This book chapter introduces creative arts therapies as a way of working with complex trauma developed from experiences of domestic abuse. Ethical considerations when using creative methods when working with trauma are highlighted. The chapter follows Herman’s stages of working with trauma (1992), linking with Roddy’s (2014) counselling and psychotherapy model for domestic abuse counselling. Creative approaches can be helpful in all stages of therapy with trauma including building safety and trust in relationship, learning self-regulation skills, processing of traumatic experiences and integration which are discussed in detail. Practical examples of using creative approaches, such as sandtray work, drawing, and movement are introduced. The chapter highlights the need for building an evidence base for creative therapies in this field and introduces a new structured model for using creative approaches called Arts for the Blues for Trauma.

Citation

Omylinska-Thurston, J., & Gardner, L. (2023). Using Creative Arts Therapies to Work with Trauma Developed from Experiences of Domestic Abuse. In Working with Client Experiences of Domestic Abuse. Taylor and Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003253266-13