Associative Art: A Reasonable Solution for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

In recent times, trying to express oneself has become increasingly difficult; this is as such with patients suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a result of extreme exposure to physical harm or danger. These traumatic experiences could be caused by reasons such as near-death, serious accident, violence, war, torture, or any event that causes extreme fear. A common occurrence with patients dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a hesitancy or inability to discuss or express emotions and thoughts verbally. We as art therapist need to come up with a method to reawaken the positive emotions and address the symptoms of emotional freezing in patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. If not, these patients will suffer lifelong with damaged relations and innumerable ailments, both physical and mental. With that being noted, the method of associative art and its various forms will bridge the gap between the imprisoned emotions detained by those suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the positive aspects of their life.

Associative Art is expressive art forms such as sculpture, drawing, and painting that relates to the traumatic event. In order for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder patients to heal, they need to express and work through their emotions to regain a positive focus. While there are three common effects these patients undergo, avoidance, intrusion, and hyper arousal, associative art can be implemented to each as a corrective solution to help patients express emotions and thoughts that cannot be put into words. There are two key concepts that play a part of associative art that makes it a reasonable solution to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. For one, the majority of P...

... middle of paper ...

... Survivors." Journal Of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma 12.1/2 (2006): 183-198. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15 Apr. 2014.

Davis, Keith M. "Music and the Expressive Arts with Children Experiencing Trauma." Journal of Creativity in Mental Health 5.2 (2010): 125-133. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15 Apr. 2014.

Furth, Gregg M. The Secret World of Drawings: Healing through Art. Boston, MA: Sigo, 1988. Print.

Spencer, Linda Bushell. Heal Abuse and Trauma through Art: Increasing Self-worth, Healing of Initial Wounds, and Creating a Sense of Connectivity. Springfield, IL, U.S.A.: C.C.3.Thomas, 1997. Print.

Wahl-Alexander, Zackary, and Oleg A. Sinelnikov. "Using Physical Activity for Emotional Recovery after a Natural Disaster." JOPERD: The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance 84.4 (2013): 23-28. Academic Search Complete. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.