To soothe oneself: Art therapy with a woman recovering from incest

Journal/Book: Amer J Art Ther. 1995; 34: Vermont Coll of Norwich Univ, Montpelier, VT 05602. Amer J Art Therapy. 9-18.

Abstract: This case study details art therapy over a 7-month period with a woman who had been a childhood victim of severe sexual abuse by her father. Maria (pseudonym) exhibited self-mutilation behavior and bulimia; her diagnosis was Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to recurrent flashbacks and intrusive symptoms. Art therapy was coordinated with a primary therapist in a different agency. Sessions seemed to alternately focus on distressful current incidents and painful abuse memories. The art therapy intern encouraged Maria to control the sessions. Maria used art primarily to disclose and gain distance from painful memories. By the end of treatment, she had learned to use art for self-soothing, an important skill for her to develop.

Note: Article M Estep, 451 E North St, Worthington, OH 43085 USA

Keyword(s): SEXUAL ABUSE; STRESS-DISORDER; TRAUMA

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