The Healing Power of Creative Arts

How creative arts therapy processes can help heal trauma, negative body image, and incite self acceptance.

Trauma can take many forms and affect people in different ways. For some, it can manifest in negative body image and feelings of shame about their physical appearance. However, the creative arts process can provide a powerful means of healing, allowing individuals to explore and express their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. In this blog, we will discuss how the creative arts process can help heal trauma, specifically body image, and provide a testimony from a client who participated in a vulva portrait project.

The creative arts can be a transformative tool for healing from trauma. Through various artistic practices such as painting, drawing, writing, and performance, individuals can explore their emotions and experiences in a non-judgmental and safe space. Creative expression has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, providing an outlet for emotions and reducing stress and anxiety.

For those who struggle with negative body image, the creative arts process can provide a means of reimagining and reclaiming their bodies. By creating art that celebrates and affirms their physical form, individuals can develop a greater appreciation for their bodies and learn to embrace their unique beauty.

The vulva portrait project is an example of how the creative arts can be used to heal trauma related to body image. The project involves creating a portrait of a person’s vulva, often accompanied by a written testimony about their relationship with their body.

One client who participated in the project shared their experience:

“I had always felt shame and disgust about my vulva. I never talked about it or looked at it, and I was always afraid of someone else seeing it. When I heard about the vulva portrait project, I was hesitant at first, but I knew I needed to do it.

During the session, I was nervous, but the artist was so kind and gentle. They talked to me about my body and helped me see it in a new light. As I looked at the finished portrait, I was amazed at how beautiful it was. I had never seen my vulva as something to be celebrated before, but the portrait showed me just how unique and special it is.

The testimony I wrote was difficult to put into words at first, but as I wrote, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I was able to express all the feelings I had about my body and release them in a way I never thought possible.

Since completing the project, I have a new appreciation for my body. I no longer feel ashamed or disgusted by it. Instead, I see it as something beautiful and worthy of celebration. The vulva portrait project was truly a transformative experience for me, and I would recommend it to anyone struggling with negative body image.”

The creative arts process can be a powerful tool for healing from trauma, particularly in the area of negative body image. By providing a safe and supportive space for creative expression, individuals can explore their emotions and experiences in a non-judgmental environment. The vulva portrait project is just one example of how the creative arts can be used to celebrate and reclaim the beauty of the human body. By embracing the healing power of the creative arts, individuals can take important steps towards healing and self-love.