMC3181836.
Kaimal G, Ray K, Muniz J. Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making. Art Ther (Alex). 2016 Apr 2;33(2):74-80. doi: 10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832. Epub 2016 May 23. PMID: 27695158; PMCID: PMC5004743.
Van der Kolk, Bessel A. “Trauma and Memory.” Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, vol. 52, no. S1, Sept. 1998, pp. S57–S69, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1440-1819.1998.0520s5S97.x, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1819.1998.0520s5s97.x.
Blue Pines Counseling provides trauma-informed counseling and art therapy in Cedarburg, WI.
Our therapists support children, teens, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, and those seeking meaningful growth throughout Ozaukee County, including Mequon, Thiensville, Grafton, and Port Washington and surrounding areas.