Internal Family Systems (IFS) and art therapy each provide distinctive processes for working within the psychological realm of individuals. Many of their respective goals and techniques are consistent with the underpinnings research finds essential to inform effective trauma care. This article provides an overview of IFS theory and then, through…

Climate change is a well-documented challenge for human societies where human actions have spurred global warming leading to climate breakdown. Ecological disasters are already affecting the mental health of many people, and this is escalating. By painting elephants, I address "ambiguous" loss and demonstrate the power of art therapy to…

Repetition compulsion is a psychodynamic concept that explains an attempt to master trauma. This case study attempts to understand the possible meanings of symbol repetition that occurred in the art therapy process of a twelve-year-old boy with acute methylmalonic acidemia. Over 29 sessions of art therapy, the client demonstrated repetition…

This study explores artmaking as a therapeutic arts- and trauma-informed practice in critical inquiry with others during the collective activity of a happening. Happenings are nonhierarchical environments that offer the exciting, nontraditional promise of taking art off the walls and into a larger context. In the space of mutual respect and…

This study explored the therapeutic value of sharing artwork in a public exhibition called Bearing Witness by individuals who experienced trauma through stillbirth, infertility, or miscarriage. This qualitative study investigated the experiences of seven women who exhibited artwork about their losses or attended as witnesses. Results revealed that…

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global, collective, traumatic experience. Trauma-aware museum educators can play a therapeutic role in helping visitors reengage with life as the world reopens. This article explores the dynamics of what a trauma-aware approach to engaging with art may be, specifically detailing methods that can create new cognitive,…

"Deep visual listening and children's art during times of crisis" explores a way to understand children's art created amidst crisis as well as the meanings we can discern from it through the lens of the "Uncaged Art Tornillo Detention Center" exhibit. In 2018, the U.S. government opened a detention center to hold youth who…

The combination of an art therapist's personal trauma with secondary traumatic stress can lead to compassion fatigue. Inspired by narrative art therapy methods, the author engaged in memoir writing, art responses, authentic movement, and public exhibition. This creative life review identified ways in which her nervous system responses to clients'…

This literature review highlights the utility of identifying early childhood adversities through dramatic play and theater arts. Understanding the impact of early childhood education, our focus included beneficial, qualitative observations of the positive therapeutic outcomes when participating in theater arts activities. We chose to search these…

Given the tragedy of war and genocide, words often cannot adequately capture the complexity of war-related experiences. Researchers are increasingly utilizing the arts to enable multiple forms of expression, as well as for its therapeutic and empowering qualities. This paper outlines the use of the "river of life," an arts-based…

Art therapists hold a unique position to facilitate healing during a time of intense sociopolitical trauma. The current U.S. political climate is causing harm to marginalized groups, which necessitates an intentional exploration of how art therapists hold and wield power and privilege and how this can affect client outcomes. In this article, I…

Art therapists working with trauma populations are continually exposed to traumatic stories and experiences from their clients. The negative effects of such exposure can begin to cause the therapists to become oversaturated with trauma and decrease their resiliency and balance in their lives. This viewpoint explores the effectiveness of using a…

Art therapy has shown benefits for people with borderline personality disorder and borderline personality traits by alleviating interpersonal difficulties such as affect regulation, an unstable sense of self, self-injurious behaviors, and suicidal ideation. Borderline personality disorder is currently viewed as a trauma spectrum disorder, because…

Teachers and school staff are noting an increase in disruptive and aggressive behaviour within the classroom and safety within our schools continues to be questioned. Students arriving in the classroom have diverse backgrounds, which include trauma. For students to feel safe within the classroom they must feel a true sense of belonging;…

Beyond having knowledge of the treatment of combat-related trauma, art therapists need to understand veterans' experiences of transition from military to civilian life in order to offer effective interventions. This article reviews the literature on veteran transition and the challenges common to transition difficulty and describes two major…