How does art therapy help people work through with trauma and loss?

Transcription

1 How does art therapy help people work through with trauma and loss? Barbara McIntyre, Ph.D., ATR-BC, LPC

2 Definition of Trauma Trauma occurs whenever an external threat overwhelms a person s coping resources. (definition from M. Hoersch presentation, 2013) The characteristics of trauma include: 1. Picture-individual has an emotionally charged mental picture of the event 2. Timing-the event was sudden or unexpected 3. Violent-the event is perceived as being violent or forceful 4.Overwhelming-the event is perceived as being too expansive to deal with 5. Safety-the event leaves the individual feeling that they or loved ones are unsafe or threatened

3 Art therapy provides access to visual memories We have both an explicit and an implicit memory. The explicit memory is cognitive based and often bypassed when a trauma occurs The implicit memory is visual and sensory based. Art expression is a natural way to access this memory where the trauma event is stored.

4 Art therapy provides safety People need safety to express emotions. With art, one can relax and express thoughts and feelings at one s own pace.

5 Research Evidence 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)

6 From art to words; the bridge Art therapy uncovers unconscious material, producing a product that can be used therapeutically for the client to give words to the images created.

7 Trauma and Development When a trauma occurs in one s life, development is compromised. Mastering developmental stages is key in a healthy life.

8 Developmental issues Art therapy provides mirroring, psychological distance and containment for clients who are working on mastering missed developmental stages.

9 Developmental issues Affect regulation (a task that is developed with attachment) is one that is organized nonverbally. Art therapy is a natural avenue for self-regulation.

10 Reconnecting with others Art expression is a superior way to communicate the devastating effects of trauma and abuse, it commands empathy from the viewer (a picture is worth a thousand words).

11 Increases Self-esteem When products that are satisfying to the client are created, there is an increase in empowerment and esteem.

12 Art Therapists Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgeable of human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment, research and provide consultation to allied professionals. Art therapists receive credentials through The American Art Therapy Association web site is

13 Every Picture Tells a Story And every statistic tells the story of a REAL person Gwen Taylor, MPA Family Advocate Traverse Bay Children s Advocacy Center gtaylor@traversebaycac.org

14 Who do we serve? Victims of sexual and other severe physical abuse and neglect Children ages 3 through 17 Vulnerable adults 18 years and older Referrals from Law Enforcement & CPS Non-offending family members of victims Greater Grand Traverse region Grand Traverse County Leelanau County Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians

15 Help begins when victims are empowered to tell A Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) works to provide victims and their families: A coordinated approach to Law enforcement and Protective Services investigations Skilled forensic interviewing of victims Trauma-informed medical and mental health interventions Court preparation and support On-going follow-up throughout the criminal prosecution and healing processes

16 Family Advocate Immediate crisis intervention Follow-up support Advocacy for the child and non offending caregivers Case tracking Court accompaniment Referrals and connectivity to community resources & agencies Data collection & grant reporting

17 MDT Highlights First 210 children and vulnerable adults referred to the Traverse Bay Children s Advocacy Center: Only 7% of the 210 victims were interviewed prior to coming to the TBCAC Prior to their forensic interviews, 16% of victims received a sexual or physical abuse medical examination Law enforcement submitted over 40 cases for criminal charges 70 cases required further Protective Services involvement Prosecuting Attorneys accepted 22 cases for criminal prosecution

18 MDT Highlights 21 victims were scheduled for medical exams or referred for follow-up medical care by the TBCAC after their forensic interview 144 victims and their families received referral assistance and/or direct therapeutic mental health care through the TBCAC Children and their family members helped the TBCAC pilot an equine therapy program

19 Demographic Highlights Percent of Abuse Alleged by Type 1.4% Neglect 5.2% Witness to Violence 21.4% Safety Check 62.9% Sexual Abuse 9.0% Severe Physical Abuse

20 Community Collaboration and Outreach Collaborating with other community agencies and individuals to deliver numerous prevention and outreach activities Developing community linkages and liaisons to enhance cultural sensitivity in service delivery Ensuring ongoing staff and program development through peer and professional continuing education and evaluation Ongoing commitment to improving internal processes and to achieving increased efficiencies

21 Every picture tells a story... And every statistic is the story of a REAL person Traverse Bay Children s Advocacy Center Empowering hope and healing 0 Committed to Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse! 21

22 Working with Trauma Victims: Lessons from the Field Aimee Sandula, Lead Advocate Women s Resource Center

23 Trauma Trauma is an experience that leave us injured in one or all of the following ways: Emotionally Physically Sexually Psychologically

24 Resilience An individual s ability to cope with trauma and adversity Safety Basic Needs Make connections. Move toward your goals. Take decisive actions. Anticipate consequences of actions and events. Look for opportunities for self-discovery. Nurture a positive view of yourself. Keep things in perspective. Maintain a hopeful outlook. Take care of yourself. Care for others. (American Psychological Association, 2013)

25 Personal Protection Order Assistance Emergency Shelter Sexual Assault Response Team Safety

26 Basic Needs Transitional Supportive Housing Financial Assistance Thrift Store Vouchers

27 Making Connections Empowerment Group Sexual Assault Support Group

28 Move Toward Your Goals Individual Counseling

29 Take Decisive Action Client Advocacy

30 Anticipate Consequences of Actions and Events. M.E.N.S. Program Men Exploring Non-violent Solutions A.W.A.R.E. Program A Woman s Anger Reduction and Empowerment

31 Doula Teen Parent Program Dads Active in Doula Support (D.A.D.S) Care for Others

32 Look for Opportunities for Self-Discovery

33 Nurture a Positive View of Yourself

34 Maintain a Hopeful Outlook

35 Take Care of Yourself