Art Therapy with Rape Victims

Art therapy is used in many settings to aid in the treatment of victims through various populations. Art therapy is not only a creative outlet for patients, but it is also “used to encourage personal growth, increase self-understanding, and assist in emotional reparation” (Malchiodi, 2003). Art therapy is a way of giving the patients the opportunity to express their feelings in a way that is not too painful for them. The art therapy provided also enables the patient to express things that they may not be able to or want to articulate verbally. Art therapy is available to a variety of populations and settings. Art therapy is not only varied with its’ settings but “anyone can use it, you don’t need to be talented or an artist, and there are professionals that can work with you and delve into the underlying messages communicated through art” (What is Art Therapy?, 2008). The unique part about art therapy is that the patient can express themselves through any type of art. This may include drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography. Art therapy is a distinctive type of treatment that may be used in an assortment of populations and settings. Art therapy is also limitless with age. Art therapists may work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. One specific group art therapists can work with are victims of rape and sexual abuse. These patients may range anywhere in the age spectrum and can focus on males or females. Along with the rape and sexual abuse, art therapist may also help these patients with the post-traumatic stress they encounter after experiencing the rape or sexual abuse. “Throughout our history, art has served as a visual record of cultural, social, and political issues of that time. On a personal level, art conveys the emotions, thoughts, feelings as well as the conflicts of the artist” (Brooke S. L., 1997). For victims of rape and sexual abuse the art work may show the feelings and conflict that they may not want to communicate verbally.

Cited: Beldegreen, L. J. (2004). Treating Sexual Trauma. Retrieved February 23, 2011, from Creative Tools for Health and Healing: http://www.creativetoolsforhealth.com/strauma/strauma.html Brooke, S. L. (1997). Art Therapy with Sexual Abuse Survivors . Illinois : Charles C. Thomas Publisher. Hennig, C. (2004). Benefits of Art Therapy for Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse. Retrieved February 23, 2011, from Art Therapy: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/sexual-abuse/benefits-for-sexually-abused-adult-survivors Malchiodi, C. (2003). Hnadbook of Art Therapy. New York: Guilford Press. Mills, L. J. (2002). Her body speaks: The experience of dance therapy for women survivors of child sexual abuse. Journal Counseling and Development , 77-85. Pfeifer, N. (2010). Group art therapy with sexually abused girls. South African Journal of Psychology , 63-73. What is Art Therapy? (2008). Retrieved February 28, 2011, from Art Therapy: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/what-is-art-therapy/